Summer Cocktails, Edition 1

Summer gives us an incredible array of fresh produce, especially here in California.  Coupled with the warm weather and plethora of outdoor activities, nothing is more refreshing than a well crafted cocktail.  For some time now, I have been looking for ideas and inspiration to create some fun drinks.  It was a sunny, yet breezy day in Tahoe City when I found myself at the grocery store.  With ample time on my hands that afternoon I aimlessly went shopping for fresh produce.  In my cart landed a wide range of fruit, herbs and veggies.  Still with no plan, I set home with the mindset to play in the kitchen. 

While prepping some fruit and veggies for another dish, I came to the notion that I had an entire watermelon.  What does one person do with an entire watermelon if there is no picnic in the near future? As I was chopping away, my mind was spinning.  Suddenly a light bulb went on.  I saw mint, I saw chopped watermelon, and I saw my stick blender.  Rummaging through the bar, I found some great Tequila Blanca (Partida... thanks Katie!).  I then pulled out some Grand Marnier, Agave nectar, and a lime.  It was all coming together.

Stick blending the watermelon, a couple leaves of mint, the Grand Marnier, Tequila and half of a lime, a wonderfully consistent pink drink emerged.  After one taste, I knew I had something... but it was missing just a little pop.  That's when I found a can of club soda in the fridge. A floater of soda and this drink was marvelous.  Officially on the summer menu, let this drink be a great starter for your Summer BBQs!