Weekly Dish

Here in the Northern hemisphere, I think it’s safe to say that it’s hot everywhere. Southern Louisiana is certainly no exception. Salads are great and all, but I find myself in need of better ideas to help me (and anyone I happen to invite over for dinner or deck-sitting) keep cool, particularly ideas that come in the liquid and alcoholic variety.

So, I’m asking for your help. I’d like to compile a running list of favorite summer drinks as a reference, and I’ll keep it posted here in case anyone else is interested. If you’ve recently posted about a cool, refreshing beverage and you’d like me to include your link, you can leave a comment or send an email to weeklydish AT gmail DOT com. Tell me who and where you are, where you blog, what your drink is called, and at what permalink we can find it, and I’ll add your favorite beverage to the list.

So far, I’ve tried:

Kate’s Thai Mojitos: These will knock your sweaty little socks off! I had to omit the ginger because the piece I found hiding in my crisper was moldy and sadly had to leave us. Even without it, these are refreshingly herby and not-too-sweet. (Pie in the Sky, New York City).

Sweetnick’s Frozen Lemonade Cocktail: If you have any frozen strawberries left from strawberry season (or if you’re lucky enough to still get fresh ones), I highly recommend this yummy frozen drink for the poolside. (Sweetnicks, New Jersey).

UPDATES:

Another cocktail in a pretty color comes courtesy of Erin: she mixes the juice of blood oranges, mint, and vodka to make a gorgeous (and quite potent-sounding) Minty Citrus. I love all of the herbs that keep appearing in these recipes, especially since my little herb garden out back is overflowing! (Erin’s Kitchen, Los Angeles)

Please take note of Alotta Errata’s comment about her chocolate-banana smoothie! What a perfect cool and delicious lunch without much fuss. I think I’m having one tomorrow. (Melissa writes Alotta Errata from–and I quote–”West of the middle of suburbia, Connecticut.”)

Jenn, a writer in Solana Beach, California, recommends a Brazillian cocktail called a caipirinha. I’ve never had cachaca, the spirit the recipe calls for, so I’m intrigued! Check out Jenn’s comment below for further instructions on making this a perfect drink. (Jenn blogs at aka JeSais, and the recipe comes from Maria’s Cookbook at Maria-Brazil.)

I love the idea of strawberry and basil as a flavor combination, and Vanessa has created a drink that features both. Her Strawberry Basil Baumers not only sound like a delicious addition to any party, but they’re such a pretty pink that I can only imagine how well they would compliment a little black dress. For a simpler pink cocktail, Vanessa also recommends pink lemonade and rum. (Vanesscipes, Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

Alanna, at A Veggie Venture, offers us a lovely virgin beverage in a delicious shade of green. I am completely intrigued by her Cucumber Lemonade and must make some immediately. Who doesn’t have an abundance of cucumbers this time of year? What a perfect way to use them up! (A Veggie Venture, St. Louis, MO)

Sangria!: Mooncrazy over at Peanut Butter Etouffee makes a mean pitcher of sangria with an extra kick of brandy and fresh fruit. Several people have been on a quest for a perfect sangria; I can’t wait to try this version. (The three women of PBEtouffee write coast to coast, from southern California to Florida).

Megan in Paris has posted a classic French take on cool and refreshing: Kir and Kir Royale, an easy and classy way to dress up an ordinary glass of wine or champagne. Plus, it makes for such a pretty color! Also, check out Megan’s instructions for how her husband makes a perfect gin and tonic. (Chez Megane, Paris, France)

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 20th, 2006 at 12:57 pm and is filed under Drink, Summer. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.