Favorite Summer Drink

[warbird]

Summer is all about.......... .. the deck. RedPop, dont get any deck envy now.

Grilling, lounging and nice summer drinks and Buena Vista Social Club or some other Cuban jazz playing on the stereo. I have pot after pot of fresh mints of all types growing on the deck as well. Makes for great sun tea.

Probably my favorite summer drinks besides tea, which I consume all year all day, are probably a nice cold crisp beer (I prefer ales in the summer) and Sangria (which I just made my first batch of the season this week).

If you are unfamiliar with Sangria, it is a Spanish drink, which is also very popular in Latin speaking Central and South America and the Caribbean.

This is how I make mine, though you can do it many ways;

Thin slices of an orange, lemon, lime and sometimes peach and/or apple. You can use just about any other fruits with the first three listed. I wouldnt use coconut or pineapple though.

Place into a jar and add a
1/4 to a 1/2 cup of sugar, less is ok too
1/2 to a cup cup of Brandy, inexpensive is fine. Closer to a cup if you like the kick
1 liter of red wine, any will do but, I like a merlot
Make sure to dissolve the sugar
Leave in the fridge for at least a day so the juices of the fruits mix well with the brandy and wine. I place mine in a jar or container which I can shake up a bit. Otherwise stir several times.

Serving:
Pour a glass half to 2/3 full then add fresh Sprite, 7 up or spritzer water and ice. Garnish with a slice of orange, lemon or lime.

[Lena_Horne]

If I drank I would definitely go for a Mint Julep (to open the Kentucky Derby of course) or a Highball. Non-alcoholic beverages don't seem that appealing in the light of my twenty-first birthday (still about eleven months away) and a perfect summer season to get to know them a little better. In moderation of course. And knowing my family and the sappy drinks they serve (always beer) at functions and get-togethers, I'll be roughing it on my own. I wonder what my mother will think to see me bringing in bottles of liquor.;)

L_H

[Baron Kurtz]

gin and tonic

bk

[Marc Chevalier]

An absinthe frappe.

[Marc Chevalier]

In moderation of course.

Lena my dear, if you don't go on a bender on your 21st birthday, I'll have to conclude that "youth is wasted on the young". ;)

[Hemingway Jones]

If someone else is making it, a Mojito is perfect for summer.

I used to love Gin and Tonic, but gin makes me pugnacious, so now it is a Vodka Tonic. I do love those Mojitos though. :)

[mysterygal]

your a bad influence! drink in moderation...always...hangovers are not fun, plus you always regret what you do when your drunk:eusa_doh:

[Marc Chevalier]

A really, really well-prepared Sangria. With chunks of fresh fruit floating in it.


.

[Marc Chevalier]

Drink in moderation...always...hangovers are not fun, plus you always regret what you do when your drunk:eusa_doh:
But getting drunk just once in your life isn't the end of world. And what better time than on your 21st birthday?

[Mojave Jack]

If someone else is making it, a Mojito is perfect for summer.

Definately! In have great memories of sitting in Old San Juan sipping Mojitos, waiting for the evening to cool off. There is no better drink, as long as they are made right. Lacking any talent at mixing, the Williams and Sonoma mix is an excellent subsitute for one fresh made.

[Marc Chevalier]

There is one summer drink that's better: it's called a Pisco Sour. The "national cocktail" of Peru and Chile, it's made with Pisco (a grape brandy that tastes like very smooth tequila), small Pica limes, sugar, and beaten egg whites (to give it a floating froth.) Once you have a Pisco Sour, you'll never go back!

Chilean Pisco here: http://www.beveragewarehouse.com/search/more_info.php?item_id=5112


.

[Hemingway Jones]

Definately! In have great memories of sitting in Old San Juan sipping Mojitos, waiting for the evening to cool off. There is no better drink, as long as they are made right. Lacking any talent at mixing, the Williams and Sonoma mix is an excellent subsitute for one fresh made.I had my first Mojito in Old San Juan as well. How interesting... Though it is a Cuban drink, if I am not mistaken. :)

[Hemingway Jones]

...and beaten egg whites (to give it a floating froth.) Once you have a Pisco Sour, you'll never go back!I'm allergic to eggs. That drink would kill me! Eggs and chocolate; how bizarre is that. :eusa_doh:

["Doc" Devereux]

your a bad influence! drink in moderation...always...hangovers are not fun, plus you always regret what you do when your drunk:eusa_doh:

Not always... :D

I'm a G&T man as well, but I also have an enormous fondness for Gin Slings.

And champagne's perfect at any time of the year!

[Marc Chevalier]

I'm allergic to eggs. That drink would kill me! Eggs and chocolate; how bizarre is that. :eusa_doh:
Pisco Sours are often prepared without eggs. Peruvians like them with egg whites; Chileans don't.

[KAT]

a good cold german beer :p :cheers1:
Mojitos for sure...but everytime i tried to order one in the US ..nobody knew what i was talking about! :eusa_doh:
SANGRIA? Delicious..but baaaaad evil evil experience..
and this is how people drink Sangria on the spanish island of Mallorca:eusa_doh:

http://www.stud.uni-goettingen.de/~s089666/Malle/Malle15.jpg

:whistling .not that i drink...best summer drink is Water
but theres nothing better then your own house bar;)

[Lauren]

mint julep or lemonade. I know... I know...

[Marc Chevalier]

Eddie Murphy, singing like Elvis: "Le-monaaaade ... that cool, refreshing drink!"

[BettyValentine]

When it is really hot outside cold mugitya, barley tea, is really refreshing, but for some reason it has to be really very hot outside for it to be good.

And now I want a mojito.


xoxo,
BV

[Baron Kurtz]

a good cold german beer :p :cheers1:
Mojitos for sure...but everytime i tried to order one in the US ..nobody knew what i was talking about! :eusa_doh:
SANGRIA? Delicious..but baaaaad evil evil experience..
and this is how people drink Sangria on the spanish island of Mallorca:eusa_doh:

http://www.stud.uni-goettingen.de/~s089666/Malle/Malle15.jpg

:whistling .not that i drink...best summer drink is Water
but theres nothing better then your own house bar;)


Ha ha. Most likely they're British ...

Been there, done that. Got a T-shirt covered in ... don't want to think about it ...

bk

[KAT]

lol lol i see i see;)
but the worst part of it is..half germany i going on a vacation there
silly people:eusa_doh: lol

thats what i call "DRINKING IN STYLE"

[jake_fink]

Didn't you invent the Mojito, Hemingway?

For little get togethers sangria and mixed drinks are fine, but Mojitos and Juleps are too darn much work for a hot summer day of tippling on me tot. G&T is getting there, I throw a dash of bitters in for a bit of zip, or a splash of red vermouth. Sometimes I make a summer martini which is just a very cold regular martini with some fresh rosemary from my garden twisted into it.

My favourite drink for suummer, at the track or in my backyard, is tall, a very tall, Makers Mark on ice (Wild Turkey if I'm not picking well).

[Hemingway Jones]

mint julep or lemonade. I know... I know...
Lemonade... with Vodka? :eusa_doh:

[Nathan Flowers]

It's hard to beat a small glass of chilled, well-made muscadine wine on a hot summer evening.

[jake_fink]

Zohar said:
It's hard to beat a small glass of chilled, well-made muscadine wine on a hot summer evening.

Man, you could be drinking Lysol in your backyard and it's all good. You have that sweet, sweet view.

[Marc Chevalier]

In the U.S., it's lemonade with vodka. In South America, it's vodka with lemonade.

Soon after arriving in Chile, I made an astonishing discovery: when you order, say, a Rum & Coke at a bar there, they give you a tall glass HALF FULL with rum, and a bottle of Coke on the side. Screwdrivers are half full with vodka. Bars, restaurants and even dance clubs never skimp on the alcohol. Why, oh why isn't it the same here?

By the way ... outside of the Cuba-embargoing U.S.A., a Rum & Coke is known as a "Cuba Libre" ("Free Cuba").


.

[KAT]

In the U.S., it's lemonade with vodka. In South America, it's vodka with lemonade.

Soon after arriving in Chile, I make a wonderful discovery: when you order, say, a rum and Coke at a bar there, they give you a tall glass HALF FULL with rum, and a bottle of Coke on the side. Screwdrivers are half full with vodka. Bars, restaurants and even dance clubs never skimp on the alcohol. Why, oh why isn't it the same here?


if anybodys missing me.........you can find me in Chile:D

[Nathan Flowers]

Man, you could be drinking Lysol in your backyard and it's all good. You have that sweet, sweet view.

Unfortunately, we'll be leaving our current location with the ponds and wisteria soon as we have bought 4 acres adjacent my wife's parents' farm. However, it gives me the chance to start anew, and get the acreage exactly the way I want it. As I said in an email to a good friend the other day:



I want to set it up exactly like a traditional Southern homestead, with at least 2 muscadine grapevines, rows of pecan trees,and scattered fig trees, peach trees, plum trees, pomegranate bushes, crabapple trees, and crape myrtle trees lining the driveway. I want an outdoor sink attached to my old shed where we can slice up watermelons, or clean a good catch of bream from the pond. Add azaleas blooming in the spring, and fresh honey from a couple of bee hives, and I think it adds up to a very small slice of heaven on earth.

