Summer Breeze

 

1 oz Vodka

1 oz Malibu Rum

1 teaspoon Lemon Juice

Dash Agave Nectar

2 slices Cucumber

1 slice Lemon

3-4 Mint leaves 

Soda Water

In a pint glass, muddle cucumbers, lemon, and mint.  Add vodka, rum, lemon juice, dash of Agave, and ice.

Shake very well.

Pour in a bucket glass and top it with soda water.

Garnish with a cucumber and lemon slice.

*Very light and refreshing.  Perfect for summer nights.

Plumptious Lychee Martini

 

1 part Vodka

1 part Plum Wine

1 part Lychee Syrup

1/3 part Fresh Lemon Juice

Splash of Soda Water

4 Lychees

2 slices Lemon

Pour first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice.  Shake very well.  Pour into a martini glass and add a splash of soda water.  Insert two lychees and a slice of lemon per skewer.

Serves 2

*You can find caned lychees in lychee syrup and Plum wine at an Asian Market. 

Very important to use good quality vodka, like Russian Standard or Kettle One.

Basil Peach Sangria

1 bottle Red Wine, your favorite

1/3 cup Cognac or Brandy

1/3 cup Triple Sec

2 cups Ginger Ale

1 Peach, sliced

1/2 cup Strawberries, sliced

1 small Lemon, sliced

8-10 Basil Leaves

Mix all of the ingredients in the pitcher.  Serve over ice with a basil leaf.

*I like to soak the fruit for about one hour in triple sec and cognac if I have the time.  Helps the fruit to soak up the liqueur and release natural juice...

RED Sangria

1 750 ml Bottle of Lambrusco Red Wine

1/2 cup Cognac or Brandy

1/4 cup Orange Liqueur

1/3 cup Simple Syrup

1/2 Apple, sliced

6 Strawberries, sliced

6 Mint Leaves

In a pitcher, add all of the ingredients.  Stir and serve over ice.

Serves 5-6

*I like to get Lambrusco at Trader Joe's, white or red.  Soft and mild flavor of the wine goes well with fruit.  Use whatever fruit you have available.  Anything goes :)

Jalapeno Basil Martini

2 parts Vodka

1 part Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 part Simple Syrup

Splash of Soda Water

3-4 Fresh Basil Leaves

3-4 slices Fresh Jalapeno

2-3 slices Limes or Lemons

In a shaker muddle basil leaves, jalapeno slices, and limes with ice. Add vodka, fresh squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and more ice.  Shake very well (about 30 seconds). Pour in a martini glass and add a splash of soda water.  Garnish wish a slice of jalapeno and lime (optional).

Makes 2.

*To make simple syrup: in a small sauce pan combine one cup of sugar and one cup of water. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool

Maria's Margarita

2 parts Tequila

1 part Orange Liqueur

1 part Fresh Lime/Lemon Juice

1 teaspoon Agave Sweetener

Splash Soda Water

Margarita Salt

Salt the rim of the glasses.  Garnish with a piece of lime.

In a cocktail shaker, add ice.  Pour all of the ingredients, but soda water.  Shake very well, 20-30 seconds.  Pour Margarita into a prepared glass and top with soda water.

Serves 2

*Squeeze 2 Lemons and 2 Limes ahead of time.  Fresh juice makes the drink...

Skiny Pina Colada

Two Parts Coconut Vodka

Two Parts Pineapple Juice

Soda Water

Pour vodka and pineapple juice into a cocktail shakes over ice.  Shake very well, 20-30 seconds.

Pour into a Martini Glass and top with Soda Water.

Serves 2

*So Ciroc Coconut Vodka has been my favorite lately.  Its not to strong, not to sweet, just perfect.  If you have not tried it yet, you should :)

Sunday Martini

2 parts Coconut Ciroc Vodka

2 parts Pineapple Juice

2 Fresh Strawberries

Splash of Soda Water

In a shaker, muddle strawberries over ice.  Add vodka, pineapple juice, and shake very well.  Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a strawberry, optional.