It’s hot out there. It’s time to create unique, refreshing beverages to quench the thirst and dazzle the taste buds.
Muddle some ripe, peeled peaches in a glass, add a dash of elderflower liquor, champagne and sparkling water for a fabulous summer cocktail.
Lemonade, watermelon and cucumber waters are definitely on the menu, adding mint is refreshing, too. They provide a great non-alcoholic beverage that’ll cool you down, whether you’re sitting and relaxing on a dock, hanging out in the driveway for happy hour or hiking on a mountain trail. Adding fresh fruit to lemonade gives the drink a new dimension. Muddling or blending your favorite berry or watermelon into your lemonade is so easy and pleasantly delicious. Currently, I am a fan of blackberry lemonade with or without a dash of sun-brewed iced tea.
Blueberries
Speaking of berries, let’s explore the blueberry. They are fabulous at this time of year and delicious to mix into cocktails. Blueberries added to daiquiris, margaritas or Moscow Mules give new meaning and purpose to these traditional summer cocktails. If you’re a fan of gin, try a Blueberry Gin Lemonade; if gin isn’t your thing, vodka will work with this drink, as well.
Blackberries
Blackberries are currently my jam. I am mixing them into every drink and cocktail I create. And when it comes to adding raspberries, strawberries and blackberries to beverages, the sky’s the limit. I prefer my cocktails sugar free, so muddle the berries first and then add the alcohol. I suggest vodka, gin, tequila or even a light rum, a dash of lemon juice and some fizzy water. It’s the perfect low-calorie summer drink.
Peaches
Peach season is in full tilt and this delightful fruit makes any cocktail or mocktail a summer experience. Muddle some ripe, peeled peaches in a glass, add a dash of elderflower liquor, champagne and sparkling water for a fabulous summer cocktail. Peach Bellini’s are on my summer list, as well; blend or muddle some fresh peaches and add Prosecco. Peaches are perfect in daiquiri’s, margaritas, mojitos and mules.
Shrubs
Shrubs are another way to uplevel your summer beverage repertoire. A shrub is a concentrated syrup, often a mixture of fruit or herbs, sugar and vinegar. Popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, fruit and herb shrubs are currently all the rage. Primarily a drinking vinegar, shrubs can be mixed with carbonated water, lemonades and teas to make a tasty mocktail. Add your favorite spirit, balsamic, champagne vinegar and sugar or simple syrup. For an herb shrub, try fennel, thyme, basil or rosemary.
Shrubs are acidic, so using citrus fruit is not recommended. Berries and summer fruits create a delicious shrub. Combinations like strawberry and basil, blackberry and lavender or peach and thyme are delicious. Add a slice of ginger to spice up an adventurous shrub. Black peppercorns, cardamom, bay leaf, cinnamon and anise are a few other spices to consider for your shrub.
Create a shrub
There are several different methods to use when preparing a shrub. Mix the fruit, herbs and sugar and vinegar together. Let the shrub mixture sit for two to three days on the counter and then strain and refrigerate. There are hot and cold methods. Shrubs can last up to six months in the fridge.
Most cocktails can be prepared without spirits for a refreshing non-alcoholic cooling beverage. Try a ginger and peach mocktail with ginger beer, peaches, mint and lime. Consider a sparkling grape or apple juice as a base. Berry mojitos, virgin daiquiris or an Aqua Fresco with any fruit is so satisfying. Try a mocktail shrub for a delightful summer beverage. Stepping up the mocktail/cocktail game is a fun and creative way to cool off. Cheers and enjoy the art of creating unique summer beverages.
Blackberry Bellini | From Priya Hutner’s Kitchen
½ C blackberries
Chilled Prosecco
A sprig of fresh mint
Muddle or blend the berries and pour into a glass or champagne flute. Top off with chilled Prosecco and fresh mint.
