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MY TWO FAVORITE SUMMER COCKTAILS

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If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you might have noticed I’m a bit of a frustrated bartender. At home or even at a friend’s house, I seem to be the guy with the cocktail shaker in his hands at every get together. Maybe I missed my calling??

I thought I would share my two favorite cocktails, one the perfect summer refresher; the other great for summer and also a year round classic.

Up first is my spin on a Gin and Tonic. I have always liked classic cocktails and when it comes to summertime, there is nothing more cooling and refreshing than this drink.

This is a great recipe if you’re entertaining a crowd as it serves at least 4, depending on your serving size.

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David’s Gin and Tonic for Four (or more!)

5 limes, room temperature

16 ounces of gin

Cracked ice

1 liter tonic water, chilled

Kneed 4 of the limes on a cutting board, then juice. Slice used rinds into thin strips.
In a large pitcher, combine gin and rinds, and muddle for two minutes. Add lime juice, and let stand for five minutes.
Fill pitcher halfway with ice. Slowly add tonic. Mix carefully, and pour into tall, chilled highball glasses. Garnish with lime rounds cut from the remaining lime.

Tip: try to use the best tonic water you can find. I like some of the artisanal tonics made by smaller makers or the ones imported from England. Might cost a bit more but you will use less and get more flavor.

And here’s a trick: If you don’t like your summer thirst quenchers too sweet, use half tonic and half club soda. Cuts down on the calories, too!

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When it comes to a Martini, I go classic, old school and it couldn’t be simpler to make. The key is top quality ingredients. I like a vodka that is made right here in Pennsylvania (using potatoes rather than grain) called Boyd and Blair. It has a wonderful flavor that I don’t find in traditional vodkas. Like the food we eat, I think supporting local, made in America, makers is very important. And these guys make a great product!

If you prefer Gin to Vodka, I recommend substituting Catoctin Creek Watershed Gin, a lovely organic Gin made not far from Pennsylvania, in Virginia.

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DAVID’S CLASSIC VODKA MARTINI

2 parts vodka

1 part very good quality Vermouth

Place both ingredients in a shaker, cover with ice and shake vigorously until icy cold. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with olives.

Unlike a gin and tonic, a martini is meant to be sipped slowly and pairs well with a savory snack, like mixed nuts or cheese.

Variations might include substituting olives with a hot pickled pepper (the hilariously named Pickle-tini!! I am not making this up!!!) or a pickled onion (known as a Gibson).

Another fun spin is adding a teaspoon or so of brine from the olive jar to the vodka before you shake. This is called a Dirty Martini.

You will love this! If my good friend Louise is visiting from Alabama, the olives get stuffed with blue cheese, her favorite! YUM!

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