Summer is only days away. Here’s what is on my list for aperitifs to get
our summer parties started (once we're safe for gatherings)!
Rosé
-Strawberry Sangria
Nothing says summer more than Rosé and strawberries---I’ve
combined them both in this delectable drink.
Recipe: Add ½ cup of both sugar and water to 2 cups
of sliced strawberries---simmer for 10 min and let completely cool. In the meanwhile, add all of the following
ingredients together in a large pitcher:
3 cups sliced strawberries, 1 cup raspberries, 1 orange thinly sliced, 1
cup orange juice and 1/3 cup Gran Manier. Add the completed cooled cooked strawberry
mixture. Let steep together for at
least 1 hour in the frig. Prior to
serving, add one bottle of sparkling Rosé.
Pimms
Cup
Strawberries are the star of yet another drink---this
is England’s most popular summer-time libation at Wimbleton.
Recipe: Add the following to one bottle of
Pimms: an equal size amount of lemonade
(preferably homemade, although Trader Joes has a good substitute), ½ cup of
seeded, peeled & finely chopped English or Persian cucumber, ½ cup of
finely diced apple, 1 cup of thinly sliced strawberries, a good handful of
finely chopped mint). Let sit in frig
for at least 30 minutes to chill and marry flavors. Serve in a glass and top
with a sprig of mint or cucumber.
Limoncello
Spritz
This one is simple.
Simply combine 1/3 part of Limoncello with 1/3 sparkling water, and then
add 1/3 part of tonic water. Serve with
lots of ice, a piece of summer-time basil and a wedge of lemon. It’s really refreshing on a hot summer’s day.
Aperol
Spritz
This perennial fave is also simple. Combine one 750ml bottle of Aperol, with an equal
amount of Prosecco. Gently mix in 1 cup
of sparkling water, and serve in an ice filled glass, topped with a wedge of
orange.
Elderflower
Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic
This glorious aperitif is another easy cocktail. Hendricks
pairs well with elderflower and cucumber.
Plan for 2 oz of Hendricks per cocktail, and 5 ounces of Fever Tree’s
elderflower tonic. Use one generous
teaspoon of St Germain per drink (an elderflower liqueur). Mix with plenty of ice and serve with a slice
of cucumber.
Summer-time bottoms up!
