On muggy August afternoons in Texas, I can't think of anything better than to spend time with good friends and luscious, ice-cold cocktails. Shaken, frozen or on the rocks, culinary whiz Nicole Aloni serves up a delicious batch of must-try concoctions in The Backyard Bartender: 55 Cool Summer Cocktails. They all sound delicious, but these are my favorites.
Mango-Lime Sangria
Makes 8
Glass: Goblet or wine
Garnish: Fresh mint
Mangos are definitely a favorite fruit for many of us. Using mangos here with dry rosé, instead of the more classic red wine, makes this a lighter, more refreshing sangria that is perfect for the summer heat.
Combine the chopped mango and sugar and let sit for 1 hour at room temperature.
Combine the macerated mango, orange juice, lime juice, triple sec, sliced lime, peach brandy and rosé in a large, preferably clear, pitcher. Stir to blend. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes (or up to 8 hours).
Makes 8
Glass: Goblet or wine
Garnish: Fresh mint
Mangos are definitely a favorite fruit for many of us. Using mangos here with dry rosé, instead of the more classic red wine, makes this a lighter, more refreshing sangria that is perfect for the summer heat.
- 1 cup peeled, chopped mango
- 1/2 cup superfine sugar
- 10 ounces fresh orange juice
- 10 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 3 limes, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup peach brandy or schnapps
- 1 to 2 bottles dry rosé
- 2 cups ice
- 1 to 2 cups soda water
Combine the chopped mango and sugar and let sit for 1 hour at room temperature.
Combine the macerated mango, orange juice, lime juice, triple sec, sliced lime, peach brandy and rosé in a large, preferably clear, pitcher. Stir to blend. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes (or up to 8 hours).
To serve, stir to mix. Fill glasses one half full of ice cubes; add the juice mixture and soda water to taste. Stir and garnish.
The Pomegranate Smack
Makes 1
Glass: Chilled Martini
Rim: Pomegranate molasses and sugar
The Smack showcases the exotic and seductive taste of pomegranate molasses - one of the decade's new super ingredients found in everything from salad dressing to cheesecake. (You can find it for under four dollars at any kosher shop or Middle Eastern food store, and some of the wider-ranging supermarkets.) This zingy martini is perfect for a ladies night by the pool.
Press the rim into a saucer of sugar.
Fill a cocktail shaker three-quarters full with ice.
Add the vodka, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake to chill.
Strain the drink into the chilled glass and garnish.
Makes 1
Glass: Chilled Martini
Rim: Pomegranate molasses and sugar
The Smack showcases the exotic and seductive taste of pomegranate molasses - one of the decade's new super ingredients found in everything from salad dressing to cheesecake. (You can find it for under four dollars at any kosher shop or Middle Eastern food store, and some of the wider-ranging supermarkets.) This zingy martini is perfect for a ladies night by the pool.
- 3 ounces vodka
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup
- Splash of soda water (optional)
- Use your finger to smear a thin coating of the pomegranate molasses on the rim of the glass.
Press the rim into a saucer of sugar.
Fill a cocktail shaker three-quarters full with ice.
Add the vodka, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake to chill.
Strain the drink into the chilled glass and garnish.
The Lawn Mower
Makes 2
Glass: Chilled martini or flute
Garnish: Melon balls and mint leaves on a skewer
Delicate melon, mint and hint of vanilla make this drink a silky textured refresher. The Lawn Mower would be perfect for any sort of celebratory occasion - or just because.
Press the melon mixture through a strainer into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Add the vodka, Cointreau, lime juice and mint.
Shake vigorously to infuse.
Strain the mixture into the chilled glasses and top with champagne float.
Makes 2
Glass: Chilled martini or flute
Garnish: Melon balls and mint leaves on a skewer
Delicate melon, mint and hint of vanilla make this drink a silky textured refresher. The Lawn Mower would be perfect for any sort of celebratory occasion - or just because.
- 1 cup diced, ripe honeydew, cantaloupe or seedless watermelon
- 1 ounce premium vanilla vodka
- 1/2 ounce Cointreau
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh mint
- About 1/2 cup cold brut champagne or dry sparkling wine
- Puree the melon in a blender (add 1or 2 tablespoons of water if necessary).
Press the melon mixture through a strainer into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Add the vodka, Cointreau, lime juice and mint.
Shake vigorously to infuse.
Strain the mixture into the chilled glasses and top with champagne float.
Stir once and garnish.
Serving up a pitcher of any one of these cool summer libations will turn your own backyard into the hottest spot in town. Just don't forget to invite yours truly.
Cheers!
Cheers!
