SUMMER SIPPING
MUST KNOW
Patriotic Party Pitcher of Watermelon Margaritas No backyard BBQ or party is complete without fresh, sweet watermelon. A summertime favorite, adding it to an ice cold pitcher of Margaritas is bound to be a crowd pleaser. The patriotic fruit skewers will add a little spark to any celebration. Enjoy these all summer long! IN GR ED IEN TS For a Pitcher (5 – 6 servings)
• 1 ½ cups Tequila Blanco (also called Plato or Silver tequila) • 1/2 cup orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Cointreau • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 4 cups watermelon, chopped and deseeded • Simple syrup or agave nectar (optional for added sweetness)
Patriotic Garnish
• • • •
Wooden fruit skewers Star-shaped cookie cutter 3 – 4 large watermelon slices Fresh blueberries
• Kosher or sea salt (or any high quality coarse salt) • Lime wedges • Ice
D IR EC TIO N S
Place tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, seedless watermelon and a splash of simple syrup (optional) into a blender and give it a good whirl (this may require two batches depending on the size of your blender). After blending, strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer (to remove watermelon solids) into a pitcher, pressing the solids to get out as much liquid as possible. Cover the pitcher and place in refrigerator.
Red, White & Blue Sparkling Sangria ING RE DI E N TS
• • • • •
1 bottle dry white wine, chilled 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced 2 cups fresh blueberries 1 cup fresh raspberries 1/2 cup brandy or orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau) • 1 bottle sparkling white wine, chilled (such as cava or champagne) • 3 – 4 Granny Smith apples, sliced then cut into stars using star-shaped cookie cutter • Ice D IRECT I ON S
1. Add white wine, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and orange liqueur (or brandy) to a large pitcher. Gently stir; then cover and refrigerate for 1 - 4 hours* so that the flavors can meld. 2. When ready to serve the sangria, add the sparkling white wine, apples and a handful of ice into the pitcher. Stir gently then serve immediately over ice and enjoy! *Note: Chilling Time: Heads up - the longer the sangria sits, the redder it will likely become. If you prefer a whiter sangria, we recommend serving it immediately.
18
THE LIST MAGAZINE 917.559.7821
Patriotic Garnish
Cut watermelon into round slices - ideally you want the thickness of the slices to match the depth of your cookie cutter. Use your star cookie cutter to cut out stars from the watermelon rounds. Slide about 4-5 blueberries onto the pointed end of each skewer, then add the watermelon stars on top. Place fruit skewers on tray, cover with waxed paper and store in refrigerator until ready to serve. When ready to serve, rim your Margarita glasses (optional - but here is where you get the white!) with coarse Kosher or sea salt. Sprinkle a good amount of the salt onto a plate or shallow bowl. Make a small slit in lime wedge and run it around the tops of your glasses to wet the edges, then dip the tops of the glasses into the salt to coat the rims. Fill glasses with ice, then pour the prepared Margaritas into the glasses and garnish with fruit skewer. Cheers! When it comes to cocktailing, never forget the garnish! That final touch completes the look and often adds a flourish of flavor.
