Certain sense experiences – smells, tastes, sights – can be associated with specific memories and allow waves of nostalgia to wash over us. If we were the leading character in a sitcom, it is during these moments that we’d stare thoughtfully into space and the show would cut to some sort of hazy memory from a not so distant past. When I smell pumpkin spice I think of autumn. When I smell orange and cloves I think of Christmas. And when I smell a delicious mixture of cocktails I think of summer. Summer is the season of sitting on the beach/patio/balcony of a friends’ with a nice, cold beverage in your hand. Now, excuse me while I pause to stare into the distance, and let my moonshine memories montage reel play out (recipes included).
Porch Crawler
This beverage is not for the faint of heart (or liver), though it’s perfect if you’re still in that collegiate, co-ed frame of mind. In 3rd year of university my roommates and I filled a wheeled bucket with this delectable concoction to celebrate one of our birthdays. The day was filled with kite flying, bubble blowing, and leg-guitar solo’s to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird.
- Gin
- Vodka
- Light Beer
- Frozen Pink Lemonade
NOTE: This recipe will last you, and a larggggge group of people the majority of the daylight hours..
Mojito
The mojito is one of the most perfect cocktails ever created: sweet, tart, and very refreshing. The first time I had a mojito was with two gal pals on a trip to Montreal. It was after getting caught in a rain storm in old Montreal, and finding refuge in a restaurant. Having not eaten all day, our order was rather obscure: mojitos, nachos, sangria, and crème brûlée.
- White Rum
- Club Soda
- Limes
- Fresh Mint
- Sugar
Pimm’s Cup
My first encounter with Pimm’s could not have been more appropriate. I was on a back-packing blitzkrieg around Europe, and after unsuccessfully finding a pub in London that was open and serving jacket potatoes, we gave up and ordered a pitcher of Pimm’s. It was exactly what our weary bones needed. Not always an easy thing to track down in Canada, but when I do, I most certainly indulge.
- Pimm’s No. 1
- Ginger Ale or Lemon Lime Soda
- Orange
- Lemon
- Mint
- Cucumber
- Apple
Sangria
Sangria is my happy place. In the summer, whether it be on a patio or at a party, the drink I am most partial to is a tasty red, sangria. Easy to make, and oh-so-easy to toss down my gullet. There are so many fun occasions where my friends and I have made punch bowls of sangria and spent the day in the sun/hot tub/balcony havin’ a time. The following is what I’d put in my classic sangria, so not sure of quantities, just do it to your taste and let your worries drift away.
Recipe
- Jug of Carlo Rossi Red Wine (aka. Pirate Wine)
- Brandy
- Sprite-like drink
- Lemon
- Lime
- Orange
- Berries
- Apple
Rainbow Daddy
The greatest drink discovery ever made was by my friend Katie and myself. We’re not beer drinkers, so we could never partake in the consumption of the popular drink that combines 1/2 a beer and 1/2 a Smirnoff Ice – THE TURBO. However, on one fateful night, we had the epiphany to replace the beer with our favourite cider: Strongbow. Thus, the Rainbow Daddy was born. It is truly delicious and the perfect drink to indulge in before a summer music festival. Warning: Rainbow Daddies are notoriously stronger than they taste.
Recipe:
- 1/2 Can of Strongbow
- 1/2 Bottle of Smirnoff Ice
Now, as we approach a long weekend sure to be full of debauchery – REMEMBER- Please Drink Responsibly!
Image Sources: sitcomsonline.com, Truvia, Pimm’s, Strongbow, Smirnoff
the rêve head 