Tag Archives: summer cocktails

Cucumber Lychee Pimm’s Cups

Posted on by May 29, 2015

Finally, picnic season is fully upon us and these Cucumber Lychee Pimm’s Cups are perfect for a leisurely afternoon picnic. In fact, I have them in mind as the light, low-alcohol cocktail for my English Polo Picnic Menu. After all, next weekend there’s a match in Jersey City and yours truly intends to be there, friends and picnic in tow, including these Cucumber Lychee Pimm’s Cups. The distinctively subtle cucumbers, lychee and thai basil muddles perfectly into herbaceous flavors of the Pimm’s No. 1 liquor. A little lychee syrup goes a long way to sweeten it up just a touch, and the effervescence from the sparkling water keeps the drink light and refreshing. Serve these Cucumber Lychee Pimm’s Cups with lots of ice, plenty of gorgeous lychees, cucumbers and thai basil for garnish and they’ll help you keep the party going all afternoon long. As the drink for my Polo Picnic Menu, I paired these Cucumber Lychee Pimm’s Cups with my Salmon Burgers with Curry Mayo and Saffron Poached Apricot Almond Trifle. It’s hard to tell you which dish stole the show since leftovers were few and far between, but I will say that even the non-cocktail drinkers got on … Continue reading →

Chesapeake Bay Breeze

Posted on by January 26, 2015

When the weather’s still a little chilly (pre- G&T weather) but you’re at the beach anyway, and your compatriots are bourbon drinkers, it’s time to get creative and make my Chesapeake Bay Breeze. It’s the perfect cocktail to get people in the Crab Boil spirit. The Chesapeake Bay Breeze is a clever twist on the classic Sea Breeze. I kept the cranberry and the grapefruit and subbed out vodka for bourbon. I also upset the balance in the favor or the grapefruit, but you should play around with the ratios until the Chesapeake Bay Breeze is perfect for you and yours. Serve up with lots of sun, lots of ice and plenty of sand court volleyball with the Chesapeake Bay Breeze. Added bonus, this cocktail, while of course tart and refreshing for summer, it actually a sort of wonderful Winter drink. Grapefruit are at their peak in the winter, cranberries are readily available in the store for a garnish, and it definitely bourbon season. Instead of serving on the rocks try shaking and serving up. I think you’ll find you like the Chesapeake Bay Breeze year round, kind of like a trip to the Chesapeake. Sometimes a fireplace and a hot … Continue reading →

Aperol Spritz

Posted on by October 28, 2014

Each winter, I forget that an Aperol Spritz is my perfect summer cocktail, and then every Summer, I’m reminded of this fact, usually sometime about this week in July. The first night it’s really sticky- hot outside, even at night, an Aperol Spritz is perfect: delicious, refreshing, effervescent, sweet and salty. Yes, that’s right, salty. I tried to order one last week at a great Philly bar. But they just couldn’t get it right. So I had to take matters into my own hands and make one myself. For me, the Aperol Spritz proportions on the back of the Aperol bottle are all I need; no experimentation required. Just don’t forget the olive. And you should probably make a pitcher whenever you make Aperol Spritz, because they’re definitely a fun crowd-pleaser. 3 ounces Prosecco 2 ounces Aperol splash of club soda plump green olives orange slices ice Pour the aperol in the glass or pitcher full of ice. Add the champagne slowly. Top with the club soda. A light stir never hurt anyone. Garnish with orange slices and olives.When you’re making Aperol Spritz by the pitcher: 3 cups Prosecco 2 cups Aperol 1 cup club soda plump green olives orange slices ice … Continue reading →

Lemon Verbena Smash

Posted on by November 3, 2014

Believe it or not, at least for the Dirty Laundry Kitchen, it’s time to thinking about the 4th of July, and what’s a better place to start than with this Lemon Verbena Smash cocktail. This past weekend, I was forced to spend my time picnicking and drinking Lemon Verbena Smash cocktails at the dog park so that the menu would be ready for you. It was torture I tell you. First up, the questions. Where did this Lemon Verbena Smash cocktail come from? What is lemon verbena? And what do I do if I can’t find any? Good questions. I love the flavor of the herb lemon verbena. It’s perfect for Summer drinks and desserts. It’s a little hard to find at regular grocery stores (my dad has to grow it for me). But it’s amazing, and you can often find the plants even at places like home depot. When I can’t get my hands on it, I substitute a combination of basil and mint leaves. They get the job done in creating a similar flavor that make the Lemon Verbena Smash so distinctly delicious and refreshing. I love to make Lemon Verbena Smash in a giant mason jar and bring … Continue reading →