Beverages

Peach Lemonade

Yes, I know it is soooooooo super-easy to keep a container of Crystal Light or Country Time in your cabinet, put a scoop in a pitcher with some water and pour yourself a glass of lemonade in a few short minutes.  But let’s be honest, lemonade mix doesn’t hold a candle to an ice-cold lemonade made from freshly squeezed lemons, does it?  This homemade lemonade, Peach Lemonade, might take a little longer than lemonade from a mix but it’s so much better.  And on a nice spring day, fresh peaches and freshly squeezed lemonade are a perfect little marriage.

Peaches are simmered in water with sugar, blended, and strained, leaving a perfectly sweet, peachy syrup.  Fresh lemon juice is added and voilà!  Peach Lemonade!  The peach flavor is subtle in this thirst-quenching drink which would be perfect on a warm summer day or spiked with a little vodka or rum.  Afterall, when life gives you peaches and lemons, make peach lemonade.  Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

The ingredients:

Bring water, sugar, and chopped peaches to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.  Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes.

Place peach mixture in a blender and let stand for 20 minutes, allowing mixture to cool slightly.  Remove center piece of blender lid and place a clean towel over the opening.  Blend until smooth and pour into a large bowl.  Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. 

Press peach mixture through a sieve over a bowl, reserving liquid; discard solids.    

Stir in lemon juice.

Serve over ice and garnish with a peach wedge.

Additons:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:  None

Overall Rating:  Love It

Source:  Cooking Light Magazine

Sangria Bonita

Sangria is one of my favorite cocktails because it’s not limited to any particular season and can be enjoyed year-round. Red wine sangria with stone fruit or apples is great for fall and winter while white wine sangria with citrus or berries is great for spring and summer.

This Sangria Bonita is a light, fresh white wine sangria that, instead of being weighed down by fruit juice, is lightened up with a little bit of orange liqueur and sparkling water. A pretty tossing in of colorful limes, lemons, oranges, and raspberries make this a picture perfect cocktail. I used Pinot Grigio but if you prefer a drier wine, consider Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Also, use any of your favorite spring or summer fruits here. That’s the great thing about Sangria – you can throw in any wine, juice or fruit you want.  Bonita, indeed!

The ingredients:

Pour 1 bottle dry white wine into a pitcher and add in ½ cup orange liqueur, and 3 tablespoons sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Add in half a bottle of sparkling water.

Add slices of your favorite fruit. I used a mineola orange, lime, lemon, and a handful of fresh raspberries. Chill up to 1 hour before serving and garnish each serving with fresh mint if you like.

Additions:

  • Lemon slices

Omissions:

  • Mint

Substitutions:

  • Raspberries for strawberries

Overall Rating: Love It

Source: Coastal Living Magazine

Citrus Sangria

I know, it has been months since I’ve posted a cocktail on this blog. Shame on me! I’d like to say that it’s because I haven’t been drinking but anyone who knows me knows that’s just stupid. During the winter, I primarily drink red wine (it keeps me warm!) but now that the weather is getting warmer and the sun is cheerfully out, what better time to introduce a new cocktail? I’m in love with sangria and am willing to try just about any concoction out there. Hence, this Citrus Sangria. This is so unbelievably simple – just white Zinfandel, white grape juice and fruit. I’m not normally a white Zin fan but this sangria is incredibly light and refreshing, making it great for a brunch cocktail. Feel free to substitute the white Zinfandel with a fruity white wine (like Pinot Grigio) if you prefer. Have a great weekend everyone!

The ingredients:

Pour the entire bottle of white zinfandel into a pitcher.

Add in white grape juice.

Drop in slices of fresh oranges, lemons, and limes.

Additions: None

Omissions: None

Substitutions: None

Overall Rating: Like It

Source: Southern Living Magazine

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