June 6, 2011

Summer Indulgences

Although it isn’t technically Summer, it surely feels like it here in New England. There are many things I love about this favorite season of mine. One of which are the beverages that only seem reasonable to drink this time of year. Bright, iced, filled with fresh fruit. Yum, yum, yummy, yum. I feel my thirst coming on full force just thinking about it. I read many blogs daily for inspiration and it seems that lately summertime cocktails are popping up everywhere. Guess I am not the only one infatuated by these indulgences. It also seems that fun, signature cocktails are more popular than ever for weddings and other events. These below are ones that I absolutely will be mixing up at home for family and friends. Perhaps these will make you thirsty as well.

How fun is this?! Take your favorite, brightly colored cocktail and forget salt or sugar, rim that baby with rainbow sprinkles!

image via emmalinebride

I am so excited to make this one. Raspberry BEER cocktail!? Fancy enough for the ladies yet containing the beverage of choice for most men. Cannot wait to make this for my Dad on Father’s Day!

image and recipe via the charity wedding

Recipe:

Raspberry Beer Cocktail

3/4 cup frozen raspberries

3 1/2 (12-oz.) bottles beer, chilled

1 (12-oz.) container frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate, thawed

1/2 cup vodka

Garnish: lemon and lime slices

AND this has got my mouth watering! The colors just scream, “Summer”!

image and recipe via events by sarah elizabeth

Recipe:

1 bottle Sake – any kind will do

1 bottle Champagne

1 pint strawberries

6 meyer lemons

3-4 springs of mint

Vanilla Stevia

Slice your strawberries, tear mint leaves, and add both to a large pitcher. Squeeze the juice of 6 meyer lemons and gently muddle (muddle = mash) the ingredients using a wooden spoon. Add equal parts sake & champagne, and lots of ice.  Squeeze a dropper full of vanilla stevia into each glass before serving.

You can also make it a non-alcoholic drink by substituting the Sake & Champagne for sparkling water!