Summer Entertaining: Summer Sippers, Strawberry Soda and Your Suggestions

 

The drink that accompanies your good food is almost as important as the good food itself, wouldn't you agree? I don't think there's any sense in preparing a fabulous feast or a few simple hors d'oeuvres only to see them paired with mediocre refreshments.

I'm partial to Rose wine this time of year (most times of the year to be truthful) and am usually found sipping away on a chilled glass of my favourite variety on hot summer nights.  Mixed cocktails are also nice and the one I'm enjoying right now is made with a homemade strawberry syrup, topped with soda water and an ounce or so of lime vodka. Delish! 

Now, I'm not an alcohol aficionado so it would be remiss for me to offer all of the suggestions for what to serve and how to do so.  Instead I thought this could be an interactive post - one where you could leave a comment with a link to a favourite drink you may have written about, or a recommendation for something you and yours might be enjoying right now. Heck, feel free to write the recipe directly in the comments section. The more ideas the better as far as I'm concerned.

I'll go first, with my aforementioned Strawberry Soda.  Here's to creating a fabulous collection of summer sippers.  Cheers!

Strawberry Soda

• 1/4 cup strawberry soda (recipe below)
  
• 4 oz. soda water
  
• 1 - 1.5 oz lime vodka
  
• Ice cubes
  
• Lime slices
  

Place the ice in a glass and top with strawberry syrup.  Add in the soda water and vodka and stir well. Garnish with a slice of lime and enjoy with a few good friends.

Strawberry Syrup

• 3 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups cold water

Place the strawberries in a large pot and cover with sugar.  Mash the berries to release their juices.  Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil.  Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.  Remove the heat and set aside - allow to cool.  Strain the syrup into a glass bottle and store in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Comments

[Kitchencentsability]

Hi Jan! This strawberry syrup looks fantastic and very versatile. I am an ice tea and real lemonade person and I can't wait to try each with a little of your syrup. Thanks!