Thirsty Thursday–Top Summer Cocktails

As we usher in summer, I thought it a good time to share some of the most popular summer cocktails (and a non-alcholic one) for 2016.

Raspberry Collins

As with cooking, sometimes the fewer the ingredients the better. With just a couple of common ingredients, this drink recipe allows each ingredient to stand on its own. Recipe and photo courtesy of Celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 oz Partida Blanco Tequila
• 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz Agave nectar
• 8 to 10 Raspberries
• 1 ounce club soda or sparkling water

Directions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the raspberries.
2. Add tequila, lemon juice and agave.
3. Shake well.
4. Strain cocktail into highball glass, over ice.
5. Top with sparkling water or club soda.
6. Garnish with some more raspberries on a skewer, and a lemon twist (optional).

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Nothing says “summer” like a cold cup of lemonade. Adding fresh strawberries, basil, and vodka to this spiked lemonade is sure to make it a seasonal favorite. Recipe and photo courtesy of What’s Gaby Cooking.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 10 lemons, juiced, about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup super fine sugar
• 4 cups water
• 8-10 strawberries, tops removed
• 1/3 cup fresh basil
• 1/2 cup gin or vodka (optional)

Directions:

1. Juice the lemons and transfer the juice into a large pitcher.
2. Add the sugar and the water and stir to combine and dissolve the sugar.
3. Add the strawberries and basil.
4. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture for about 20 seconds just until the mixture turns pink and the basil is finely chopped.
5. Add alcohol if desired. Serve over crushed ice and enjoy!

BARBADOS RUM PUNCH

An island paradise is only a drink away. Put the phone away, turn on some Jimmy Buffet, and relax with this island inspired drink. Recipe and photo courtesy of liquor.com

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Lime juice

• 1 oz Rich simple syrup (2 parts sugar, 1 part water)

• 2 oz Aged Barbados rum, such as Mount Gay

• 1 dash Angostura bitters

Directions:

1. Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice.
2. Shake, and strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Garnish with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and a lime wheel.

Rosemary-Pomegranate Soda (non-alcoholic)

With tons of flavor, you won’t miss the alcohol in this classic summer mocktail. Recipe and photo courtesy of liquor.com

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Pomegranate juice
• 1 oz Rosemary simple syrup
• Seltzer

*Rosemary simple syrup

• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 1 cup Water
• 6 sprigs Rosemary

Directions:

1. Fill a Collins glass one-third of the way with ice.
2. Add the pomegranate juice and simple syrup.
3. Fill the glass to the rim with seltzer and stir gently.
4. Add more juice or syrup to taste.
5. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and serve.

Happy housing (and summer) from your favorite Realtors.