You can thank the Lord that it ain’t me. I have, however, broken-out the short pants for the first time this Summer and the first time in a number of years. I have relegated the wearing of anything but long pants to women and children for years. My milky white legs are proof of that.
The long pants went into the laundry hamper and the shorts came out last week when we enjoyed a real scorcher of a week. I couldn’t handle it any more and along with the shorts came three Summer cocktails to keep me cool.
First and foremost: The Negroni
Besides being my “Summer Manhattan” the Negroni is a favorite among the experienced cocktail afficionados. It’s an aperitif cocktail that originates from Italy during the early part of the last century when the average Italian could use a good drink. It was derived from the Americano: Campari, Sweet Vermouth, and club soda. Instead of club soda, gin was substituted to ramp up the alcohol. Then – voila – the Negroni was born!! The Negroni is composed of equal parts Campari, Gin, and Sweet Vermouth. An orange peel is used for the garnish and is often “flamed.” The oils in the rind are expressed in front of a flame over the drink.
The next Summertime favorite is the ubiquitous Gin and Tonic. I shouldn’t have to explain how to make this classic, but throw some Gin over some ice and add some tonic on top and garnish with a lemon or lime wedge and your laughin’. Take this refreshing concoction a bit further and add some Fee Brothers’ Grapefruit bitters to the mix. It makes a refreshing beverage irresistable.
The third cocktail is the Caipirinha.
It’s the national cocktail of Brazil. It is traditionally composed of Cachaca (cane sugar rum), sugar, and lime. It doesn’t get more simple and satisfying than that!! To construct: muddle lime wedges and sugar in an old fashoined glass/rocks glass, add ice to the top, and add cachaca. Stir gently and serve. The lime is often substituted for a wide variety of fruits in Brazil, but I have yet to see any subsitutions stateside.
