Summertime = watermelon. I like it as a nice, plain fruit but I also like it in my dranks. Watermelon and tequila are a compatible pair, and our friends at Maestro Dobel tequila sent us a recipe truly exemplifying that. Pair your sweet melon with some pomegranate and lime for a hint of tart, plus a bit of agave to balance everything else, and you’re in summer heaven.
Okay, sorry, I’ll admit it. I’m kind of a Monica and I love cleaning, organizing, and getting rid of things. Last weekend I decided to clean out the fridge and go through my cupboards, a daunting task given the fact that I am a bit of a food hoarder. Not in the “gross, what is that sheath of mold around that Tupperware?!” way, but in the charming “Oh look at this rare spice, I should stockpile a container of it just in case!” kind of way.
Here are the most surprising discoveries I unearthed while in the throes of my mission:
Not one, not two, but three kinds of nutmeg. Why? WHYYY? How did this come to be? What do I even use nutmeg for? My squash soup, I guess. And various roasted vegetables. Maybe spice cookies sometimes? I don’t know, I don’t know. This is basically a lifetime supply.
Um. Random “souvenirs” from Australia? These are all like three years old and I totally had no idea they were still in my pantry. Maybe I had big plans for the port wine jell-o in the past, but clearly by this point all those dreams have been shattered.
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There is probably no cocktail with a less hardcore rep than the cosmopolitan. Not sure if it became this way because of Sex and the City or just due to bloggers making fun of it, but no self-respecting cocktail snob could ever order one with a straight face. But is that fair? Really, a cosmo is supposed to be just fresh lime (good), cranberry (not so rough-and-tumble, but not a horrible flavor either), and a ton of vodka. If made right, this shouldn’t be an embarrassing drink at all.
Urbana in Washington, D.C. is now making a cocktail that tries reclaims the cosmo, with spicy fall flavors, including ginger- and allspice-based liqueurs.
August is known for vacations. For hot, lazy days. And honestly, there’s really nothing better to do than get into some trouble. It’s fine. August is meant for mistakes.
Try this criminal cocktail from The Summit Bar in New York City.
Breaking The Law
1 oz Don Amado Reposado Mezcal
1 oz Dimmi Italian Cordial
3/4 oz Chipotle Agave
3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Seltzer
Lime Zest for Garnish
Method:
Muddle cucumber slice with orange bitters in a Collins (tall) glass. Using cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake spirits and lime juice, and strain into serving glass. Top with soda, and garnish with fresh lime zest.
Find more summer-y cocktail ideas in Endless Cocktails.
(Photo: Summit Bar)