Matthew Mead’s Blog

With or without a splash of alcohol, cold juices and lots of ice add up to a refreshing way to chill out.  See my new stemware from CB2 and crateandbarrel.

I love making cold drinks on a hot afternoon, and I try to keep my refrigerator stocked with a variety of juices and flavored waters to mix up liquid refreshment at a moment’s notice.  Friends know that I am a stickler for freshly made, clear ice for all of my drinks and when making these recipes, it’s the best place to start.

Heat tap or bottled water until boiling and use  the heated water to make ice cubes.  The boiling process will provide fresh, clear ice cubes for all of your drinks.

Now to the assembly… there are so many juices on the market and two of my favorite are blueberry and pineapple.  Here is an example using each.

BLUEBERRY HOLIDAY

Ice
1 1/2 oz. vodka
3 oz. lemon water
1 oz. of pure blueberry juice

In a shaker combine ice, vodka and lemon water.  Shake and pour into a glass.  Add blueberry juice to the top and let the color slowly mix with the drink.

CRANBERRY ORANGE PINEAPPLE CRUSH

Ice

1 shot vodka

1 shot Amaretto

2 shots orange juice

2 shots pineapple juice

3 shots cranberry juice

Place first five items in a shaker.  Shake until mixed.  Pour into glass and top with cranberry juice. 

These drinks can be garnished with all types of fruits and herbs.  I wanted to show them unembellished to make the colors of the mixing juices engaging and prominent.   To make the best drinks start with well chilled ingredients and fresh ice.  We like to make one or two drinks at a time so our libations don’t get to watered down by melting ice.  Find a cool shade tree and a comfy outdoor chair and savor the summer… Cheers!  Matthew