Hi there, guys and dolls!  I’ve got some exciting news coming up — DEATH OF A BEAUTY QUEEN (the follow-up to STRANGLED BY SILK) is almost ready!  Patricia Rockwell of Cozy Cat Press, my fantastic publisher has been working hard to get our novel and the rest of her cool cats’ books just right  Trust me, you’ll all be the first to know.  But in the meantime, the long weekends filled with golden hours are coming up, and a good time to relax and be my social butterfly self while I get ready to talk about all my Santa Lucia set’s latest tale of mystery.  Here are a few of my favorite summertime refreshments (in no particular order) that are sure to put the swizzle in your stick!

Death in the Afternoon — Now what kind of writer would I be if I did not have a literary reference here?  Especially being that it was inspired by Hemingway, who also had a great fondness for Daiquiris.  Besides, it starts off the party early — a quiet spot, a great book, a sip or two before joining the ‘in’ crowd.

DEATH IN THE AFTERNOON

1 1/2 oz. Absinthe

4 1/2 oz. chilled Champagne

Pour Absinthe into a Champagne flute or coupe.  Top with Champagne.  Let the games begin!

Sidecar — It’s always fun to be along for the ride!  All snuggled in beside a handsome man daring man commanding a motorcycle, sunglasses on, a gay scarf wrapped around your helmet, arriving to the shindig in style.  Oh, yes, and the drink too!

SIDECAR

1 1/2 oz. Cognac

1 oz. Cointreau

1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Orange wedge or lemon twist for garnish

If desired, rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar (I personally find it sticks to my lipstick, so I don’t, it also cuts calories :-)).  Pour Cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice into an ice filled cocktail shaker and do a little shimmy.  Strain contents into your glass, garnish with the citrus to make it pretty and enjoy!

Cuba Libre — Well, who doesn’t want to liberate Cuba?  Now I’m not going to go into politics (I may be that sort of girl, but I am not that sort of girl — take your time, I know you’ll figure it out) but what I will say is Cuba is charming — the people, the food, the music, and of course, rum and cigars!  Why it’s just a party happening waiting for us to join.

CUBA LIBRE

2 oz. rum (pick your pleasure, personally I like the kick of spiced or dark, but tradition has it as a light)

1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice

Handful of ice

Lime wedge

2 – 3 oz. Cola

Combine rum and lime juice into a highball glass.  Add ice, lime wedge and pour in the Cola.  Sip away!

Mint Julep — I thought I would add a little post derby, southern sophistication.  Mint is such a refresher on these hot, wilty days and nights to come.  If  a Julep cup is not around, an old fashioned glass will do just nicely.  Who knows?  It might even be the secret to California Chrome’s success!

MINT JULEP

8 mint leaves (spearmint’s my favorite, but peppermint is nice, too)

1/2 oz. simple syrup (that’s half water, half sugar dissolved)

2 1/2 oz. Bourbon

Crushed ice

Mint Sprig

In a Julep cup or old fashioned glass, place mint leaves and syrup.  Muddled together to release the mint essence.  Add the Bourbon and a scoop of crushed ice.  Stir to mix, then top up with more ice and the mint sprig.  Mix and mingle till the cup or glass is frosted and your hand is cold.  There you go!

Pink Lady — Now you didn’t seriously think I could not mention the color pink or being a lady in this post, did you?  Why it’s laced with gin, fun, frothy and pink.  What is there not to like?  Throw in a tall, dark and handsome bartender and I know my plans how to end the evening ;-)….

PINK LADY

1 1/2 oz. Gin

1 tsp.  Grenadine

1 tsp. light cream

1 egg white

Crushed ice

Combine everything into a chilled cocktail shaker.  Flirt with the bartender long enough to bring a little color to his cheeks.  Then have him strain and pour the contents into a chilled cocktail glass.  Tilt your head, smile coquettishly, wink and drink!

Now of course I could go on — heaven’s sakes, I haven’t even started in on the Martini variations, and what about Tequila Sunrises, Champagne Cocktails, Mai Tais?  Sigh — so many drinks, so little time.  Just remember, be sure to pace yourself and know your kitten heeled limits.  Fun’s fun and don’t you want to remember these delightful times — I sure do!

Toodles,

Barbara Jean