It will be many years before I'm getting any substantial fruit from the trees and vines, but it will be worth all the work 30 years from now.

[Marc Chevalier]

I want to set it up exactly like a traditional Southern homestead ...
What, no sharecroppers? :p (Like I can talk! Never even been to the South.)

[Mike K.]

For a good summertime drink, you certainly can't go wrong with a good mojito, but also a daiquiri (lime not strawberry, etc.) or margarita will do nicely. For the bold ones out there, try drinking a sex with an alligator! Or, for a real treat, have a pirate's painkiller (the recipe is secret but I can tell you it's got a little pineapple, orange, coconut, lime, rum, and a few other things). Be careful...just one and you'll be done!

[Nathan Flowers]

What, no sharecroppers?

I'm not sure what you mean.

Sharecroppers were folks that farmed land for another land owner, in exchange for a share of the profits from the sale of the crops (which my grandfather did during the great depression before he went off to the south pacific).

In that case, no, I won't be having anybody else farm the land for me. We only grow a small garden for our personal use.

[Marc Chevalier]

I'm not sure what you mean.

Neither am I. I was attempting to be flippant (and lamely at that), and I apologize.
Thank you for the information about sharecropping.

[Nathan Flowers]

No offense taken. Don't worry about it.

Another drink that I like while working in the yard on a hot summer day is iced sweet tea, or lemonade from a mason jar.

[Twitch]

Damn! Since I can't drink booze or sugary stuff any more I'm pretty well limited to water. [huh] Cheers though!:cheers1:

[KAT]

I heard "Tequila Boom Boom" is a smasher!
When you are able to finish the whole glass you see those http://www.geocities.com/elefant.geo/Postcards/Burchard.jpg
right away and it makes "BOOM BOOM"lol

CHEERS ,
KAT


http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Film/Pix/pictures/2004/05/06/cocktails262626.jpg

[Braxton36]

Gee, summer drinks...

Daquiris may sound sort if trite but they're mighty fine on a hot summer evening... sour ones are my favourites. Since they're sort of a pain, I rarely make them.

I also love a crisp very cold beer and and well chilled dry white wines.

Cointreau over ice after dinner is another favorite.

A cautionary note about the fruit in sangria... it's lethally full of alcohol! I well recall an after-college-grown-up party when the hostess thought sangria would be a great (and only) drink of the evening. We ate the fruit and... most everyone spent the night!

[Pilgrim]

A nice cold, beer - preferably Shiner Bock, Fat Tire, Red Hook or 90 Shilling.

Or a gin & tonic.

[Marc Chevalier]

A cautionary note about the fruit in sangria... it's lethally full of alcohol!
That's what's so goood about it ...

[Braxton36]

wild child!

[PrettySquareGal]

If I had a good day, a cold glass of water on the rocks.

If I had a rough day, carbonated water, no ice. Maybe a double.

[scotrace]

Another drink that I like while working in the yard on a hot summer day is iced sweet tea, or lemonade from a mason jar.


That Waffle House Question "Sweet or Unsweet?" has spread all the way to restaurants in Ohio now! :)

If I'm working outside, I like a bladder-buster sized glass of ice water. If it's a summer gathering of friends, anything they hand me is fine. Sangria is nice. I'll have to try a mojito!

[Fred G.]

Gin and tonic, I like it with a little lime

Frosty ales

Ripple! (Ok, red wine-- cabs, syrah, and merlot).

[Mike K.]

A really refreshing summer drink that I also like a lot is a cold glass of selzter water with a healthy squirt of fresh lime juice (or lemon).

You can't go wrong with an icy cold Coca-Cola.

Also, Sunkist soda always seems to bring back fond childhood summer memories for me. Remember the Beach Boys - Good Vibrations commercials?

[Senator Jack]

My summertime drink - A real daiquiri.

I say real because when you ask for one in a bar these days, you invariably get the answer 'we don't have an ice machine'. People have come to think the daiquiri as the 'frozen' daiquiri, and have pretty much forgotten what a daiquiri is supposed to be.

My recipe for construction:



1) Take a cocktail glass (the triangular glass that everyone else likes to call a martini glass (another argument, another thread)) and stick it in the freezer. Take a metal cocktail shaker - sitck it in the freezer.

2) Make simple syrup - 3 parts sugar, 1 part water. Boil and let cool.

3) Strain fresh lime juice - obtain a fine mesh sieve for this purpose. There is no place for pulp in daiquiri. A tall drink - arguable, a cocktail - inarguable.

4) In another shaker:

3 parts white rum (I use Ron Mathusalem which is Cuban original recipe now distilled in Nicuragua)

1 part lime juice

.5 part sugar syrup

.5 part Orgeat (now, thankfully, readily available at many Italian markets)

5) If you haven't a blender or Hamilton mixer, shake these ingredients. Either way, do so WITHOUT ICE. (The sugar syrup won't mix well when cold)

6) Crush a scoop of ice and place in cold shaker removed from freezer.

7) Pour drink into chilled shaker and shake again - about 10 seconds.

8) Remove cocktail glass from freezer and strain drink into glass. No ice should be allowed into the glass.

9) Do not decorate with garbage. Do not attempt to sugar frost the rim of the glass. (makes the drink far too sweet)

10) Hold glass by STEM (so your hand doesn't warm the cold glass) find a spot in the shade and drink.

11) Repeat steps 1 through 10 as often as necessary


Yes, this is a LOT of work for a cocktail, but when it comes to drinking, there's no room for laziness.

Enjoy.


Senator Jack

[Mike K.]

I sure am glad to see that somebody knows what a real daiquiri is supposed to be. Slush machines are for tourists! To add my two cents for anyone interested...use Key Limes (as opposed to Indian limes) for a more authentic and more tart taste. BTW, Key Limes are the little round limes and are YELLOW when ripe. Add a little mint and you have an authentic Mojito.
:cool:

["Doc" Devereux]

Senator, once again you've put a smile on my face. Next time I'm in New York, I'm going to have to buy you a drink.

(We need a cheers icon with cocktail glasses for moments like this)

[Miss Neecerie]

I present for consideration, the Brazilian contender and cousin to the mojito:




INGREDIENTS
1 lime quartered
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 shot of cacha?ßa
1/2 Cup of ice cubes with water

PREPARE:
Place the lime and sugar in the bottom of a glass.
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, crush and mash
the limes. Pour the liqueur and ice. Stir well.

SERVE
This is a summer drink to appreciate before eating.
Decorate the glass with a slice of lime. Great with Brazilian barbecues.

[John in Covina]

This is a great early evening BBQ drink, and you can set your own mix rate. We usually use Minutemaid Pink Lemonade, and then the London Dry Gin type of your choice. Use tall, tall highball glasses and a moderate amount of ice. And don't forget the cool stirrers!

If not that then a Pale Ale from a concerned microbrewery! (Always good with BBQ!):cheers1:

[mysterygal]

mint julep or lemonade. I know... I know...
lol I'm actually the same way....either a nice cold glass of water or some pink lemonade

[Barry]

I present for consideration, the Brazilian contender and cousin to the mojito:

The CAIPIRINHA -

An excellent choice! One of my all time favorites.

Barry

[Senator Jack]

Posted by Doc Devereux:

Senator, once again you've put a smile on my face.

That must be the booze talking, Doc. I usually have the exact reverse effect on people. ;) But I am going to hold you to that drink!



Posted by Mike K.:
I sure am glad to see that somebody knows what a real daiquiri is supposed to be.

First, good call on the key limes. We can only get those around here once in a while, and I have to go to the specialty markets for them. BTW, you should see what they try pass off as key lime pie around here. (I once got a lemon merengue pie made of limes :eek: )

What's bothersome though is how classic drink names are appropriated for a completely different drink. Even if they're wrong about the ice, the bartenders at least know a daiquiri is supposed to be rum and lime. But have you tried to order a Sidecar lately? Now when I want one at a bar or restaurant, I have to ask 'How do you make your Sidecars?' and then the bartender gets snippy when I tell them that brandy, orange juice, and curacao in a snifter (served warm, no less) is definitely NOT a Sidecar. They don't seem to understand that if a person goes into a restaurant and orders spaghetti and meatballs, they expect to get spaghetti and meatballs, and not gnocchi and sausage. All right, I can get pretty riled about this subject so I better let it go for now.

Cheers to all,

Senator Jack

[Lena_Horne]

...but when it comes to drinking, there's no room for laziness.

Darn it, now I want to quote you again but I don't have room.;)

L_H

[Mojave Jack]

Soon after arriving in Chile, I made an astonished discovery: when you order, say, a Rum & Coke at a bar there, they give you a tall glass HALF FULL with rum, and a bottle of Coke on the side. Screwdrivers are half full with vodka. Bars, restaurants and even dance clubs never skimp on the alcohol. Why, oh why isn't it the same here?

