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Features
Warm and Fuzzy
Raise a toast to the spring-to-summer transition
By: Alicia Kelso
by Alicia Kelso
Who says Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year? You can’t picnic comfortably in December. Mom and Dad aren’t treated to their own special days. In fact, their stress levels during the holidays are off the charts.
Besides, who wants to raise a toast with an ice cold beverage when there’s snow on the ground? This time of year – deep in the heart of spring and awaiting summer’s arrival – is far more fun, exciting and … spirited!
“The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” is May 1 this year, and what better way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby than with its official signature drink – a crisp, cool Mint Julep?
4 fresh mint sprigs
2½ ounces bourbon whiskey
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
2 teaspoons water
Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar and water in a Collins glass. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add bourbon. Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
While the country’s best Thoroughbreds are running for the roses, grab yourself a Rose Cocktail and cheer them on.
½ ounce dry vermouth
1 ounce gin
½ ounce apricot brandy
½ teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon grenadine syrup
Powdered sugar
Cover cocktail glass rim with lemon juice and dip into powdered sugar. Shake vermouth, gin, brandy, lemon juice and grenadine with ice, strain and serve.
May 1 is also “May Day,” celebrated in many countries to acknowledge labor workers as well as the arrival of spring. Mix up a Mayday to honor the fruits of your own labor.
1 ounce spiced rum
1 ounce Sour Apple Pucker schnapps
1 ounce cranberry juice
Mix ingredients with ice and strain into a shot glass.
‘Tis the season to reacquaint yourself with your blender, especially for frozen margaritas to mark Cinco de Mayo (May 5), a day commemorating the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. If you’d like to serve something a little more unique, however, try a Mexi-tini.
1 ounce Van Gogh Oranje Vodka
1 ounce tequila
½ ounce orange juice
orange slice for garnish
Mix ingredients and add crushed ice, shake. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with orange slice.
There’s also the very simple (and appropriately named) Cinco de Mayo.
2½ ounces white tequila
1 ounce grenadine syrup
1 ounce lime juice
Shake well with ice and strain into glass.
BONUS: If you don’t feel like dirtying up the kitchen, head to Polaris’ Cantina Laredo for a fun-inducing Cinco ‘Rita, made with a blend of five premium tequilas, fresh lime juice and agave nectar. Visit www.cantinalaredo.com.
May flowers should be collected specifically for Mom, as May 9 marks Mother’s Day. Present them along with a Kiss Your Mother drink.
3 ounces vodka
1 ½ ounces Blue Curacao liqueur
1 ½ ounces Chambord raspberry liqueur
5 ounces orange juice
5 ounces pineapple juice
Combine ingredients in a glass and serve. Ingredients should either appear layered or mixed up for a green effect.
Mother’s Day brunch wouldn’t be complete without a mimosa, but step things up a bit this year with a “ Momosa.”
5 ounces orange juice
5 ounces ginger ale
1 dash mango nectar
1 mandarin orange piece
Pour orange juice and ginger ale into a chilled glass. Add mango nectar and stir. Garnish with speared mandarin orange piece and serve.
While enjoying the day off and cooking out, don’t forget to remember what Memorial Day (May 31) is all about – remembering those who fought and died while serving in the military. Keep that prideful patriotism going through June 14 (and beyond) for Flag Day. For the occasions, serve up an American Flag.
1/3 ounce grenadine syrup
1/3 ounce crème de cacao
1/3 ounce Blue Curacao liqueur
If properly prepared, this shot will be red, white and blue. First, pour the grenadine into the shot glass. Then add the crème de cacao, pouring slowly over a spoon. Finally, add the Blue Curacao with the same method.
Who doesn’t welcome the month of June with open arms? Vacations, sunshine, swimming, picnics, relaxation, festivals – this month has it all. Add a spark to your outdoor parties with a June Sparkle, served in a champagne flute.
3 ½ ounces Champagne
½ ounces strawberry liqueur
1 ounces pineapple juice
Garnish with a strawberry and serve.
Finally, we can’t forget dear old Dad. Father’s Day is about more than ties and cologne – serve him a well-deserved Big Daddy Woo Woo!
1 ounce aquavit (a flavored spirit made in Scandinavia)
½ cup hard cider
½ cup beer
Mix ingredients in a beer mug and enjoy.
Also be sure and thank Dad for all those times he willingly footed the bill with a Sugar Daddy.
1 ounce butterscotch schnapps
1 ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream
1 ounce Kahlua coffee liqueur
1 splash cream
Combine ingredients over ice and shake. Strain into a chilled glass.
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