Summer is all about getting outside (under your Kaz-installed patio roof), enjoying the warm weather – and perhaps sipping a few cocktails along the way. And what better way than by mixing up some refreshing, seasonal fruit forward drinks. Here are a few of our favorites!
🍹 Watermelon Mint Mocktail: Muddle fresh watermelon with mint leaves, then add lime juice, club soda, and a splash of grenadine for a beautiful layered drink. Don’t forget the ice!
🍹 Raspberry Lemonade: A classic and easy crowd-pleaser. Muddle fresh raspberries with simple syrup, then add fresh lemon juice and top with sparkling water. Make in a pitcher for easy sharing with friends and family.
🍹 Whipped Frozen Lemonade: Blend frozen lemonade concentrate with ice and a splash of vanilla extract for a creamy and dreamy treat. Top with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a delicious garnish.
Elevate your drinks by:
- Using fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh fruit, herbs, and juices will enhance the taste.
- Make sure your ingredients are cold. Cold = Refreshing….Ahhhhh.
- Have fun and experiment! There are no hard and fast rules. Who knows? You just might find the next [insert your name here] cocktail – of course, we wouldn’t stop you from naming it something cute, like, ummm, a Kazzie?!?
And for those who are of age (21 in NYS), here are a few options to serve up and sip at your next dinner party.
Paloma
Named after La Paloma (“The Dove”), a popular folk song composed in the early 1860s, the Paloma is a simple and refreshing cocktail. The sweet and tart flavors of this cocktail—paired with its light and refreshing nature—make the Paloma an ideal summertime drink.
Ingredients:
- One part Silver Tequila
- Two parts fresh grapefruit juice
- One part simple syrup
- Two parts club soda
- Garnish: lime or grapefruit wedge, rosemary sprig
Assemble the Drink:
- Build in order over ice in a tall glass.
- Stirring once before adding soda and once after.
- Garnish your Paloma cocktail with a lime wedge or grapefruit wedge.
- Optional: Add rosemary sprig.
Tom Collins
A classic gin-based drink made with lemon juice, sugar, and club soda. Simple, tart, and perfect for any occasion. Experiment with different variations of citrus fruit and clear spirits.
Ingredients:
- Two parts London dry gin
- One part lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Top with club soda
- Garnish: lemon wheel
Assemble the Drink:
- Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a Collins glass.
- Fill with ice, top with club soda, and stir.
- Optional: Garnish with a lemon wheel.