Ahh, a week at the beach… the to-do list is short: Tennis, lounging in the sand, swimming and pondering what to eat and what to drink. With the summer produce at its peak, every drink starts at the local farm stand and finishes with a splash of St. Germain. This sweet French liqueur, it is made from elderberry flowers which has lovely elements of peach, grapefruit, orange and pear so it is a natural choice for any fruit based drink.
Pineapple, Peach and Ruby Red Grapefruit
1 quarter fresh pineapple cut into chunks, skin and core removed
2 peaches cut into chunks, skin and pit removed
1 cup ruby red grapefruit juice
juice of one lime and zest
sugar to taste
In a blender combine the pineapple, peach and ruby red and blend until smooth
Add sugar to taste
For each drink combine over ice
1/2 cup fruit puree
1 oz vodka
1/2 oz St. Germain
Top with a slice of Lime
The Plum Duck
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3 plums, cut into wedges, pit removed
juice of 3 lemons, plus thin slices for garnish
In a sauce pan, combine the plums, water and sugar and bring to a boil
Simmer for about 3 minutes and stir – be careful not to let it boil over
Let the mixture cool, then put in a blender and blend until smooth
For each drink combine over ice:
3 Tbs plum puree
1 Tsp lemon juice
1/2 oz St. Germain
1 oz vodka
Top with club soda and a lemon slice