Summer Refreshments

We can’t believe how quickly summer crept up on us. This was the first official week and WOW it was a hot one! Looks like it’s time for some refreshing cocktails to cool us down a bit. Whether you are a vodka or rum drinker we have a selection of two amazing cocktail recipes for you to try.

One of our favorite vodka drinks is the “L.A. Story”. This cocktail is our definition of California living. Cool, beachy and fresh with quenching tastes of cucumber and celery. Lightly sweetened with a twist of lime to balance all of these flavors.

2 oz. Vodka

½ oz. Celery

1 ½ part Cucumber

½ oz. Lime Juice

1 oz. Simple Syrup

Cucumber Garnish

To prepare this cocktail it is important to have the freshest ingredients. That is why the Haute Chef kitchen always uses local and seasonal produce. The first step in this recipe is to juice the amount of celery and cucumber that the recipe calls for. This can either be purchased at your local juicery or it can be made at home. Then measure out 2 oz. of your favorite Vodka and add this to the cocktail shaker. We prefer to use the Absolute Elix Vodka for the L.A. Story. Now that you have the freshly prepared juices you can add these next with a squeeze of a lime. To top it off you want to then measure out ¾ part simple syrup to the shaker for just the right amount of sweetness. Add ice and shake it up! Pour into a stylish glass and garnish with freshly sliced cucumber. Last but not least take a sip and enjoy. ;)

For our next signature summer cocktail, we have a Brazil inspired drink named an “Evening in Bahia”. If you haven’t been to Bahia it might need to be your next vacation spot. Beautiful beaches and the turquoise ocean surrounding it’s shores, it might be the perfect spot to be sipping on this drink.

½ oz. Simple Syrup

1 ½ oz. Rum

¾ oz. Campari

1 ½ oz. Pineapple Juice

½ oz. Lime Juice

Dehydrated Pineapple Garnish

First you want to add ice to the shaker or mixing glass. Pour in the simple syrup, your choice of rum, the Campari, the freshly juiced pineapple and lime. If you haven’t tried Campari before it is an alcoholic liqueur and bitter, obtained from the infusion of herbs and fruit. Shake for about 30 seconds and strain into glass. The “Evening in Bahia” is so tasty with it’s first few sips of the frothy flavors of pineapple, lime, and the bitters. Lastly you want to garnish this cocktail with a piece of dehydrated pineapple. This not only looks beautiful but it is a tasty treat to save for the end!