3 SIMPLY CITRUS REFRESHMENTS
Paloma
Yield: 1 serving
Citrus like lemons, limes, and oranges begin to grow in the winter and stay until the end of spring. Grapefruit is no exception! This bittersweet fruit might have a reputation for being an ’80s diet fad, but it also makes for a crisp and refreshing spring alcoholic drink.
Although the Margarita may reign supreme as the most recognizable Mexican cocktail to Americans, a Paloma (pictured above) is equally as popular in Mexico and just about any cantina worth their salt has it on the menu. Meaning “dove” in Spanish, a Paloma has fresh grapefruit juice, salt, and good quality mezcal or tequila. Out of grapefruit? No problem! You can also use a grapefruit soda like Squirt or Fresca in place of grapefruit juice and sugar, but if you’re looking to celebrate the fresh bounty of spring, we prefer this recipe, using the juice of a fruit.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz of tequila or mezcal
- ½ oz. of lime juice
- 2 oz. of grapefruit juice
- 2 oz. of club soda
- 1 tsp. of sugar
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
Salt the rim of a highball glass with salt and grapefruit juice. Add 3 oz. of grapefruit juice, ½ oz. of lime juice, and 1 tsp. of sugar in the glass and stir until the sugar dissolves. Next, add 2 oz. of tequila or mezcal with ice. Top it off with 2 oz. of club soda and garnish with a lime wedge.
Apricot Bellini
Yield: 1 serving
A Bellini is traditionally made using white peaches, but spring is apricot’s time to shine! The Bellini was invented in the 1930’s at Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy, a favorite spot of Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. This Bellini is a simple cocktail that only uses 3 ingredients and is one of many perfect spring drinks to serve at an outdoor brunch with friends. Don’t forget to chill that Prosecco! Crescent ice in a bucket can chill a bottle of Prosecco in 20-30 minutes and makes for a fancy centerpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. of apricot puree
- 4 oz. of chilled prosecco
- cherry juice
- sugar to taste (optional)
Directions:
Pour 1 oz. of nectar into a champagne flute and top with 4 ounces of Prosecco. Add a dash of cherry juice for color.
French 75
Yield: 1 serving
The second of our spring cocktails uses sparkling wine or a bottle of champagne on ice if you want to stay true to its French roots. The French 75 may sound like something created for a fancy dinner party, but it gets its name from the Howitzer 75mm field gun used by soldiers during World War I. Rumor has it, the French 75 was so strong it packed the same punch as popular wartime weapon.
Don’t let its history fool you. The French 75 is an elegant drink, that should appeal to Gin lovers and sparkles and shines when mixed with fresh springtime lemons and a nice bottle of champagne. Although commonly served in a champagne flute or coupe glass, this drink was originally served in a highball. This drink requires a shaker, so you want good solid ice cubes that melt slowly to chill that gin! Dice Ice, will get that drink to a perfect temperature.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz. of gin
- ½ oz. of lemon juice
- ¼ oz. of simple syrup
- Top off with chilled Champagne
Directions:
Combine a good Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake until thoroughly mixed and strain into a glass. Top with chilled champagne and garnish with a lemon peel.
