Summer Cocktail Salsa
Here are some DIY refreshing summer cocktails made with fruit punches and having an interesting history to it
The scorching heat of June might be draining out most of the energy. While staying in your air-conditioned cocoons is a good option, why not refresh yourself and give your body a kick with chilled alcoholic beverages? We have got you covered with some of the easiest to make cocktails that will leave you funky fresh on a lazy afternoon. They go well with your crispy brunch and snacks or you can have them during your evening camaraderie with your family and friends. These DIY drinks are also punched with the goodness of seasonal fruits so do not shy away from trying something new this summer that also has a tinch of healthy ingredients. Moreover, some of the cocktails have an intriguing history like the Moscow Mule which dates back to 1940’s. So we let you revel in leisure reading about these cocktails and how you can try them at home.
Blackberry Moscow Mule
This revitalizing drink is primarily made by combining spicy ginger beer with lime and vodka. You’d be fascinated to know that the first Moscow Mule was served in limited edition copper mugs brought from Russia. So the story goes like this: Moscow Mule was created accidentally by a bartender named Wes Price who, one day, was cleaning his basement to get rid of ginger beer and cases of Smirnoff vodka. As a result, he got the brilliant idea of combining the two. Later the drink was served to actor Broderick Crawford that caused a frenzy and craze for the drink. Another interesting fact is that the drink is served in unique copper mugs that were reportedly purchased from a Russian immigrant Sophie Berezinski who had come to America to sell the collection of her 2000 mugs that she inherited from her father during 1940's. Since then, copper mugs have added uniqueness to its presentation. Now, coming to a customizable version, one can make Blackberry Moscow Mule for a fruity punch. blackberries are rich in vitamin C and K, fibre, manganese and improves brain health. So get started by making your own version of a historical drink!
Time taken: 10 minutes
The first Moscow Mule was served in limited edition copper mugs brought from Russia.
Mango Hurricane
The hurricane is a tasty, consistent and refreshing drink combining rum, lime and red passion fruit. Those who are unversed with the story of the origin of the hurricane will be startled to know how it was a seedling of a creative business technique. It all dates back to 1940’s World War-II era when New Orleans tavern owner, Pat O’ Brien, faced a problem like many bar owners with the surplus of rum coming from the Caribbean Islands. Bar wonders were compelled to buy reportedly 50 cases of rum in order to procure 1 case of popular liquors like scotch and whiskey. So to deal with the rum surplus, Pat O Brien capitalized on it by coming up with an innovative business idea to sell rum in a different way in the form of Hurricane which now is a very popular summer drink in New Orleans. Again, you can interpret the recipe of this cocktail in your own way by using seasonal fruits like mango, in case you cannot find red passion fruit. The speciality of the drink is a hurricane glass that can fill in a good quantity as compared to other beverages that come in small glasses. So worry not about filling an extra glass! You can just chill and relax while sipping one for a longer time as you talk on calls, have an evening stroll in the garden or are just delved into leisure reading.
Time taken: 5 minutes
Watermelon Vodka
This is one of the easiest and quickest DIY drinks! You can avail watermelon from the market in summers and prepare this for your large family or gathering with friends. Watermelon is a cool and amazing fruit that hydrates the body, improves heart rate, skin and hairs and lowers inflammation that’s common in summers. All you need is to get the right mix of watermelon, vodka, mint, lime and chilled coconut water. The blend of Watermelon and coconut water will make it an even healthier punch ensuring that the drink is low on sugar and calories, unlike other fruity cocktails that are made of sweetened fruits. Enjoy this drink that perfectly quenches your thirst for a summery cocktail!
Time Taken: 5 minutes
Blueberry Ginger Mojito
If you are ready to prep this one, let us tell you it might take 20-25 minutes but it’d be worth the time. This inspiring drink is made by combining mainly ginger, sugar, blueberries, lime, mint, vodka, club soda. It’s tangy and sweet in flavour due to blueberries, lime, sugar and ginger and hence will kick you out of slumber for its refreshingly spicy flavour. Another thing is that it makes for a cool revitalizing summer drink for June and July. Moreover, blueberries come replete with nutrients like vitamin K, C, manganese, fibre that helps fight ageing and is a good anti-oxidant fruit so a drink based on that won’t be bad to try on! However, those who worry about calories must not go for it due to the sugar content. With these drinks, you can surely cherish summers by beating the sunny blues!
Time Taken: 20 minutes
From the July 2021 issue of FHM India.
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