Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer. To celebrate the season, freshen up beverage offerings with a new lineup of cool, fruity drinks. Several of these speedy recipes can easily be spiked with spirits to sip during a virtual happy hour.
Photograph courtesy of California Table Grape Commission
1. Grape Acai Smoothie
At the cafes in the Nordstrom department stores, smoothies are a popular offering. Chef Brunell creates a beverage that can double as a light breakfast or nutritious snack. The combo of ingredients results in a refreshing smoothie with an appealing color.
Guests get a good dose of vitamin-packed produce in this healthy and refreshing mocktail. It’s a blend of mango puree with papaya and carrot juices, enhanced with a dash of anti-inflammatory turmeric for an extra boost. Mixologist Tony Pereyra carries out the garden-in-a-glass theme by garnishing the drink with a baby carrot, fresh basil sprig and a tiny flower.
The classic Arnold Palmer—a mix of iced tea and lemonade—is a summertime favorite. Mixologist Kim Haasarud takes it up a notch by sweetening the drink with a housemade honey syrup. Serve in a tall frosty glass filled with ice cubes for cool sipping.
Morrison’s corporate executive chef Norbert Bomm gives limeade a zero-waste halo by using nutrient-rich cucumber peels as a base. He suggests scrubbing the cucumbers in a baking soda solution before peeling. Fresh ginger adds extra zing to the fresh-squeezed limeade.
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Photo courtesy of Watermelon Board
5. Watermelon Breeze
This riff on an agua fresca makes for a refreshing drink to pair with Mexican food. Serve it as a mocktail or add a jigger of tequila, gin or vodka as they do at Tankard & Tun in Seattle. The watermelon cocktail is a welcome alternative to the usual margarita.
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