summer salut!

nothing says summer like a patio and a cocktail.  incorporating specialty drinks that exude the couple or the theme, or both, is one of my favorite finishing touches on my events.


a list of some of my faves (old AND new):


the mojito.  you cant go wrong with this cuban classic.  its refreshing and sweet, without being too sweet.  switch up some of the mint for cucumber, to reinvent.

the stuff:
1 1/2 ounces white rum (bacardi will do)
4 slices peeled seedless cucumber
6 to 8 mint leaves
1/2 lime, cut into wedges
1 packet equal or splash of simple syrup
chilled ginger ale


the style:
in a tall glass, muddle together the cucumber, limes, mint and Equal. add to cocktail shaker filled with ice. add rum and shake. fill glass with crushed ice, return mixture to glass and top with ginger ale. garnish with a slice of cucumber.

if i need to transport myself to nice or monaco, pernod (pastis) is the way to do it.  the anise flavor is crisp and clean.  super simple, pour over ice and add chilled water.  the cloudy yellow color reminds me of filtered summer sunlight.  

voted one of the top 20 cocktails in the US, the juliet and romeo is deserving of the honor.  and of course, perfect for a hot and steamy day.


the stuff:

2 oz beefeater or henderick's gin
.75 oz fresh lime juice
.75 oz simple syrup
3 drops rose water
3 drops angostura bitters
3 slices cucumber, peeled
6 sprigs mint
salt


the style:
muddle cucumber and pinch of salt. slap the mint. add rest of ingredients. let sit for 30 seconds (time allowing). shake. strain. garnish with 1 floating mint leaf and 1 drop rose water on top of leaf, and 3-5 more drops of angostura on the surface of the drink.

pimm's cup.  the drink of wimbledon (and basically all of britain) is as refreshing and crisp as they get.  


the stuff:

1 1/2 ounces of pimm's number one
4 to 5 ounces of 7up
wedge of lemonslice of cucumber

the style:
combine all the ingredients, in these proportions, in a large pitcher, and then pour it into highball glasses filled with ice.

although the derby was last weekend, i see no reason to hang up your mint julep cup.  especially when there are variations out there as yummy as this.

the stuff:

1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves

1 pint blackberries

6 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup bourbon

4 cups small ice cubes

4 sprigs mint, for garnish

the style:

roughly chop the mint.  in blender, puree mint, blackberries and sugar.  press through fine sieve into bowl, discarding seeds.  return puree to rinsed blender, add bourbon and small ice.  blend and spilt between four glasses.  garnish with mint sprig.

im not much of a martini girl, but this one i could never pass up.  summer EQUALS strawberries.  and basil?  this is genius.  locally, d'amico is doing this.  thank god someone is.

the stuff:

3 strawberries, plus one thin slice for garnish

3 basil leaves

1/2 ounce simple syrup

ice

1 ounce gin (i like tanqueray 10)

1 ounce vodka

1/2 fresh lime juice

in a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries with the basil leaves and simple syrup.  add ice, remaining ingredients and shake well.  strain into a martini glass and garnish with sliced strawberry.

cheers,

lindsay piram

event designer