Do Try This At Home

Summertime and the Drinkin’ is Easy

by Holly Tarson and photographs by Amber C. McPhail, May 26, 2011

Good-bye mountains of snow and fussy fancy indoor entertaining. “It’s summertime and the living is easy!” gushes Bruce Littlefield, quoting George Gershwin. A party maven and arbiter of American fun, Littlefield suggests our summer get-togethers should be just that. Easy. Because everyone wants to let their hair down and have a good time. One of his basic party principles is having an array of drinks ready for guests as they arrive. A selection of cold locally brewed beers like Keegan Ales is a great start. Add an inventive cocktail and you’ll strike just the right chord for summer fun.

A bounty of seasonal produce and ever-abundant herbs inspires mixologists up and down the Hudson River as they incorporate these flavors in their summertime drinks. Sally Rich, the “Bar Chef” at Karma Lounge in Poughkeepsie says, “Everybody is looking for something a little more eclectic and adventurous in the cocktail world.” Some of these adventurous cocktail creators have shared their warm-weather recipes. So don’t be shy. Do try this at home.

“Sangrias are always awesome, it’s a great barbeque cocktail,” notes Rich. Made a couple days ahead, a pickle jar filled with a Sangria of colorful seasonal fruit is a beautiful, low-maintenance “house beverage” for a party.

Super Summery White Sangria
Sally Rich, Karma Lounge in Poughkeepsie
2 Magnums of Sauvignon Blanc
1 32-oz. container of pure fruit nectar (peach, mango, or pear)
1 Cup Brandy
1/2 Cup Cointreau or Triple Sec
2 Cups Sour Mix
Dice up 5 cups of fresh citrus, fresh pear (skin removed), peaches and white grape halves.
Put it all in a large glass jar. Leave it in the fridge for 2 days, stirring every once in a while. Add 1/2 cup of Mint Simple Syrup.* Serve in a tall glass filled with ice, a few scoops of the fruit and garnish with a sprig of mint.

* Simple Syrup with Mint
Combine 2 parts sugar and 1 part water with some fresh mint.
Boil until it thickens. Strain and refrigerate.