Topic: summer drinks

Summer Thirst Quencher: Michelada Spicy Beer Cocktail

Summer Thirst Quencher: Michelada Spicy Beer Cocktail

The Michelada, a Mexican and Latin American beer cocktail (of which there are many variations) is made with beer, lime juice, salt, assorted spices and peppers, and sometimes tomato or clam juice. That might not sound terribly appetizing, but give one a try before summer ends, if you get a chance, and you may be pleasantly surprised. The Micheladas I’ve had have been spicy, a bit tart and totally refreshing. In Mexico, Micheladas are considered a good hangover remedy, and consumed like we do Bloody Mary’s. Because it’s a cocktail sans liquor, it’s got a relatively low alcohol content. If you’re a beer drinker, it’s a nice way to give your drink of choice a little zing (and nutrient value). More »

Summer Thirst Quencher: Gin & (Tomato) Juice

Summer Thirst Quencher: Gin & (Tomato) Juice

Summer brunch? Impress guests with your ingenuity by substituting this gin and tomato juice highball for your standard Bloody Mary. I tried this last night, and it may be my new favorite drink. Unlike vodka, which is relatively tasteless and just sort of blends into the tomato juice, the sweetness of gin actually complements it. So good and healthy tasting, you’ll have to remind yourself there’s actually alcohol involved… More »

Summer Thirst Quencher: Spiced Bourbon Honey Iced Tea

Summer Thirst Quencher: Spiced Bourbon Honey Iced Tea

I was going to post this tomorrow, but if you’re in a part of the country that’s in the midst of a heat wave right now (it’s 96 degrees where I am, with a heat index of about 115), you might appreciate this thirst-quenching (and not-so-unhealthy) spiced bourbon and honey iced tea right now. We’ve been making it by the gallon around here, because it’s easy to make and just right for hot summer evenings (just remember in the morning that there’s bourbon in it; we’ve had mishaps…). More »

Summer Thirst Quencher: Barley Water

Summer Thirst Quencher: Barley Water

I have to admit, when I first read about barley water I couldn’t imagine it being any good. But I was curious. The beverage has a long and storied history, and it’s still served to tennis players at Wimbleton today. Barley itself is a good source of protein, fiber, magnesium and antioxidants. Barley water has all sorts of alleged health benefits, but I couldn’t find anything concrete (even the National Barley Foods Council – yes, that exists – had no info on whether the water took on any of the nutritional properties of the grain soaking in it). But as a refreshing summer alternative to lemonade or iced tea, though — I dig it. And the novelty factor would make it fun for serving at daytime summer gatherings (with or without the gin). More »