By the way ... outside of the Cuba-embargoing U.S.A., a Rum & Coke is known as a "Cuba Libre" ("Free Cuba").


I found the same thing in Barcelona! The first time I ordered a rum & Coke, the bartender started pouing the rum right to the top, then added a little Coke for color. I only found out later that if you want less than a tumbler full of rum you have to tell him when to stop!

The worst part was, the bar we were in had a low beamed ceiling. We could stand up between the beams, but had to duck to walk across the bar. The more I drank the more often I forgot how low the beams were. It must have looked like a Laural & Hardy routine after a while!

[Shaul-Ike Cohen]

Longdrink: G&T, for citrus+booze drinks, Pisco Sour is excellent, but you don't get kosher Picso easily. I like it better than a Caipirinha, Daiquiri, and all the other citrus+booze drinks, with the occasional exception of a mojito.

But as we use central heating, my drinking habits aren't very seasonal anyway. A good rum, Bourbon or Scotch (all w/o ice or soda) or a dry martini will do. Sometimes an absinthe.

[Tin Pan Sally]

I always crave Mai Tai's in the summer. The rest of the year I usually just order a screwdriver w/no ice (because no bartender can mess that up)

[Caledonia]

Not always... :D

I'm a G&T man as well, but I also have an enormous fondness for Gin Slings.

And champagne's perfect at any time of the year!

I concur. Champagne, anytime, any day, any year, any planet. But an Islay malt with two draps of water, or in the winter a good Blend (grouse is my favourite) with green ginger wine... hard to beat. Apparently Churchill and another revered gentleman whose name I forget at the moment, used to down quantities of Champagne every day, plus I think it was Brandy in Churchill's case which he loved to dip his cigars in throughout said day, and they both survived to a ripe old age. Mmmm, must re-focus or I could slip off the wagon - like that hasn't already happened!

[fortworthgal]

Margaritas are wildly popular here, so that's always a good bet. My personal summer favorite is mojitos, or pina coladas.

Either that or an icy cold watery beer, like Schlitz, Pabst, Hamm's, Miller High Life - gotta be something old and something light colored. Dark beers are great, but theyjust don't cut the mustard when it is 105 in the shade!

Non-alcoholic: fresh squeezed lemonade, hands down.

[PrettyBigGuy]

This may sound a bit strange but a drink that is pretty tasty in the summer is bourbon (I perfer Maker's Mark) and cream soda over ice.
I'm also fond of Grey Goose orange vodka and soda.
There's also nothing like a good Mai Tai as well!
In the evenings a bit of Patron tequila in a snifner with a nice cigar is pretty nice too! When's the weekend!
PBG

[KAT]

i think nobody is missing me yet.....but im still sitting in cuba enjoying cocktails lol

["Doc" Devereux]

I concur. Champagne, anytime, any day, any year, any planet. But an Islay malt with two draps of water, or in the winter a good Blend (grouse is my favourite) with green ginger wine... hard to beat. Apparently Churchill and another revered gentleman whose name I forget at the moment, used to down quantities of Champagne every day, plus I think it was Brandy in Churchill's case which he loved to dip his cigars in throughout said day, and they both survived to a ripe old age. Mmmm, must re-focus or I could slip off the wagon - like that hasn't already happened!

Ah! The joys of the Whisky Mac. Grouse is definitely the blend of choice here at Castle Devereux, too.

If you want to slip off the wagon, let me know. I'll arrange for a cushion. ;)

[zeus36]

An ice-cold (around 34-36 degrees) Corona Extra in a longneck with lime and a dash of salt on the rim

[Wild Root]

Ice cold cane sugar Coke in a glass bottle or, a Peach NEHI in a glass bottle! Oh man that's good!

=WR=

[mysterygal]

I had a blackberry margurita a couple of days ago...perfect...new favorite summer drink ;)

[VintageJess]

A tall glass of sweet tea...

[Solid Citizen]

A nice tall cold "ZOMBIE" made with the correct amount of rocket fuel
is just right to put me into orbit or an inter-planetary gluide pattern!

SC

PS One of by land two of by sea have yourself a "ZOMBIE" &
avoid watching Mission Impossible III (:eusa_doh: )

[Fu Manchu]

Campari is a great summer drink. Served viciously cold over ice with a splash of soda, Campari has a pleasant, smooth bitterness that goes well with an afternoon lounging on a hammock. If you like yr. drinks a bit sweeter, you can add Sprite instead.

Yum.

Fu Manchu

[Matt Deckard]

A slipper of Champaigne when available, though I'll settle for a glass of clear cool water for now.

[Rick Blaine]

You need the Iced Tea during the day to rehydrate & for the caffine buzz... gives one the strength to get up & do what needs to be done... tho' after the working day is done, my druthers are a tall rye & ginger ale, lotsa ice....;)

[J.B.Saxon]

Temperatures are rising here in Germany now. The time has come were I can sit in my back yard enjoying a Mojito or two, accompanied by a cuban cigar. After that a Cafe Con Leche, or like the cubans say Cafe Americano, makes my day :cheers1:

J.B.

[Caledonia]

Ah! The joys of the Whisky Mac. Grouse is definitely the blend of choice here at Castle Devereux, too.

If you want to slip off the wagon, let me know. I'll arrange for a cushion. ;)

Too late! And boy did I have bruises....:o

["Doc" Devereux]

Too late! And boy did I have bruises....:o

That sounds familiar...

[imoldfashioned]

I've been on a Lemon Drop kick of late.

[Ethan Bentley]

Summer is fast approaching; I think my preference would be a fruit cup with ginger ale and plenty of ice. I'm of course possible to a Boodles & tonic too.

[skillbilly]

Though I prefer Manhattans any time of year, if I am
not going Tiki, nothing says summer like a good old Gin & Tonic.

[dhermann1]

3 favorites, depending on my mood and the weather. Gin and tonic, Mint Julep, and since I got turned onto them last year, Mojitos.

[crazydaisy]

Daiquiris, and for when it's simply too hot for alcohol, good old lemonade.

[Darhling]

A Caipirinha made with cachaca or just Stolichnaya on ice.

[CopperNY]

chilled coconut water.

[just_me]

Mojitos for sure...but everytime i tried to order one in the US ..nobody knew what i was talking about! :eusa_doh:

I suspect you weren't doing your ordering in S. Florida. lol I love mojitos and you can order one anywhere around here and bartenders know what they are. My favorite mojitos are at Bahama Breeze.
Mojitos made with orange rum are pretty good too. :eusa_clap

[Fletch]

Vodkatonic with a good glug of Rose's Lime Juice instead of a wedge - enough to turn the drink cloudy or slightly yellowish.

[John in Covina]

I still like a gin and pink lemonade now and again.

[CigarMan]

This is a great summertime drink down here in South Texas, especially when authentically made. And funny thing is it's a drink that originated in the 1940's down in Mexico.

Michelada - in a salted rimmed glass
About 11 oz of tomato or Clamato juice
A few drops of tabasco sauce
A few drops of Worcestershire sauce
A few drops of soy sauce
A lime wedge
And slowly pour in a bottle of a good Mexican beer

Had a buddy of mine from Mexico make a few gallons (yes gallons) of this for a party and mmm, mmm, mmm, sure did hit the spot . . .

[Selentino]

Champagne any time is great and I don't know if it has a name but I take Vernor's ginger ale(great stuff) and mix it with Rye Whiskey and lots of ice.
I got the idea from someone here on the lounge and it is one of the most refreshing drinks I've ever had.

[Brad Bowers]

Champagne any time is great and I don't know if it has a name but I take Vernor's ginger ale(great stuff) and mix it with Rye Whiskey and lots of ice.
I got the idea from someone here on the lounge and it is one of the most refreshing drinks I've ever had.


Yep, it has a name: Highball. Rye and ginger ale. Good stuff.:)

Brad

[Pip]

Well, for me it would have to be Pimms No1 with ginger ale (plus mint, citrus fruits etc).

Although Gin and Tonic, mojitos, white wine, rose and various other concoctions are always welcomed on those warm, summer evenings ;)

[Selentino]

Thanks BB. I always thought a Highball was just any whiskey with ginger ale.
A couple of weeks ago I spent a few hours in my favorite Philadelphia cigar bar with about four of these drinks keeping me company, just what the Dr. ordered.

[Brad Bowers]

True, but at the time the Highball was invented, rye was the most popular whiskey. Many of our classic cocktails were invented with rye.

Brad

[rkwilker]

Mohitos and cigars by the pool. :eusa_clap

[Darhling]

Mohitos and cigars by the pool. :eusa_clap

hear hear!!

[rkwilker]

Oh yeah, there is another I should mention. Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka. Excellent! I like mine with 2 parts Sweet tea vodka and 1 part spring water, add lemon slice and squeeze. This is a first rate summer time drink. You will thank me.

[JJWord]

Mohitos and cigars by the pool. :eusa_clap

Mmmm....frozen mohitos....*drools*

I've been hooked on this frozen drink for over a year now. Wife and I went to Applebees and tried one of their Jamaican Breezes. I went home and figured how to make my own variation using a small blender (like the Magic Bullet but a knock-off brand), my wife now calls them Jeremy Breezes after me.

