We've got all seen them on TV or while sitting in a restaurant, those beverages that just seem like summertime. They have a refreshing, thirst-quenching appearance which makes them very attractive to the eye and the majority of the ones I have tried have the identical appeal to the taste buds.
What makes them that summer look and appeal? I believe it's the fresh fruit and green blossoms floating in the liquid. So what exactly does it take to create those summer drink recipes for your next summer gathering or simple cookout?
An ingredient in many drink recipes is easy syrup. Make your very own simple syrup and spice it up with fresh herbs. The same as infusing herbs with vinegar or oil you'll be able to infuse them into simple syrup. It's quick and easy to create and your spiced simple syrup cannot only be utilized on your favorite summer beverage recipes but it can also be used to sweeten tea.
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Simple syrup recipe (with spice):
* 2 cups sugar (or coconut quality synthetic sweetener)
* 2 cups of water
* Herb of selection (1 cup Basil or Mint or Lemon Verbena or 3 sprigs Rosemary are only a few of the choices)
Tip: Use fewer blossoms should you choose ones with a more effective flavor, for example, Rosemary.
Directions:
Combine the sugar and herbs; utilize a muddler to smash the herb into the sugar. This releases the oils from the herbs and provides the syrup taste. In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar/herb mixture, bring to a boil and stir till the sugar has dissolved. Permit the syrup to cool and then strain. Your easy syrup can now be refrigerated and stored for about a month.
Most summer drink recipes can be produced with or without alcohol, so the recipes can be used to satisfy all your guests. The traditional recipes for several of those drinks call for alcohol but I have tried a lot of them without and they are still quite tasty. Have you ever attempted a non-alcoholic Mojito? It's really simply sparkling mint limeade and can be quite yummy. You can fix any of those recipes by not including or omitting 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)
Instructions :
Blend ingredients and refrigerate. Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves and a lemon twist.
Mojito:
* 6 tbsp lime juice (approx. 1 lime if squeezing fresh)
* 8 big mint leaves
* 4 Tablespoons sugar
* 2-3 ounce of light rum
* Club soda
Instructions:
In a glass, mix the mint leaves, sugar and lime juice with a muddler. (Mint simple syrup may be used in place of the mint and sugar leaves-start using 4 Tablespoons and include more until desired sweetness.) Add ice, rum, club soda and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Tip: Change your mojitos by adding fruit. Combine fresh fruit puree (strawberries, melon, etc.) by simply using a food processor to decrease the fruit to the pulp, then strain out some of larger pieces of fruit which 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 selection of an herb (see recipe)
* Fresh herbs leave or sprigs for garnish
* Splash of lemon juice
* Sparkling water or club soda
Directions:
Fill glasses with ice; include lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda (or sparkling water) and stir. Add fresh herbs for garnish.
So now you understand what to do to wow your visitors with attractive and tasty summer beverage recipes. Get creative and create some of your very own by combining some of those recipes and suggestions with some of your own.