Holding on to Summer Libations

    Labor Day Weekend has come and gone and, for many people, this means Fall has officially arrived. My social media is exploding with images of Triangle area residents and their pumpkins, sweaters, festive candles, and all things cozy. Let me remind you that the official start of Fall for 2019 is September 23 and of course the forecast here in the Raleigh/Wake Forest/Durham area is showing highs in the upper 80s with no signs of letting up. No need to transition your wardrobe and make pool days a thing of the past. For those of us who love summer we get to relish in the season for a little while longer. On that note, summer is one of my favorite seasons for cocktails. Summer cocktails often lend themselves to a bright, refreshing palate and they usually burst with color that matches the season. With that being said,I’d like to share two of my favorite drinks that pair well with that cute one-piece bathing suit, flamingo pool float, and evenings spent on the back porch. Enjoy!

Aperol Spritz
Served as an aperitif, this classic Italian cocktail offers bittersweet orange notes and is refreshingly fizzy. I should also mention the color alone is reminiscent of a beautiful summer sunset. Simply pour the ingredients over ice in a wine glass and garnish with an orange slice; try it side-by-side with green olives for a unique flavor experience.
    3 ounces Aperol
    3 ounces dry Prosecco
    1 ounce club soda
    Ice
    Orange slice, for garnish

Cucumber Gimlet
Refreshingly cool and the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon on the porch with friends. Pour gin, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice over ice in a shaker. Add cucumber pieces. Shake, shake, shake, and shake a little more. Strain into a martini- style cocktail glass and garnish with a slice of cucumber.
    1.5 ounces Hendrick’s Gin (preferred brand for its floral flavor profile)
    1 ounce St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
    1 ounce lime juice
    1 2” piece cucumber, cut into chunks
    Ice
    Cucumber slice, for garnish

If you try one of these delicious drinks let me know what you think! 

Kelly Gilliam
Buyer Specialist
kelly.welcometocarolina.com