Summer Cocktail Ideas

Ahh summertime! Our minds turn to lounging by the sea, drinking colorful icy concoctions, eating delicious bites of cool food. Here are some cocktail recipes for summer, and the MagicKitchen.com meals they will complement! Leave out the alcohol and these will be virgin drinks!

1. The ever popular Margarita. This was not actually invented in Mexico, but in L.A.! Nevertheless, it is served everywhere in Mexico and widely associated with that

   

   country. Here’s my recipe, with the secret ingredient to make it perfect! Put in a good strong blender: 1 shot white (silver) tequila, 2 shots fresh-squeezed lime juice, 1 shot triple sec, 1 shot simple syrup (or a packet of Equal or another sweetener), 1 cup ice and…here’s the secret…1 shot of orange juice. Blend until pureed, and pour into a glass rimmed with salt. Drink this with the oh-so Mexican Shrimp Burrito for a summery brunch.

2. Long Island Iced Tea – be careful, this one is dangerous! Tastes like iced tea but packs a punch! In a tall glass  filled with ice, combine:
   • 1/2 oz. Vodka
   • 1/2 oz. Gin
   • 1/2 oz. Rum
   • 1/2 oz. Tequila
   • 1/2 oz. Triple Sec
   • 1 oz.Sweet & Sour
   • Top with Coke

   You’ll want to nibble on something with this- try MagicKitchen.com’s Blue Crabcakes.

3. Mojito: This one requires fresh mint. Muddle (crush) the mint in the bottom of a cocktail shaker or a large glass. I prefer to have the taste of the mint without having it in the glass, so now I add a shot of white rum, a half-shot of simple syrup and a shot of lime juice to the mix. Shake (Use a smaller glass inside the large one to simulate a cocktail mixer). Strain the mix out over ice, then fill the glass with soda. Decorate with a sprig of fresh mint.These fresh and refreshing drinks go well with a light dessert like Coffee cake bites.
   
4. Last one-Gin Fizz. This is for a crowd. Get out a punch bowl or a large container of some kind. Mix the following ingredients:

• 1  (2-liter) bottle lemon-lime flavored soda (7-Up, Sprite, store brand, your choice)
• 1  (12-oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
• 1/2  cup lime juice
• 1/4  cup powdered sugar(confectioners’ sugar)
• 2 1/4  cups gin

Serve over ice in tall glasses with a piece of lime. This would go wonderfully at a barbecue with our Prime Rib roast.

Enjoy summer, it’s all too short!

Melody, MagicKitchen.com blogger