7 ice cubes
2 oz Maduri
2 oz Malibu pineapple rum
3 oz pina colada mix
3-4 fingers of a banana

Put all 7 ice cubes in the mixer, pulse for 2 seconds to just crush/shave lightly. Add all of the other ingrediants. Continue to mix until all of the banana and ice are pulverized. Enjoy.

I've tried adding a little more banana but then it ends up with too much of a smoothie consistancy. I'm not a fan of coconut or pina coladas but found that leaving the mix out throws off the formula. You can add a splash of real pineapple juice, but not too much as the acid will react strangely with the banana pulp.

[bburtner@moran]

Sun Tea/Made made with loose black tea/lemon/tupelo honey/sprig of mint.

[Ethan Bentley]

I've never had home-made ice tea but I think it something I should turn my hand at.

[Cigarband]

Pina Coladas on the rooftop lounge of The Grand Hotel, overlooking the harbor of Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Charlotte_Amalie.jpg

If I can't have that again, I'll have a Dark and Stormy:
Gosling's Black Seal Rum and Ginger Beer. The Official Drink
of Bermuda.

[Viola]

I am not entirely certain but I believe Cuba Libres are vintage. Whatever they are, they are tasty.

I also like light summer ales.

[Fedord Spaniard]

Its cold water for me....Its the most vintage drink, because its the first drink. Its also something you could drink and bathe in..just not at the same time i hope....

[Cigarband]

I don't drink water, fish screw in it.--W.C. Fields:p

[Spindrbrad]

I'm taken back to my first mojito, in Havana. I've had a few poor copies since. It's the only reason I grow mint. I also really like a 1/2 beer 1/2 lemonade. Something an old German fellow introduced to me.

[Miss Neecerie]

I am not entirely certain but I believe Cuba Libres are vintage. Whatever they are, they are tasty.

I also like light summer ales.


They are...from Wikipedia (yea i know...not the best source...but for this it works)


Accounts of the invention of the Cuba Libre vary. One account claims that the drink (Spanish for Free Cuba) was invented in Havana, Cuba around 1900. Patriots aiding Cuba during the Spanish-American War[citation needed] — and, later, expatriates avoiding Prohibition regularly mixed rum and Cola as a highball and a toast to this West Indies island.

* According to Bacardi:

The world's most popular drink was born in a collision between the United States and Spain. It happened during the Spanish-American War at the turn of the century when Teddy Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, and Americans in large numbers arrived in Cuba. One afternoon, a group of off-duty soldiers from the U.S. Signal Corps were gathered in a bar in Old Havana. Fausto Rodriguez, a young messenger, later recalled that a captain came in and ordered Bacardi (Gold) rum and Coca-Cola on ice with a wedge of lime. The captain drank the concoction with such pleasure that it sparked the interest of the soldiers around him. They had the bartender prepare a round of the captain's drink for them. The Bacardi rum and Coke was an instant hit. As it does to this day, the drink united the crowd in a spirit of fun and good fellowship. When they ordered another round, one soldier suggested that they toast ¡Por Cuba Libre! in celebration of the newly freed Cuba. The captain raised his glass and sang out the battle cry that had inspired Cuba's victorious soldiers in the War of Independence.[1]

However, there are some problems with Bacardi's account, as the Spanish-American war was fought in 1898, Cuba's liberation was in 1898, and the Rough Riders left Cuba in September 1898,[2] but Coca-Cola was not available in Cuba until 1900.[3] According to a 1965 deposition by Fausto Rodriguez, the Cuba Libre was first mixed at a Cuban bar in August 1900 by a member of the U.S. Signal Corps, referred to as "John Doe".[4]

* According to Havana Club:

Along with the Mojito and the Daiquiri, the Cuba Libre shares the mystery of its exact origin. The only certainty is that this cocktail was first sipped in Cuba. The year? 1900. 1900 is generally said to be the year that cola first came to Cuba, introduced to the island by American troops. But “Cuba Libre!” was the battle cry of the Cuba Liberation Army during the war of independence that ended in 1878.

[Fardad]

1/3 of glass filled with yogurt.
1/2 teaspoon of dried mint.
1/2 teaspoon of salt.
2/3 of glass filled with club soda.
1 ice cube.

Yes, it is an acquired taste. :rolleyes:

http://media.riverfronttimes.com/abali-yogurt-soda.209617.51.jpg

[Miss Neecerie]

1/3 of glass filled with yogurt.
1/2 teaspoon of dried mint.
1/2 teaspoon of salt.
2/3 of glass filled with club soda.
1 ice cube.

Yes, it is an acquired taste. :rolleyes:

http://media.riverfronttimes.com/abali-yogurt-soda.209617.51.jpg


That would be rather like a fizzy Lassi....

or a fizzy Keifir......both things I like....(liking sour milk is a russian thing too....try and keep me away from the sour cream!)

but cant quite imagine fizzy...

[Viola]

Thanks for the story on Cuba Libres, Miss Neecerie! I had no idea the romance/mystery involved. Just knew they're tasty.

[SamMarlowPI]

water, b/c it gets so damn hot in CA

lollollol

[Kilted_Surveyor]

Dark and Stormy

Good quality ginger beer and Goslings Dark Seal rum. Go see the barkeeps at the Blue Mermaid in the Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco for the best one in the bay area. :eusa_clap

[Alucard73]

A nice cold Mead (honeywine). With a medium-strong cigar.

[JennyLou]

Although, I drink it year round, my favorite summer drink is a Mai Tai. I really need to expand my list of favorite drinks.

[campy]

Right now I'm enjoying a Campari & OJ. Sweet, tart and refreshing!

The Gimlet is my summer favorite when I want something served 'up'.

[gwold]

While there seem to be lots of origination stories for the Mai Tai, the one I like the most puts it's origin at the Pink Palace. According to one of their bartenders, it's made this way:

1 oz Dark Rum
1 oz Light Rum
1 oz Orange Curacao
2 oz Orange Juice
1/2 oz Lime Juice
Dash Orgeat
Dash Simple syrup (bar syrup)
Pineapple (slice)
Cherry

Combine all of the ingredients in the order listed in a Old Fashioned style glass over shaved ice. Stir with a swizzle stick. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

I've had them there, luckily, more than once, and the kids have plenty of stories of Dad and Aunt Gina making fools of themselves afterwards. They don't mix Mai Tais individually, making them in bulk (by the bucketful) instead. And it's incredibly satisfying.

[Marc Chevalier]

.


Not surprisingly, my favorite summer drinks are Pisco Sours (from Peru and Chile) and Caipirinhas (from Brazil).



.

[Ethan Bentley]

I've been experimenting with Iced Tea as late, I'm keen to try and perfect the recipe.

[Lily Powers]

Lemonade (fresh squeezed with honey as sweetner or a pre-made lemonade that's not too sweet), sparkling water (plain or lemon) and sprigs of fresh lavender to infuse a very subtle lavender flavor to the lemonade. Best served in a tall, skinny glass. The fresh lavender looks very enticing in the glass.

[SamMarlowPI]

Lemonade (fresh squeezed with honey as sweetner or a pre-made lemonade that's not too sweet), sparkling water (plain or lemon) and sprigs of fresh lavender to infuse a very subtle lavender flavor to the lemonade. Best served in a tall, skinny glass. The fresh lavender looks very enticing in the glass.

*drooooool*

huh? what? oh sorry...that sounds soooo good i spaced out...

[BeefeaterGin]

Great drinks on here.. Im going to add my 2 cents by adding the John Collins.. (http://www.beefeatergin.com/mixology/cocktail.php?recipe=John%20Collins)

2 PARTS Beefeater London Dry Gin

1 PART Fresh lemon juice

3 BARSPOONS Castor sugar

BUILD Ingredients into a Catalina glass over crushed ice and churn

TOP UP Soda water

FINISH With another topping of crushed ice

GARNISH With 2 lemon slices and serve with 2 straws

This is a perfect summer cocktail

[Ethan Bentley]

Great drinks on here.. Im going to add my 2 cents by adding the John Collins.
2 PARTS Beefeater London Dry Gin

1 PART Fresh lemon juice
3 BARSPOONS Castor sugar
BUILD Ingredients into a Catalina glass over crushed ice and churn
TOP UP Soda water
FINISH With another topping of crushed ice
GARNISH With 2 lemon slices and serve with 2 straws
This is a perfect summer cocktail

I do like a good Tom Collins but what's a Catalina glass?

[MisterCairo]

Dark and Stormy

Good quality ginger beer and Goslings Dark Seal rum. Go see the barkeeps at the Blue Mermaid in the Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco for the best one in the bay area. :eusa_clap

Yum! Must get to the liquor store.....

[djhatman]

I would have to say a good 7 & 7 on the front step.

[Lily Powers]

*drooooool*

huh? what? oh sorry...that just sounds soooo good...

