If you are tight on funds, but want to host a party like a Rockefeller, then purchase only the essentials and get the most out of not that much at all. One of the most versatile and well liked liquors is vodka. Vodka alone can create a bevy of summer cocktails. Purchase a good vodka, some of the better brands are; Stolichnaya, Absolut, Skyy, Svedka, Grey Goose, and Belvedere. Keep in mind the more times it has been distilled, the better you will feel tomorrow.
Some of the basics to get your bar ready:
1.) Simple Syrup: It’s so easy to make you will never run to the store for this again!
Equal parts sugar to water, start with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Combine sugar and water into a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, and then let cool. Once cooled pour into a pourable container; wine bottles, soda bottles, water bottles, even old (clean) ketchup or mustard bottles will work.
2.) Fresh Fruit: It’s a garnish, it’s a mixer, it’s fruit!
Summer is the season of fresh fruit, so maximize your cocktail parties potential by having a bountiful harvest as a bar staple. Some great fruits to cut and have ready are: watermelon, strawberries, lemons, limes, oranges, cherries, pineapple, grapefruit, kiwi, tomato and mango.
3.) Fresh Herbs and Spices
Pepper, mint, basil, lavender, ginger and salt, can add kick and savor to your cocktail.
A simple way to mix a fresco vodka drink is to fill a glass with ice add ½ to 1 ounce of simple syrup, throw in the fruit or your liking and pour in 2 ounces of vodka. For a little more kick, splash in some club soda and a sprig of mint. It’s cheap, easy, and very refreshing. For a spicier drink, squeeze the juice of a tomato into a glass of ice, add a splash of water, 2 ounces of vodka, a basil leaf, and a healthy pinch of pepper.
For a little more money you can take your summer vodka drinks to the next level.
Here are some of my favorites:
Tipsy Tea
2 ounces of Vodka (orange flavored if you have it, if not an throw an orange peel in with the pour)
6 ounces of Sweet Tea
Add Vodka and Sweet Tea to a tall glass of ice, stir, and garnish with an orange slice.
The Salty Dog
(Without the salt this sometimes referred to as a Greyhound, and purists will insist that a Salty Dog is made with Gin, however it is commonly made with either liquor.)
2 ounces of Vodka
4 ounces of Grapefruit Juice
¼. Garnish with any citrus fruit or cherries.
Party Punch
This is for the host or hostess that would rather not be behind a bar. Just mix and guests can grab a ladle and serve themselves.
6 oz. frozen orange juice
12 oz. lemonade
18 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice
18 oz. cranberry juice
18 oz. vodka
12 oz. Club Soda
Mixed frozen fruit for ice block or ring; blueberries, strawberries, melon balls, etc.
Mix together all ingredients except vodka and club soda (this can be done in advance.)
When ready to serve add vodka and club soda.
Pour into a punch bowl over ice block.
(The day before put frozen fruit into a suitable-sized container, either block or ring shaped; fill with water and freeze.)
Makes 21 (4 ounce) or 14 (6 ounce) servings.
Lavender Infused Blueberry Lemonade
This one gets the vote for the most high maintenance, but make this one for your guests and revel in the awe that is casted upon you.
For one cocktail you will need:
1 tablespoon of lavender infused simple syrup.
(To make this you will need a couple of tablespoons of simple syrup and a bottle of food grade Lavender essential oil. Add a few drops of the lavender oil into the syrup to taste, a little goes a long way so really, just a few drops.)
The juice of one very fresh Meyer Lemon
1 1/2 ounces of vodka
1 tablespoon of blueberry jam, sweetened with fruit juice
(Or if you have a blender, add a ½ cup of fresh blueberries with ½ a teaspoon of sugar and puree.)Approximately 2 ounces of blueberry soda, something like an Izzy soda will work.
Place all of the ingredients into a shaker with some very hard ice and shake for about a minute or until very cold. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a fresh sprig of Lavender and a long pick that you’ve threaded with some very juicy blueberries.
And remember to be safe and be merry! Salud!
Cited Sources:
www.epicurious.com
www.bellaonline.com
