Summer Sips: Cocktails

Nothing's easier to make than simple syrup. If you like, infuse the syrup with other flavors, like mint (for mojitos) or lemon (for iced teas, Collins, and other summer drinks).

Sweet and Sour mix:

Add one cup freshly squeezed, strained lemon juice to Simple Syrup. Store in refrigerator for up to one week.

Take advantage of summer fruit to make homemade liqueurs. Many require weeks or months of infusing fruit to get the best flavors.

Brandied Cherries: Place fresh pitted cherries in a wide-mouthed jar. Cover fruit with brandy and about a half cup of sugar. Store in a cool, dark place.

It's often overlooked. But the best tasting cocktails use fresh ice made from pure, filtered water. "Fresh" means the cubes haven't been sitting around for weeks in the freezer soaking up the stale, flavor essences of long-lingering foods. Bring the water to a quick boil for best results. Make it the morning of the day you plan to mix your cocktails, and you’ll enjoy the freshest, most delicious cocktails. 

Stuffed mushrooms, champagne cocktails, and so much more! This menu is a party waiting to happen.