REFRESHING SUMMERTIME DRINKS

Summer is meant for lounging by the pool, bbqs that continue into the night, spending time with great friends and just enjoying the hot weather. Every time we have a party my mom makes her special punch that is always a favorite (it's her secret recipe).  A tasty signature drink is a must have at any gathering to spark conversation, receive tons of compliments and cool down your guest on a hot day.

Strawberry Mint Soda

1large limes, quartered

1 1/2 teaspoons of lime juice

0.5 bunch mint leaves

14 strawberries, quartered

200 g white sugar

710 ml carbonated water

optional ingredient -- cream soda instead of carbonated water

Squeeze the lime quarters into a sturdy glass pitcher. Toss the juiced limes into the pitcher along with the mint, strawberries and sugar then add the lime juice. Crush the fruits together in a blender to release the juices from the strawberries and the oil from the mint leaves. Stir in the club soda until the sugar has dissolved. Pour into the sugared glasses over ice cubes to serve. 

Watermelon Slushie

 
6 ice cubes

2 cups cubed watermelon

1 teaspoon honey or 3 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon lime juice

1/2 cup 7up or Sprite

Place the ice cubes into a blender. Cover, and pulse until crushed. Add the watermelon and blend for about 1 minute, until slushy. Add the 7up, honey or sugar, and blend for about 10 seconds. Serves in 4 glasses and enjoy!

Kiwi Watermelon Lemonade

 
 1½ oz. kiwi syrup (available at most liquor stores
5 oz. lemonade
3 oz. watermelon juice
1½ oz. vodka
Garnish: watermelon wedge

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass. Garnish with a watermelon wedge.

Flirtini

8 pieces fresh pineapples

2 oz Cointreau® orange liqueur

2 oz vodka

4 oz pineapple juice

12 oz Champagne

Muddle the pineapple pieces and cointreau in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add vodka and pineapple juice and stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and top with champagne. Garnish with a cherry, serves 8.

Plum Saketini

½ plum
1 tsp. sugar
1 oz. vodka
1 oz. sake
½ oz. lemon juice
Garnish: plum slice
 

Muddle plum and sugar in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, sake, and lemon juice. Shake and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a plum slice.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE SUMMERTIME DRINK? 

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