7/31   #605                         COOLERS FOR THE SUMMER

            We have to confess to having a preoccupation during the hot summer months, and that would be finding ways to keep ourselves refreshed and revived.  Ice water, limeade, iced tea, cold beer, chilled white wine…they all have a role to play in helping us keep our cool.  But Chef Jerry Pellegrino has some new ideas on cold drinks for the summer heat, and not a moment too soon.

Cucumber, Mint Mojito

1 ounce Light Rum
4 slices peeled seedless cucumber
6 to 8 mint leaves
1/2 lime, cut into wedges
1 packet unbleached sugar

chilled green tea

In a tall glass, muddle together the cucumber, limes, mint and sugar. Add to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add rum and shake. Fill glass with crushed ice, return mixture to glass and top with green tea. Garnish with a slice of cucumber.

Citrus Gin Cocktail

1 ounce Dry Gin

splash Club Soda

½ teaspoon powdered sugar
slice of fresh tangerine

Slice of fresh lemon

Slice of fresh lime

3 lemon basil leaves

Muddle citrus slices, basil, powdered sugar and club soda in a rocks glass. Add ice. Add gin and soda to taste. This works equally well as a short or long drink. Stir.

Avocado Tequila Smoothie

½ an avocado, peeled, seeded and cubed

1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice

 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 cup crushed ice

1 1/2 oz silver tequila

1 wedge lime, for garnish

Blend all ingredients except in a blender until smooth.

Watermelon Punch

6 cups puréed watermelon

1/2 teaspoon spearmint, chopped
1 3 oz. can frozen limeade
6 cups vodka
1 liter chilled club soda
Watermelon wedges, for garnish

Mix ingredients together until the limeade is completely incorporated. Garnish with watermelon wedges.

Green Tea Martini (taken from the Zen Green Tea Liqueur Recipe Book)

1 oz  Zen Green Tea Liqueur 
1 oz -Vodka
5 oz  White Cranberry Juice
Rosemary stick

Mix ingredients over ice in a shaker. Strain into chilled martini glasses.

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