:D It is! Honest. Use the thin, English lavender if you can. Little things like lavender in lemonade or a thin slice each of cucumber and lemon in a carafe of water really add subtle flavors. Great for summer when you don't really want alcohol but want something a little more gracious than water.

[JennyLou]

I would have to say a good 7 & 7 on the front step.
Yes, that is a nice refreshing drink.

[Marc Chevalier]

... a thin slice of cucumber ... in a carafe of [ice cold] water ...



Wonderful! Yessss! :eusa_clap


.

[Ethan Bentley]

:D It is! Honest. Use the thin, English lavender if you can. Little things like lavender in lemonade or a thin slice each of cucumber and lemon in a carafe of water really add subtle flavors. Great for summer when you don't really want alcohol but want something a little more gracious than water.

An excellent idea!

[John in Covina]

Good friends of mine have replanted mint in a big pot and just recently got a dwarf lime tree so they can grown their own for mojitos. The price of limes at the market borders on criminal for a citrus growing state.

[Ethan Bentley]

Good friends of mine have replanted mint in a big pot and just recently got a dwarf lime tree so they can grown their own for mojitos. The price of limes at the market borders on criminal for a citrus growing state.

I noticed recently a disparity in prices between Limes at £0.20 (20p) each and Lemons at £0.28 (28p) each, it used to be that Limes were more expensive.

[scomce]

Tom Collins for me.

Long time lurker. Just thought I would join in the convo.

[Ethan Bentley]

Tom Collins for me.

Long time lurker. Just thought I would join in the convo.

Scomce, welcome.
It's a good choice and one of the more refreshing ones. A glass of Tom Collins that is so cold it's covered in condensation on the outside, you know that's going to be good!

[Ethan Bentley]

I am just enjoying some "Smirnoff Raspberry Ice Tea" I was dubious before I tried it but with a glass full of ice it is quite pleasant and I wouldn't have thought it was 5%ABV.

Are there other flavours available?

[Akubra]

My first choice is Hendricks Gin, followed closely by ice cold beer :eusa_clap

[Nathan Flowers]

Schneider/Brooklyn Hopfen Weisse. Hands down the best thing to drink on a hot summer day.

[jamespowers]

Torani raspbery syrup mixed in a martini glass of chilled gin. :eusa_clap

[Fletch]

You St-Germain fans may be interested in a drink with a classically summery name: the White Linen. It originated in Sacramento, where they know a thing or two about quenching the heat.

It consists of gin, St-G, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and here's the twist - fresh cucumber. Proportions not available.

I'd 86 the cuke and serve it rocks in a tall glass. Call it an Off-White Linen.

One of my old favorites, now: a rum punch called the Silversmith, as made at the Century Club in New York. The actual recipe is a club secret, but I used to mimic it this way, calling it the...

Paul Revere
2 parts brandy
2 parts white rum
1 part unsweetened lemon juice
Combine in pre-chilled metal goblet. Fill with soda water. Optional garnish: lemon twist.

After two servings, wake the neighbors and start horsing around. lol

I have to find those goblets. It's been a long time...

[jamespowers]

You St-Germain fans may be interested in a drink with a classically summery name: the White Linen. It originated in Sacramento, where they know a thing or two about quenching the heat.

It consists of gin, St-G, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and here's the twist - fresh cucumber. Proportions not available.

I'd 86 the cuke and serve it rocks in a tall glass. Call it an Off-White Linen.

One of my old favorites, now: a rum punch called the Silversmith, as made at the Century Club in New York. The actual recipe is a club secret, but I used to mimic it this way, calling it the...

Paul Revere
2 parts brandy
2 parts white rum
1 part unsweetened lemon juice
Combine in pre-chilled metal goblet. Fill with soda water. Optional garnish: lemon twist.

After two servings, wake the neighbors and start horsing around. lol

I have to find those goblets. It's been a long time...

Here's the set you are looking for:
http://i.ebayimg.com/02/!BU4h)+wBGk~$(KGrHgoH-D!EjlLl1kKDBKPu6HwuCQ~~_12.JPG

Make a whole pitcher and get the whole block involved. Use sweetened lime juice for mine. ;) :p :cheers1:

[Brad Bowers]

Torani raspbery syrup mixed in a martini glass of chilled gin. :eusa_clap

Now that sounds interesting! What ratio?

Brad

[jamespowers]

Now that sounds interesting! What ratio?

Brad

It came about Fourth of July. My friend and I were sitting across form the bar and Jason was scanning the bottles over and over and I knew something was going through his head. He got up and made this with Bombay Sapphire and the syrup. It looked like he just played it by ear. Pour the syrup in first and then add the gin to fill the glass. Just by looking I would say 5 or 6 to one---gin to syrup. You just want to give it a decent flavor. We only had three apiece so.....;) :p

[JerseyMutt]

I've got two that I drink quite often in the summertime.

The first is gin & tonic. The second is something called Italian punch. It's made in the following manner:

Take a pint glass (or something similarly sized) and fill it with ice.
1 1/2 oz amaretto
1/2 oz citrus rum
Fill the rest with cranberry juice and stir.

[Spitfire]

Home: (Hendricks) Gin and Tonic with a slice of cucumber - not lemon!
Italy: Campari - soda. With ice and a slice of lemon.

[El Guapo]

Margaritas
Tom Collins
Long Island Ice tea

My favorite Is the Havasu Cooler:
16 ounce glass filled with Ice, 1/3 cranberry juice cocktail, 1/3 Sky vodka, and 1/3 7-up. Hits the spot on those HOT days at Lake Havasu.

[Brad Bowers]

It came about Fourth of July. My friend and I were sitting across form the bar and Jason was scanning the bottles over and over and I knew something was going through his head. He got up and made this with Bombay Sapphire and the syrup. It looked like he just played it by ear. Pour the syrup in first and then add the gin to fill the glass. Just by looking I would say 5 or 6 to one---gin to syrup. You just want to give it a decent flavor. We only had three apiece so.....;) :p

Okay, I massacred this, but ended up with something yummy anyway. I couldn't find Torani Raspberry syrup anywhere in town, but a local grocery store had their brand of raspberry syrup, so I bought that. Decided to mix it at 4:1, but didn't like the results as well as I hoped. So I made the mistake of making it 2:1, as I do a gimlet, but the resulting drink was like a big glass of Nyquil on the rocks.:eek:

So, I added some more gin in, still didn't like it, then decided to cut it with some Rose's Lime Juice. Now, that was wonderful! A Raspberry gimlet, sweet and tart. I have no idea what ratio it was, though.

I'm following that drink up with a mango smoothie, made with Arizona Tea Company's Mucho Mango smoothie concentrate (available at Sam's Club, at least last year it was), blended smooth with ice and plenty of rum to taste.

Brad

[Fletch]

Here's the set you are looking for:Oooooo......:rolleyes:


Make a whole pitcher and get the whole block involved. Use sweetened lime juice for mine. ;) :p :cheers1:Not a problem. The whole block, however...I live in an apt bldg with a population of ±150, so I'm gonna have to use a bathtub! lol

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

I've decided to develop a taste for gin. Any recs for a die-hard bourbon drinker? I'm thinking Hendrick's might be a good place to start, since it's, what, herbed? Cucumber and rose?

Incidentally, I hate tonic. I think it's disgusting. Quinine, yucky.

[Doggy Darb]

If I ever need a refreshing drink, I must have a Mojito. Otherwise, my choice would be a Rob Roy regardless of season.

[Fletch]

I've decided to develop a taste for gin [...] Incidentally, I hate tonic. I think it's disgusting. Quinine, yucky.Oh, but you're missing out on that characteristic tang. Nothing is as dry and crisp with gin.

You don't have to add much; the British typically pour in just a dash to ward off the malaria. ;)

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

Oh, but you're missing out on that characteristic tang. Nothing is as dry and crisp with gin.

You don't have to add much; the British typically pour in just a dash to ward off the malaria. ;)

Can't I just use, say, soda? Maybe I've just had them with too much quinine in the past. But isn't the proper ratio 50/50?

[Brad Bowers]

I always put a couple of jiggers of gin in a 16 oz. tumbler with some ice, and fill it up the rest of the way with tonic. Garnish with lime, and I'm set.

I don't have a suggestion for dealing with the taste of tonic, as I'll drink tonic even without gin.lol

Brad

[Diamondback]

Maybe add a shot of lemon or lime juice to cover it up? (Assuming one has a tolerance for uber-sour...)

[Feraud]

Can't I just use, say, soda? Maybe I've just had them with too much quinine in the past. But isn't the proper ratio 50/50?
If you don't like tonic water you can drink gin with ginger ale or a light fruit juice.
Limeade is very good with gin.
http://www.viewpoints.com/images/review/2008/170/10/1213803471-882_full.jpg

[ladybrettashley]

I've decided to develop a taste for gin. Any recs for a die-hard bourbon drinker? I'm thinking Hendrick's might be a good place to start, since it's, what, herbed? Cucumber and rose?

Incidentally, I hate tonic. I think it's disgusting. Quinine, yucky.

