Blood Orange & Vodka Fizz

It's really not cocktail season; which in my book is more like spring/summer only because it offers something cool and refreshing. Lately the weather has decided it really isn't January and therefore has warranted something quenching.

I picked up a bag of these lovely blood oranges on my Trader Joe's run.

You see where I am going with the photos?

An Absolut beauty :)

 Make one now!

Makes one cocktail:
1/4 cup fresh squeezed blood orange juice (about 3 tangerine sized blood oranges)
Absolut Mandrin Vodka (I am not going to dictate how much, but I used 1/3 cup)
Soda water (citrus flavored or regular)
Ice
Blood orange slices (optional)

Raspberry Smash

If you ever get a chance, have a Raspberry Smash at The Biltmore. It is the most refreshing drink on a summer's eve. Ah, if only I could escape there as often as I'd like too.

But since reality must set in, this is my version of that lovely cocktail when you don't want to pop open champagne for just one . . .

Muddle handful of raspberries with an ounce or maybe two of vodka. Hey don't judge! Some cocktail glasses are bigger than others. ; )
Add a litte splash of sparkling french berry lemonade and ice.
Get your shake on.
Strain into cocktail glass and top off with more lemonade. The amount will vary upon your desire of a stiff drink or not.
Top with raspberry and sprig of mint.

*For the true Biltmore Raspberry splash, click here.

Strawberry Mojito

David loves a good Mojito. Now that's silly - who loves a bad Mojito? Anyway I, on the other hand, have taken a little more time acquiring the taste for these rum concoctions. I think it's because not all Mojitos taste the same. I know I'm not the only soul who thinks it's VERY disappointing when your cocktail just doesn't taste the way you want it! So frustrating. Therefore what better way to guarantee a yummy cocktail each time than to make it yourself!

Farmer's market strawberries and fresh mint make for a fab Mojito!

Mojito Muddlins' (makes one cocktail):
5 strawberries
5 fresh mint leaves (you can taper to your desires)
Agave Nectar (amount depends on your sweet thermometer - I squeezed in about a teaspoon)
1/2 lime
2 ounces light rum
soda water

How to get your shaker on!
In a chilled shaker muddle strawberries, mint and Agave Nectar. Add juice from 1/2 lime and the rum. Get your shaker on! Pour unstrained, muddled goodness into a chilled glass, add crushed ice to the top and finish off with soda water. Garnish with mint leaves.

Heat up the pool (skip this step if you are not living in a coastal June Gloom) and enjoy a little taste of Summer!