San Diego is
having an exceptionally hot and humid summer season. (Yes, we are spoiled….anything in the 80’s or
above is a deal breaker for locals who find it difficult to comprehend humidity
or anything other than idyllic mid-70’s).
Here are some absolute stunners to wet-your-whistle...
Rosé Lillet with Bubbles:
Lillet is a
delightful aperitif from Bordeaux. Made
from Bordeaux grapes and herbs (the recipe is a carefully guarded secret),
Lillet comes in 3 types: red, white
& rosé. I was recently in Provence
at a Julia Child cooking week and one of the chefs prepared a killer drink from
the rosé version. It’s simple: equal parts of rosé Lillet and bubbles (the
French version I had used Champagne, however, prosecco or any California dry bubbly
would work). Serve it topped with a
strawberry and voila!
Aperol Spritz:
This is one of my
fave cocktails….summer or winter. Made
from Italy’s Aperol (a neon orange colored aperitif made from bitter oranges,
rhubarb and a some herbs), the spritz is currently one of the most beloved
cocktails in all of Italy. The cocktails
is easy to assemble: equal parts of
Aperol and Prosecco, with a splash of soda water (or to keep it authentically
Italian, San Pellegrino). Add ice and top
with a slice of orange. Ciao, a dolce vita!
White Port and Tonic:
White Port is not
easy to find in local liquor stores but totally worth the search! (Hint:
you can buy it easily on the Internet.)
White Port (make sure it’s the bone dry version) makes a perfect
thirst-quenching aperitif. If you want
to score some major points with foodies-in-the-know, serve it. Everyone will love it, and no one will have
ever had it. The recipe is easy: equal parts of white dry port and tonic…add
plenty of ice and a slice of lemon (sprig of mint optional).
Cheers!
Limoncello with Club Soda:
I’ll never forget
my first sip of the cocktail, and that’s something as it’s been about 15 years
ago. I was handed this colorful libation
by the hostess at a 4th of July party in San Francisco, and I’ve
been a fan ever since. It’s
easy-peasy: fill a glass with ice, add
2/3 club soda, 1/3 limoncello. Top with
a slice of lemon, or even a strawberry is a nice color contrast. Sante!
Stay cool wherever you are summering.