Oh, lovely! I did the same thing beginning a few months back. When summer hit, in fact, because as much as i love (love!) bourbon, it is a bit heavy for those 100 degree days.

I don't know a thing about brands, as i've only tried Bombay Sapphire, but i've liked it, for what it's worth. I can't quite manage to enjoy a plain martini, but in somewhat less straightforward mixes, i have come to love gin. My favorites are a bronx (sweet and dry vermouth, gin, fresh orange juice) and gin and tonic, though i quite like a dirty martini as well.

As for not liking tonic, i've found that anything that is good with tonic is good with ginger ale as well (and vice versa), although it clearly changes the character of the drink. Even better, use half ginger ale, half plain soda - it lends a lightness to the ginger ale and a flavor to the soda that i think makes it more "mixable."

Good luck! ;)

[jamespowers]

Okay, I massacred this, but ended up with something yummy anyway. I couldn't find Torani Raspberry syrup anywhere in town, but a local grocery store had their brand of raspberry syrup, so I bought that. Decided to mix it at 4:1, but didn't like the results as well as I hoped. So I made the mistake of making it 2:1, as I do a gimlet, but the resulting drink was like a big glass of Nyquil on the rocks.:eek:

So, I added some more gin in, still didn't like it, then decided to cut it with some Rose's Lime Juice. Now, that was wonderful! A Raspberry gimlet, sweet and tart. I have no idea what ratio it was, though.

I'm following that drink up with a mango smoothie, made with Arizona Tea Company's Mucho Mango smoothie concentrate (available at Sam's Club, at least last year it was), blended smooth with ice and plenty of rum to taste.

Brad

Nyquil?! Oh geez! Maybe that store brand isn't working for you there.
I have taken to a scotch and creme de casis cocktail that I cannot remember the name of now but I found it in the Bartender's guide. Not Bad really. I have had the creme de casis around for a while without finding a use for it until now. :cheers1:

[jamespowers]

Oooooo......:rolleyes:

Not a problem. The whole block, however...I live in an apt bldg with a population of ±150, so I'm gonna have to use a bathtub! lol

Ok, I bought the shaker set instead. ;) :p
Just don't use bathtub gin then. ;)

[jamespowers]

Can't I just use, say, soda? Maybe I've just had them with too much quinine in the past. But isn't the proper ratio 50/50?


Really go out on a limb and use Ginger beer instead. I prefer to use the strong ginger beer as it definitely adds character. ;)

[Nash Buckingham]

I've decided to develop a taste for gin. Any recs for a die-hard bourbon drinker? I'm thinking Hendrick's might be a good place to start, since it's, what, herbed? Cucumber and rose?

Incidentally, I hate tonic. I think it's disgusting. Quinine, yucky.

Try "New Amsterdam" gin - it seems a bit lighter on the juniper and is very smooth. Makes a good martini.

Large quantities of your favorite recipe on a summer evening - just the thing!

[rumblefish]

How about; puree' a fresh peach, few ounces of rum, a squeeze from a quarter of a lemon, and a dash of Angostura. Top with soda and crushed ice.

Edit: bourbon not rum!

[Boodles]

How about; puree' a fresh peach, few ounces of rum, a squeeze from a quarter of a lemon, and a dash of Angostura. Top with soda and crushed ice.

Decent peaches are finally making their way up into North Carolina. This reads like something to do them justice. Are you peeling the peach or does the puree button make that a non-issue?

[JennyLou]

How about; puree' a fresh peach, few ounces of rum, a squeeze from a quarter of a lemon, and a dash of Angostura. Top with soda and crushed ice.
That sounds good. I'll have to make one of those some time soon.

[Wally_Hood]

Favorite summer drink is a three-way tie among G and T, mojito, and pina colada. But the G and T is in first place in the tie.

For the gin and tonic, I muddle half a lime, add ice, then gin, and top off with tonic. Is the first step considered non-canonical?

[Tomasso]

As I was mixing my second vodka and lemonade (made from scratch), on a lark I threw in a splash of Noilly Pratt Sweet. Me likey!!! :)

[jamespowers]

1 tbsp Creme de cassis
2 ounces Scotch
Soda to fill
:beer:
:eusa_clap

[rumblefish]

Decent peaches are finally making their way up into North Carolina. This reads like something to do them justice. Are you peeling the peach or does the puree button make that a non-issue?
Boodles, I sort of use the skin as a handle as I push is through the strainer. When it's all pushed through you're left with the skin to toss out, beats peeling.


That sounds good. I'll have to make one of those some time soon.
While the peaches are still available! :)

[rumblefish]

I hope any who made my version of a Thoroughbred enjoyed it, but it should be made with bourbon not rum.:eusa_doh: *disengage brain, type*
Maybe I should proof read,,, a few times!

[Ethan Bentley]

Can't I just use, say, soda? Maybe I've just had them with too much quinine in the past. But isn't the proper ratio 50/50?

The standard ratio I use is slightly over 2:1 - Tonic:Gin. I've tried many other ways but this seems to be the best balance.

Like Brad I too could drink tonic water on it's own but soda is a possible substitute, in which case you might fancy trying a (Tom) Collins. It has the same refreshing ability of a Gin and Tonic, allows you taste the gin and isn't so bitter.

Nash, you are quite right New Amsterdam is an excellent recent addition; it is a fine example of a slightly more traditional gin.
I don't have a problem with Hendrick's, I'm a fan as it goes, but it isn't really a typical Dry Gin.

[Alex Oviatt]

There is nothing like a gin and tonic in the summer although if I am anywhere near the sea I tend to like Mt. Gay and tonic--no idea why, just suggests the beach to me. Lime in both a must. Of course, taking after the French, a good, dry Bandol rose is a great summer wine. A Campari and soda, or even a Negroni, can be very refreshing, too. And, of course, Pimms. This all makes me thirsty.....

[Lancealot]

Favortie summer drink is tied between G&T and Gin Gimlet.

[rumblefish]

The mint is coming up!:eusa_clap
Tain't for the iced tea...

[jamespowers]

The mint is coming up!:eusa_clap
Tain't for the iced tea...


Just coming up!? The danged weed never stops growing around here. ;) :p
Mint Julep in a real Julep glass with a short straw?

[Yeps]

Being underage for one more summer, I will chime in with my 'age-appropriate' summer drinks.
1. Iced tea- Black tea with a bit of mint and a bit of sugar (not much).
2. Triple espresso on ice, black. It is a beautiful thing.

Then again, I will be in Italy for much of the summer so we will see...

Edit: Oh and for a bonus, I will throw in a really old recipe called "Ginger shrub"

I am not so sure about the ratios, but here it goes.

Water
Honey
Ginger
Cider vinegar.

It is extremely refreshing, but I have only liked it when doing living history work on an 18th century farm. It is delicious there, disgusting in the modern world.

And yes you can add whatever alcoholic beverage you want, from beer to cider to brandy to rum and still be period.

[Wally_Hood]

The mint is coming up!:eusa_clap
Tain't for the iced tea...
Perhaps on the Eastern Seaboard mint grows only in the spring. Out here in seasonless California, unless you count forest fires and mudslides as seasons, the mint in the Hoods' back yard grows constantly and robustly. We occasionally cut the thing in half just to keep it sensible.

[rumblefish]

Just coming up!? The danged weed never stops growing around here. ;) :p
Mint Julep in a real Julep glass with a short straw?
You mean the pewter ones? No:o out of an old fashioned glass- with a straw.

Let's not forget the Mojitos, also with a straw. ;)

[jamespowers]

Perhaps on the Eastern Seaboard mint grows only in the spring. Out here in seasonless California, unless you count forest fires and mudslides as seasons, the mint in the Hoods' back yard grows constantly and robustly. We occasionally cut the thing in half just to keep it sensible.

That's a good point. Mint spreads like wildfire. ;) We could mow it like a lawn. :p

[jamespowers]

You mean the pewter ones? No:o out of an old fashioned glass- with a straw.

Let's not forget the Mojitos, also with a straw. ;)

An Old Fashioned glass?! That is too small for a Mint Julep. ;) :p

[rikrdo]

Big ol' glass full of rocks and add:
Bourbon
Ginger Ale
Squeeeeeeeeze of lime.



Thats it.
Dee-Lish

[Gracie Lee]

I would have never thought to combine mint with lime, but holy shamoley, I do love a Mojito. Especially on a hot day. Never had one before I moved south, but now that I live in a heavily Cuban part of Florida, I can't seem to get enough! I love it when they serve it with a piece of sugar cane for me to nibble on :) I'd like to leave Florida soon, but I don't know how I'll survive without all the fabulous Cuban food.

[Greyfox]

Beer...Cold.

[Edw8ri]

A Traditional Recipt for Mint Jelups

You must get up early in the morning, when the dew is still on the mint. You pick the mint. Then you must quickly crush some inside a jelup cup with a spoon. NOTE: The jelup cup and the spoon must be sterling. You cannot use base metals in the preparation of mint jelups. To do so would ruin the delicate flavor and cause your neighbors to make catty remarks about you.

Then you put a spoon full of simple syrup in the bottom of the jelup cup. (stir sugar into very hot water to make simple syrup.)

