Great Summer Cocktails

Has anyone else noticed all those media pundits making sarcastic "What Global Warming" comments last winter haven't mentioned how HOT it's been this summer.  Between Dallas and New Orleans, there are few ways to beat the heat.  Fortunately, I've discovered some classic liquid mixes which are refreshing and will help bury a few sorrows.  If you're getting a bit tired of your mojito, check one of these refreshing mixes to cool the summer down a bit!

Three Refreshing Summer Cocktails:

The Classic Gin Rickey

This drink is a great alternative to a Gin & Tonic. The drink was created at Shoemaker's in Washington D.C. and a popular hangout for Congressmen. It was named after Colonel "Joe" Rickey, a lobbyist who died in 1903 and was known for entertaining elected officials in the area lounges.

2 oz gin (I prefer Hendricks gin, but it's your call!)
3/4 oz lime juice
3 oz club soda
lime wedge for garnish

Preparation:
Pour stire the gin and lime juice over the ice.
-- this drink is very dry, lightweights will add a splash of Simple Syrup.
Top with club soda.
Garnish with a lime wedge


The Classic Mint Julip

The key to a classic mint julip is really the ICE. If your local watering hole doesn't have crushed ice, go for something else!

- 3 oz Bourbon [I prefer Woodford Reserve]
- 6 Fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp. superfine sugar
- Crushed ice

Muddle mint leaves with superfine sugar and (a little water for light weights) in a mint julep cup. Fill the cup with ice. Pour bourbon and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

One of my favorite summer cocktails this year:

Crescent City Cooler
By Flo Woodard

Read more about Flo (who recently passed away) here:
http://lupecboston.com/2010/07/07/crescent-city-cooler-a-toast-to-flo-woodard/

10 mint leaves
1 Dash simple syrup
2 Dashes of Angostura bitters
2 Dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
Juice of 2 lime wedges
2 ounces Bacardi Light rum
2 ounces Ginger Ale
3/4 ounce Cranberry juice
Lime wheel

Place mint leaves into a frosted Collins glass. Add the simple syrup and both bitters and muddle for 10 seconds. Add the juice from 2 lime wedges, Bacardi Light and ginger ale. Fill the Collins glass with ice and stir with a bar spoon. Top with cranberry juice. Serve with a straw.

Garnish: Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.