Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Some of My Favorite Summer Cocktails

The days are long and oh-so hot, the nights are sultry....summer is the perfect time for a frosty cold cocktail. 

I have a few favorites that I tend to gravitate towards....most are quick and easy, which is just what I need at the end of a long day in the office. 


One of my summer classics is Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, a squeeze of fresh lime, and a sprig of rosemary. 2 parts Gin to 1 part Elderflower Liqueur. If you want to add a splash of lemonade in lieu of the lime, that works well also. Yummmm! Cool and refreshing!


Another favorite summer cocktail is my homemade raspberry infused gin on the rocks with a squeeze of fresh lime. Easy peasy and super tasty! You could add a splash of tonic or lemonade to this also, and pour it over crushed ice for a refreshing summertime treat. 


I've also been known to use some surplus cucumbers from the garden to infuse Tequila for a mean Margarita as well. Margaritas are a summer classic, for sure. 

I posted detailed instructions on how to easily infuse alcohol in this post last fall.  

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Serious Eats has a recipe for the Perfect Margarita - click here to view their simple yet amazing recipe. When I use my cucumber infused tequila, I leave out the salt...but that's just me. I like the taste of the cucumber and the lime, but if you like the addition of the salt, by all means go for it!

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Another summer favorite of mine is a slurp of Bachelor's Jam in a glass of ice cold Prosecco. Heaven, right there. 

Marie posts an amazing recipe for Bachelor's Jam over at 66 Square Feet - there are many more complicated recipes out there, but hers is the one I follow each year. Typically I use a mix of blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for my Bachelor's Jam. 

I have a batch 'cooking' in the fridge right now. I think it will be done by Friday for a perfect holiday weekend cocktail!

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Marie also inspired my obsession with making Black Currant and Red Currant infused gin - she posts the very simple instructions on her blog over at 66 Square Feet

I can't wait until my currants are ripe, and I'm praying the critters let me have enough for at least one batch!

Black or Red currant gin with tonic over ice....ahhhhh, yes, please! Out to the garden, and I'm in heaven. 

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I'm also a big fan of a minty cool Mojito in the summer months. The combination of rum, lime, and mint is amazingly refreshing on a hot summer's day. 

Epicurious has a fabulous recipe that you can find here that uses confectioner's sugar in lieu of simple syrup - all the better for an impromptu Mojito party on a sultry summer's eve. 

16 comments:

  1. Dang, I would love to have an extra dry martini....but I must be on a cruise ship first. LOL. That's how I like my drinks. Your raspberry gin with lime sounds so good. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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    1. I'm a fan of a good martini, as well! And having one on a cruise ship sounds like pure heaven, Susie!

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  2. These look so good! I can't drink alcohol because of my medication though.
    Brenda

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  3. These all sound fabulous. I rarely ever drink alcohol, maybe a marguerita once in a blue moon when we're out, but I love a glass of wine over ice with a little 7 up. Totally light and refreshing.

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    1. I bet that's tasty in your hot summers, for sure, Marty!

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  4. Oh thank you for all the drink ideas and for the link to Marie's blog. I have a batch of your raspberry gin infusing right now with some of the many berries that I got off our raspberry canes. :) I also made a rhubarb simple syrup that I have been adding to gin and tonics with a splash of lime and it is sheer heaven in a ice cold glass on a hot day. I've got tons of mint growing right now...I must pick up some rum so I can make mojitos here at home. They are my son Chris' favorite!

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    1. I can't wait to hear how you like the Raspberry Gin, Debbie! How Sweet Eats posted a recipe today for a peach gin & tonic that I had to pin - sounds amazing. And I'd love to try some of your rhubarb simple syrup! Perhaps if I see some rhubarb at the farmers market I'll have to pick it up!

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    2. Oh goodness, I need to go and visit that site! Thank you!

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  5. It would probably be easier to name what isn't my favorite! I love martinis made with vodka (fruity ones), mojitos, anything with rum. I'm not a gin drinker, but everything that you've listed here sounds delicious! Cheers!

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    1. Gin is definitely an acquired taste - I only started liking it a few years ago. I hated it when I was younger!

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  6. A margarita is my favorite! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. :-) My recipe is easy, 1 1/2 oz. tequila, 1 oz. triple sec and 1/2 oz. lime juice. I like to use key lime juice.

    Have a nice holiday weekend ~ FlowerLady

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    1. And now you're making my mouth water as well, Lorraine!

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  7. Since the red raspberries are ready, I need to buy some gin. Maybe I can find the brand you use. Everything looks very tempting and I pinned to my It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere board.

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    1. Ha! I like that board!! I buy Gordon's for my infusions - I really think it's very smooth, better than Tanqueray or Beefeater. I like Hendricks when I am just drinking a gin and tonic or similar.

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