Showing posts with label Cocktail Friday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cocktail Friday. Show all posts

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Cocktail Friday Presents: The White Linen


hi·a·tus -/[hahy-ey-tuhs] noun, plural -tus·es, -tus.

  1. A break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action, etc.
No need to fear, the hiatus is over - for now anyways! Summer has been a whirlwind full of fun activities & it seems it's over before I really got to enjoy it. In a last ditch effort to keep fall from closing in, I encourage you to find a cool location this weekend and treat yourself to cocktail hour – using of course this delicious recipe I am about to share with you!

A fabulous chicky at the bar I occasionally work shared this recipe with me; & boy am I happy she did!! Normally I am not a gin lover. In fact, I rather despised it until this fancy lil' drink made me a #1 FAN!! I'd rate this drink a 10 all around. The no hassle recipe & little prep makes anyone look like a pro. Combinations of  lemon & cucumber are pure bottled sunshine & I added a small sprig of mint because I think it's delicious! But it's how these elements work with the natural flavors in the gin that makes this hand crafted cocktail so genius.

Essence of pine & mint instantly transport me through a forest of eucalyptus and red woods. I imagine I'm winding through the roads of Muir Woods ~ it's like vacation in a glass.....oops, caught in a day dream! Shake it off! Okay, I'm back. But of all these yummy ingredients, it's the Elderflower liqueur that really gives this drink its name. In other words, White Linen - St. Germain = Not a White Linen. Capeesh?

Time for one more day dream! I want you to close your eyes and envision yourself tangled in freshly washed sheets, hung out to dry. The sun is tingling on your skin, the coolness of the sheets give a slight chill over the warm breeze. Now, take a deep breath...can you smell the crisp fresh clean of the linen? It's an unmistakable scent most love, but wait until you taste it…freshly washed sheets never tasted so good! I know it sounds funny, but you'll see exactly what I mean after you try this baby out & you won't be disappointed! So with no further a due ~ Ladies' & Gentlemen….
The White Linen

Ingredients:
· 1 ½ oz gin – I prefer Nolet's Dry Gin
· ½ oz St. Germain Elderflower Liquor
· ½ oz Simple Syrup
· 1 oz Lemon Juice
· 5-6 thin slices English cucumber

 & 1 Mint sprig (optional)
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and muddle to break up the mint and cucumber - shake well. Strain into a highball glass with ice, top with soda water and garnish with a cucumber . Sip and enjoy. Clinky! (also read as Cheers!)


 

Friday, July 1, 2011

Cocktail Friday Presents: Carolina Peach Sangria


Welcome to Cocktail Friday everyone! I have been in the restaurant business for quite some time now and have spent some years behind the bar. It's a great feeling to create cocktail and watch the satisfied face of a customer as the yummy liquor hits their lips; I'm parched just thinking about it! Also, for all you entertainers, it's wonderful to have a repertoire of tasty drinks to whip up for thirsty guests or even for just yourself after a long week.

 I came upon this delicious recipe surfing around one of my all time favorite sites, MyRecipes.Com. It was love at first sight! I can't think of a better way to celebrate summer than with a pitcher of this sensational sangria. The combination of peaches and raspberry's is genius (and beautiful) and the addition of vodka brightens this mix to its fullest Summer time potential. But beware; this one will sneak up on you!


Carolina Peach Sangria Recipe
Southern Living June 2010

Carolina Peach Sangria
Yield: 9 cups Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 8 hours
ingredients
1 (750 ml) bottle rose' wine
¾ cup vodka*
½ cup peach nectar
6 tablespoons thawed frozen lemonade
2 tablespoons sugar
1 lb. ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
2 cups club soda, chilled
directions
Combine first 5 ingredients in a pitcher; stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in peaches and raspberries. Cover and chill 8 hours. Stir in chilled club soda just before serving.
*Peach-flavored vodka may be substituted. Omit peach nectar.
**1 cup frozen raspberries may be substituted.