One of the greatest joys of summer is a cool cocktail at the end of a hot day. Try one of these recipes for your next summer drink, and enjoy the season.
James Bond Melon Ball
With so many fresh fruits available in the summer, it almost seems necessary to turn them into a boozy treat. There are always the classics such as pina coladas or daiquiris, but make the James Bond Melon Ball if you are having guests over and want to try something different.
Start by cutting a watermelon in half, carving out the contents, and cutting them into small pieces. Put the chopped up pieces back into half of the watermelon, along with some ice. Pour in 7 ounces of vodka, 2 ounces of Grand Marnier, and 2 ounces of lime juice. Gently stir the contents. Add a splash of champagne to the mix. Serve with a punch ladle, or just stick some straws straight into the melon and enjoy.
Just in Thyme
For a drink that is slightly more sophisticated, but equally refreshing, try the Just in Thyme. It is an easy to make drink, but the results are impressive.
Simply put 50ml of gin, 20 ml of fresh lemon juice, 3 teaspoons of caster sugar, and 20ml of un-whipped egg white into a blender. Toss in a handful of ice cubes. Blend together for 10 seconds. Using a strainer, pour the mixture over a tall tumbler with another handful of ice. Fill the glass with good grapefruit soda, and top it all off with a sprig of thyme or edible flowers.
Fraiche’s Strawberry Sangria
If you’re going for something a little more classic, you can’t go wrong with Sangria, a summer staple. This Strawberry Sangria recipe is an excellent way to end the day.
Fist, make a lime simple syrup. In a small sauce-pan, combine the juice of two limes and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to very low and simmer for 1 minute. Set aside to cool.
Put 4 strawberries each into 4 old-fashioned glasses, and sprinkle a few drops of balsamic vinegar over them. Pour one ounce of Grand Marnier in each glass, and muddle all the ingredients together. Then fill each glass with two-thirds full with ice, and pour one ounce of vodka in each. Then add a half ounce of the lime simple syrup to each drink, and top off with 2 ounces of California Pinot Noir. Stir the drinks gently, and enjoy.