Refreshing Summer Sips

From crafting colorful and refreshing drinks to experimenting with seasonal fruits and herbs, the process of summertime mixology is a delightful adventure. We test recipes in some of the prettiest Cambria kitchens so you can share and enjoy the best handcrafted concoctions in yours. Here are a few drink recipe selections sure to add to the pleasure of your summer season.

Expand your citrus palate when fresh blood oranges make a brief but spectacular appearance at farmers’ markets, produce stands, and supermarkets. Buy a couple dozen of these rare, rosy-hued jewels and an equal number of limes and invite the neighbors over for an impromptu pitcher (or two) of blood orange margaritas. While there’s no wrong way to make a margarita, here’s our favorite recipe.

Editor’s Note: If you can’t find fresh blood oranges, use regular fresh juice oranges and add an extra splash of fresh lime juice to taste.

Blood Orange Margaritas

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 12 blood oranges, squeezed to make 1 quart of juice
• 12 limes, squeezed to make 1½ cups of juice
• 3½ cups of top quality silver tequila
• 1½ cups of top quality orange-flavored liqueur or agave syrup
• 1 blood orange, cut into thin slices
• 1 lime, cut into thin slices

For the glass:

• Juice of 1 blood orange
• Coarse salt

Directions:
In a large clear glass pitcher, combine juices, tequila, and liqueur or agave syrup. Add orange and lime slices and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
While the margarita mix is chilling, prepare the glasses. Cover a small plate with coarse salt. Pour the blood orange juice into a shallow bowl. Dip the rim of each glass into the juice and then into the salt. Twist gently until the rims are coated with salt and set aside. When it’s cocktail time, stir the margarita mix and add ice. Strain the margarita mix into each glass or serve on the rocks.

Grapefruit Mojitos

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. fine sugar
• 1 fresh lime, cut into 8 wedges
• 1 fresh ruby red grapefruit, cut into quarters
• 4 sprigs mint
• ½ cup white rum
• 2 cups club soda
• 2 cups crushed ice
• Splash of champagne (optional)

Directions:
Start by dividing the fine sugar equally between two 12-ounce glasses. Squeeze juice from the lime and grapefruit into a bowl, then filter through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds and pulp. Divide the juice between each glass, then top with two sprigs of mint per serving. Using a muddler or spoon, mash the sugar, juice, and mint together in the bottom of the glass. Fill each glass halfway with crushed ice. Add rum and club soda, then stir. Top each mojito with a splash of champagne, if desired. Garnish with a thinly cut lime wedge or grapefruit slice and enjoy.

Cocktails known as bucks get their kick from ginger beer, ginger ale, or fruit juice combined with your favorite base liquor.

Guava Basil Buck

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. vodka
• 8 oz. guava nectar
• 12 oz. ginger beer
• 4 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 4 basil leaves (plus more for garnish)
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedges for garnish

Directions:
Fill four cocktail glasses with ice. Pour 2 oz. vodka, 2 oz. guava nectar, and 3 oz. ginger beer into each glass. Squeeze a Tbsp. of lime juice into each glass and drop in a basil leaf. Stir and then serve with more basil leaves and lime wedges. Enjoy!