You will then pack the jelup cup with crushed ice.

Next pour whiskey over the ice. You may use Bourbon or Tenessee Whiskey. Jack Daniel, George Dickel, Makers, and Jim Beam are all appropriate. You may not use any American, Canadian, or other blended beverage purporting to be whiskey. And for goodness sake, no Southern Comfort.

Finish by placing a sprig or two of mint in the jelup cup
Lower a tray of jelups down into the well to keep them cool. Or put them in the fridge.

That is the traditional summer beverage of the South. Best sipped on the piazza at any convenient time of the day.

.http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae260/edw8ri/th_thumbnail1.jpg


Cheers.

[anon`]

The Casablanca!

I mix mine of five parts light rum to one part each of Cointreau, Luxardo and lime juice. I suppose you could back the rum off to three parts if so chose (which is more in keeping with just about every other cocktail I prefer), but I've always made these just so.

(As an aside, I just noticed that this is my one thousandth post here. I'm amused that it was by a response to this thread that I've gone from being practically family to having had one too many!)

[Chainsaw]

Speaking as the voice of the working class...

Beer, copious amounts. Temperature, as that of the concrete floor.

[D-503]

Speaking as the voice of the working class...

Beer, copious amounts. Temperature, as that of the concrete floor.

Amen.

[Chanfan]

Well, in terms of mixed drinks and cocktails…

Gin and Tonic is certainly an excellent standard. The Mojito is one of my favorites, we end up with a passel of mint and limes about for 'em. I must admit Julips never hit my spot, but I'm always willing to give 'em another try.

Caipirinhas I have tried, making my own. Not bad, but I still prefer a mojito.

White port and tonic makes a nice refreshing summer drink.

[Wally_Hood]

A Traditional Recipt for Mint Jelups

You must get up early in the morning, when the dew is still on the mint. You pick the mint. Then you must quickly crush some inside a jelup cup with a spoon. NOTE: The jelup cup and the spoon must be sterling. You cannot use base metals in the preparation of mint jelups. To do so would ruin the delicate flavor and cause your neighbors to make catty remarks about you.

Then you put a spoon full of simple syrup in the bottom of the jelup cup. (stir sugar into very hot water to make simple syrup.)

You will then pack the jelup cup with crushed ice.

Next pour whiskey over the ice. You may use Bourbon or Tenessee Whiskey. Jack Daniel, George Dickel, Makers, and Jim Beam are all appropriate. You may not use any American, Canadian, or other blended beverage purporting to be whiskey. And for goodness sake, no Southern Comfort.

Finish by placing a sprig or two of mint in the jelup cup
Lower a tray of jelups down into the well to keep them cool. Or put them in the fridge.

That is the traditional summer beverage of the South. Best sipped on the piazza at any convenient time of the day.

.http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae260/edw8ri/th_thumbnail1.jpg


Cheers.

Jelup?

[Wally_Hood]

For summer, a Lillet cocktail-

Fill tumbler or old-fashioned glass with ice, add juice of one-half lemon, fill about two-thirds full with Lillet, then top with club soda. It's a great before dinner aperitif, or marvelous for sipping while conversing on the patio.

[rcinlv]

For me, if it is an adult beverage, the drink of summer is a Gin and Tonic, preferably with Tanqueray Rangpur Gin. Otherwise, it is Iced Tea...

Cheers,

RC

[Nathan Flowers]

For me, summer means hefeweizen and weissbock. So good on a hot day.

[Wally_Hood]

For summer, a Lillet cocktail-

Fill tumbler or old-fashioned glass with ice, add juice of one-half lemon, fill about two-thirds full with Lillet, then top with club soda. It's a great before dinner aperitif, or marvelous for sipping while conversing on the patio.

Errata: Change lemon to lime. What sort of a half-wit numbskull would type lemon when he means lime?

[cptjeff]

Well, in terms of mixed drinks and cocktails…

Gin and Tonic is certainly an excellent standard. The Mojito is one of my favorites, we end up with a passel of mint and limes about for 'em. I must admit Julips never hit my spot, but I'm always willing to give 'em another try.

Caipirinhas I have tried, making my own. Not bad, but I still prefer a mojito.

White port and tonic makes a nice refreshing summer drink.

I finally got around to trying a Gin and Tonic not too long ago, and I can tell that it's going to become a staple before too long...

[rumblefish]

I finally got around to trying a Gin and Tonic not too long ago, and I can tell that it's going to become a staple before too long...
And they don't all have to be the same. Not only are there so many new and differently flavored gin these days, your choice of tonic water has grown; Fever tree, Q, Fentimans, Stirrings... :)
Cheers!

[1961MJS]

Hi

My finished with yard work drink is full can of spicy V-8, two full can's of Budweiser in my German stein, complete with Imperial Eagle and lid. It's extremely difficult to not slurp it down in about 30 seconds...

I've loved G&T since college, (Thank you Dave Brottman), and I like the whole Hendricks gin with cucumber thing.

I love Mojito's, but I'm not about to make something complicated. I drink G&T, Bourbon and Coke, Scotch and Water, Red Beer, and Highballs. Do you see the binary trend? lol The only thing with three ingredients is the G&T.

Later

[Puzzicato]

Well, for me it would have to be Pimms No1 with ginger ale (plus mint, citrus fruits etc).

Although Gin and Tonic, mojitos, white wine, rose and various other concoctions are always welcomed on those warm, summer evenings ;)

I definitely agree with Pimms & ginger ale - much more to my taste than with lemonade. G&T, mojitos, pink or white wine, champagne.

Also - I recently discovered campari and tonic (maybe an acquired taste, I thought it was lovely!), Lynchberg lemonade and tinto de verano (red wine and lemonade!).

Non-alcoholic I like citron presse, mugi cha, soda water with a drop of angostura bitters and chilled fresh mint tea.

[chicanoir]

singapore sling all the way...followed closely by piña coladas made with REAL coconut milk and pineapple juice...fattening but YUM.

[CherryWry]

I'm a huge fan of the Betsey Temple.

Pour 4 oz each coconut rum and pineapple juice over ice. Top with a splash grenadine, drop in a few maraschino cherries and I'm good to go. Ahhhh.

[rkwilker]

Mohito by the pool with a good cigar.......;)

[gtdean48]

Rum, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice on the rocks.
Learned of this drink on my honeymoon in Maui.
Went to Rum Boogie Cafe in Memphis & they had never heard of it!
Variations are shot of 151 Bicardi, shot of Meyers Dark rum then the juices.
There is a similar drink in San Antonio called the Naked Iguana.

[Puzzicato]

I had a drink the other night that they called a dark & stormy mojito. It wasn't a mojito but it was wonderful! Dark rum muddled with mint & lime and topped up with fiery ginger beer.

[Pyroxene]

Mojito by the pool with a good cigar.......;)

Agreed 100%

[swinggal]

I like G & T's, Mojitos and Lime Margaritas in warmer weather but a good Pimms Punch is to die for in summer. A friend of mine had a huge punchbowl of it freshly made with all the fresh fruit and cucumbers at a party she had last year. Was devine!

Ingredients (serves 4)

8 thin slices Lebanese cucumber
1/2 orange, thinly sliced
1 lemon, halved lengthways, thinly sliced
4 strawberries, hulled, washed, quartered
4 small sprigs fresh mint
Ice cubes, to serve
125ml (1/2 cup) Pimm's No. 1 Cup (more if you like it stronger.
500ml (2 cups) chilled dry ginger ale

mix together in a pitcher and serve in highball glasses

[jamespowers]

I like G & T's, Mojitos and Lime Margaritas in warmer weather but a good Pimms Punch is to die for in summer. A friend of mine had a huge punchbowl of it freshly made with all the fresh fruit and cucumbers at a party she had last year. Was devine!

Ingredients (serves 4)

8 thin slices Lebanese cucumber
1/2 orange, thinly sliced
1 lemon, halved lengthways, thinly sliced
4 strawberries, hulled, washed, quartered
4 small sprigs fresh mint
Ice cubes, to serve
125ml (1/2 cup) Pimm's No. 1 Cup (more if you like it stronger.
500ml (2 cups) chilled dry ginger ale

mix together in a pitcher and serve in highball glasses


Pimm's?! :eek: :p
How about an original Mai Tai as invented by Trader Vic:
1 ounce Fine Jamaican Rum (15 or 8 year old)
1 ounce Martinique Rum (St. James)
1/2 ounce Orange Curacao
1/4 ounce Simple Syrup
1/2 ounce Orgeat Syrup
Juice from one fresh lime (about 3/4 ounce

[swinggal]

Don't knock the Pimms No. 1 Cup! It's gin based which is why I like it. Pimms Punch was hugely popular in the 20s and 30s. I never knew that growing up of course when my parents use to serve it at parties. It's really refreshing simple drink rather than 'full on' with the booze.

Mai Tai's are good too.

[jamespowers]

Don't knock the Pimms No. 1 Cup! It's gin based which is why I like it. Pimms Punch was hugely popular in the 20s and 30s. I never knew that growing up of course when my parents use to serve it at parties. It's really refreshing simple drink rather than 'full on' with the booze.

