We have all seen them, either on TV or while setting in a restaurant, those drinks that just look like summer. They have a refreshing, thirst quenching look that makes them very appealing to the eye and most of the ones I have tried have the same appeal to the taste buds. What gives them that summer look and appeal? I believe it is the fresh fruit and green herbs floating in the icy liquid. So what does it take to create those summer drink recipes for your next summer gathering or simple cookout?
An ingredient in many drink recipes is simple syrup. Make your own simple syrup and spice it up with fresh herbs. Just like infusing herbs with oil or vinegar you can infuse them into simple syrup. It is quick and easy to make and your spiced simple syrup cannot only be used in your favorite summer drink recipes but it can also be used to sweeten tea.
Simple syrup recipe (with spice):
- 2 cups sugar (or baking quality artificial sweetener)
- 2 cups water
- Herb of choice (1 cup Basil or Mint or Lemon Verbena or 3 sprigs Rosemary are only some of the choices)
Tip: Use fewer herbs if you select ones with a more powerful taste, such as Rosemary.
Directions:
Combine the sugar and herbs; use a muddler to crush the herb into the sugar. This releases the oils from the herbs and gives the syrup flavor. In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar/herb mixture, bring to a slow boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool and then strain. Your simple syrup can now be refrigerated and kept for about a month.
Most summer drink recipes can be made with or without alcohol so the recipes can be used to satisfy all your guests. The classic recipes for several of the drinks call for alcohol but I have tried many of them without and they are still very tasty. Have you ever tried a non-alcoholic Mojito? It is really just sparkling mint limeade and is quite tasty. You can adjust any of the recipes by not adding or omitting the alcohol.
Basil Lemonade:
- 2 cups lemon juice (approx. 15 lemons if squeezing fresh)
- 2 cups Basil Simple Syrup
- Water or sparkling water to taste (start with 2 cups and add more if needed)
Directions:
Combine ingredients and refrigerate. Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves and lemon twist.
Mojito:
- 6 tablespoons lime juice (approx. 1 lime if squeezing fresh)
- 8 large mint leaves
- 4 Tablespoons sugar
- 2-3 ounce of light rum
- Club soda
Directions:
In a glass, combine the mint leaves, sugar and lime juice with a muddler. (Mint simple syrup can be used in place of the sugar and mint leaves-start with 4 Tablespoons and add more until desired sweetness.) Add ice, rum, club soda and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Tip: Change up your mojitos by adding fruit. Combine a fresh fruit puree (strawberries, melon, etc.) by using a food processor to reduce the fruit to pulp, strain out any of larger pieces of fruit that remain. Mix the fruit puree in with the other ingredients prior to adding the club soda.
Herb Soda:
- 3-4 Tablespoons Simple Syrup infused with your choice of herb (see recipe)
- Fresh herbs leaves or sprigs for garnish
- Splash of lemon juice
- Sparkling water or club soda
Directions:
Fill glasses with ice; add lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda (or sparkling water) and stir. Add fresh herbs for garnish.
So now you know what to do to wow your guests with attractive and tasty summer drink recipes. Get creative and create some of your very own by combining some of these recipes and tips with some of your own.