Sip, swig and safe
There is a frost in the air
A need for cozy
A desire for something warm and silky
And yet, refreshing to sip.
Here we are, I have just the drink for you!
Summer to Fall - Poptail Crush
Here is how I see it. All Summer you want things cold and frozen. There popsicles are perfect for them. Then, sets Fall, when it is not quite cold enough for hot toddys and certainly not warm for a brain freeze. Now, it is time for Poptails!
A poptail by my definition is a drink where the shaved ice pops form the base flavor of the drink. The fruit combinations are heady in of themselves and the already frozen concoctions draw out the flavor through the course of the drink. Unlike muddled fruit, they don't settle to the bottom but rise up effervescently as you sip along.
Cocktail: Naughty Royaltea with DIY Earl Grey Gin
Recently, when I was pondering about this topic of making time, it struck me that alcohol has been a time tested resource for unwinding and collaboration offering that un-prejudiced social lubricant. Looking back, I realised that tea for the privileged, whether be it the czars of Russia, Lords of Britain or the billionaires of UES, seems to have been less about the leaf tea and more (always) about spirits, from champagne to vodka to everything in between.
It seemed rather a no-brainer that my next tea concept had to have alcohol. But, I didn't want it to be just another cocktail hour. I had to have a connection with the tea itself. When a friend suggested tea flavored gin, the concept stuck with force!
So, I started with home infused Earl Grey Gin and finished with my favorite 5 pm cocktail with soda and lots of lime!
Sumac and Mint Marinated Goat's Cheese
For me Summer heralds a not-so-subtle switch in lifestyle. Outdoor fun, roof top gatherings, long long days for long long amusements, days when you can be dine with work and still have time to play in the light! More, importantly though, this is season, I become more vegetable focuses, swept away by the abundance of variety and richness of flavor that marks this season.
I also start my herb garden and distinctly look forward to using as much of it as possible. The sweet distinct aromas that simply make the dish from ordinary to elegant. This is my joy.
Today's recipe was one such inspiration I stumbled upon through Jul's blog. As you can see from her and my creations, it is an all weather recipe using the best herbs of the season. However, the line that struck a chord with me was that the flavors of fresh goat cheese is akin to lamb. In fact, that is why it makes so much sense to pair them as is often done.
MEMORIAL MOJITOS
Memorable Maple Mint Mojitos for Memorial Day. There! I have a tongue twister to play this weekend with your friends while you sip on this deliciously refreshing and deceptively unbenign cocktail....
I think that is enough said. Excuse me, while I go make myself one. Oh! and do please feel free to get comfortable and browse around. Did you say you would like one too? Coming right up!
Cheers mate!