Mai Tai's are good too.

lol lol lol I'll stick with the Mai Tai. I just can't get used to the taste of Pimm's*yucky* :p

[Mav]

Hi

My finished with yard work drink is full can of spicy V-8, two full can's of Budweiser in my German stein, complete with Imperial Eagle and lid. It's extremely difficult to not slurp it down in about 30 seconds...

Delicious. I usually have one of those for breakfast while camping.

I usually do G&Ts, mojitos, or the ubiquitous scotch & water in the summer. You can do a pretty good bulk cheater version of mojitos with homemade limeade, rum, and crushed mint. Not as pretty as one at a time done right, but tasty.

[jamespowers]

Delicious. I usually have one of those for breakfast while camping.

I usually do G&Ts, mojitos, or the ubiquitous scotch & water in the summer. You can do a pretty good bulk cheater version of mojitos with homemade limeade, rum, and crushed mint. Not as pretty as one at a time done right, but tasty.

Two cans of beer for breakfast?! :eek:
Dinner must be a fifth of scotch. ;) :p

[1961MJS]

Two cans of beer for breakfast?! :eek:
Dinner must be a fifth of scotch. ;) :p

Beer is made of Malted Barley, Hops, water and other natural ingredients. Think of it as Liquid Cereal. Special K with foam... :D

Later

[Marcus]

I recently discovered Mojitos. Not bad. I put some club soda in there to spritz it up some. I like more rum than the recipe calls for since I'm not a mint fan...but it seems work. Nice and refreshing drink.

[Mav]

Two cans of beer for breakfast?! :eek:

Well, then one more for a mid- morning snack.


Beer is made of Malted Barley, Hops, water and other natural ingredients. Think of it as Liquid Cereal. Special K with foam...

If we could just figure out some way to get alcohol in Special K.

[jamespowers]

Well, then one more for a mid- morning snack.



If we could just figure out some way to get alcohol in Special K.

lol lol lol lol

[jamespowers]

Beer is made of Malted Barley, Hops, water and other natural ingredients. Think of it as Liquid Cereal. Special K with foam... :D

So if you pour beer over cereal then that is overkill? ;) :p

[Paisley]

Sounds like chocolate cake for breakfast, a la Bill Cosby.

[jamespowers]

Sounds like chocolate cake for breakfast, a la Bill Cosby.

lol lol lol

[Jack Scorpion]

For me, the type of Mojito is critical. Heat and sweet don't meet well with me. If it's heavy on the mint and booze, sounds great.

When Mint Juleps are served in that ice cold metal cup, I can't imagine what would be better.

But in that post-yard work haze, I think I'd rather have an ice cold lager from an ice cold aluminum can. That's probably the only time I prefer can to bottle or glass, but in that moment, can please.

I'm a big fan of margaritas as well, as long as they aren't sweetened, and I affiliate them with summer.

Either that or a watermelon filled with vodka.

[SteveAS]

Don't knock the Pimms No. 1 Cup! It's gin based which is why I like it.

I agree that Pimm's can be the basis of a fine, refreshing summer drink. Considerably simpler than swinggal's drink is Pimm's and ginger ale, which, I believe, is called a Pimm's Rangoon. Sweet, bitter, spicy, and refreshing all at the same time!

[jamespowers]

I agree that Pimm's can be the basis of a fine, refreshing summer drink. Considerably simpler than swinggal's drink is Pimm's and ginger ale, which, I believe, is called a Pimm's Rangoon. Sweet, bitter, spicy, and refreshing all at the same time!


Bitter being the most obvious part. :p

[swinggal]

I agree that Pimm's can be the basis of a fine, refreshing summer drink. Considerably simpler than swinggal's drink is Pimm's and ginger ale, which, I believe, is called a Pimm's Rangoon. Sweet, bitter, spicy, and refreshing all at the same time!

I like Pimms an ginger ale too. JP, have you tried it with ginger ale? I've never found Pimms bitter mixed this way or in a Pimms Punch. It's not something I'd drink straight.

[Chainsaw]

Beer in a coffee cup. What's with you guys and those mint juleps?

[1961MJS]

So if you pour beer over cereal then that is overkill? ;) :p

Probably, my only real life experience with both cereal and beer is Trix and Stroh's but that was on a college canoe trip, prior to somebody driving to town for 8 pounds of bacon and donuts. Technically, we just drank Stroh's and passed the Trix around.

It must be an acquired taste, one that I was unable to successfully acquire. :p

Later

[jamespowers]

I like Pimms an ginger ale too. JP, have you tried it with ginger ale? I've never found Pimms bitter mixed this way or in a Pimms Punch. It's not something I'd drink straight.


Straight it might just kill you. ;) :p
I have tried it a dozen ways and I still just can't acquire a taste for it. I gave the rest of the bottle away to an unsuspecting friend. ;) :p

[jamespowers]

Probabloy, my only real life experience with both cereal and beer is Trix and Stoh's but that was on a college canoe trip, prior to somebody driving to town for 8 pounds of bacon and donuts. Technically, we just drank Stroh's and passed the Trix around.

It must be an acquired taste, one that I was unable to successfully acquire. :p

Later


Trix with beer are definitely not for kids or rabbits. ;) :p

[Ethan Bentley]

Julep or Pimms; using home-grown mint and home-grown borage.

[Big Man]

Margaritas by the pitcher full.

[Feraud]

The old standby is gin & tonic.
This summer I am branching out and will be fooling with daquiris. I will delve into our rum thread and experiment with the recommended brands.

[rumblefish]

This summer I am branching out and will be fooling with daiquiris..

That sounds like a good idea.

I never cared for them much because most that I've had were way too sweet. I believe, like many bartender made margaritas, they suffered from being made with way too much sugar or from mixes, (and really, margaritas don't even need sugar).

A little experimenting and a lot less sugar, and I'll squeeze daiquiris on to my menu too.:)

[MisterCairo]

The old standby is gin & tonic.


What he said.....

[jamespowers]

Julep or Pimms; using home-grown mint and home-grown borage.

Pimm's?! ;) :p

[jamespowers]

That sounds like a good idea.

I never cared for them much because most that I've had were way too sweet. I believe, like many bartender made margaritas, they suffered from being made with way too much sugar or from mixes, (and really, margaritas don't even need sugar).

A little experimenting and a lot less sugar, and I'll squeeze daiquiris on to my menu too.:)

No Cynar margaritas now. :eek: *yucky* :p

[rumblefish]

No Cynar margaritas now. :eek: *yucky* :p
Garnished with a pickled artichoke heart.:D

[Feraud]

That sounds like a good idea.

I never cared for them much because most that I've had were way too sweet. I believe, like many bartender made margaritas, they suffered from being made with way too much sugar or from mixes, (and really, margaritas don't even need sugar).

A little experimenting and a lot less sugar, and I'll squeeze daiquiris on to my menu too.:)
Agree. Bartenders (and pre-mixes) overload the sugar and minimize the lime. It has diminished this great little drink.

[rikrdo]

Beer

Bourbon / Ginger Ale and a squeeeeeeeeeze of lime is also a favorite.

and, um............. Sangria(s) for the "get-togethers"

[Smithy]

Difficult to contemplate here where it's bloody freezing at the moment but summer drinks for me are G & Ts, Pimm's. Also difficult to go past a really cold beer on a hot one as well.

[rmrdaddy]

I've been cranking out caipirinhas here in hot, humid and sodden Southern NJ....

[Ethan Bentley]

Pimm's?! ;) :p

Ooh five posts James, you're slipping. :) :p

I finished up that last of the Unicum the other day but this shall be replaced with "Rock & Rye". The drink I give to guests who, when asked for a drink reply "ooh give me something different". lol

[Undertow]

Margarita with fresh lime, salted rim and Cuervo Tradicional (100% Agave at a reasonable price). That's what I sip when the sun beats down. Fajita mix would certainly help, too. ;)

[jamespowers]

Garnished with a pickled artichoke heart.:D

Geez, you actually made something bad even worse. :p

[jamespowers]

Ooh five posts James, you're slipping. :) :p

I finished up that last of the Unicum the other day but this shall be replaced with "Rock & Rye". The drink I give to guests who, when asked for a drink reply "ooh give me something different". lol


Unicum?! Horror of horrors. You actually managed to mention something worse than Pimms and Cynar combined.
Remind me next time to end "give me something different" with "that won't nearly kill me.";) :p

[Bustercat]

http://www.beerstore.com.au/beerstore/uploads/beerImages/Erdinger_Kristal_Large.jpg

Kristalweizen with a fat wedge of lemon. Haven't found it most places here in the states, unfortunately. But nothing like it for summer.

[Puzzicato]

http://www.beerstore.com.au/beerstore/uploads/beerImages/Erdinger_Kristal_Large.jpg

Kristalweizen with a fat wedge of lemon. Haven't found it most places here in the states, unfortunately. But nothing like it for summer.

With lemon? I must try that!