Not that there's anything wrong with pretty pink potables, mind you, but variety is the spice of life and I aim to please.
I've also got a ton of fresh mint and an absurd amount of lemons in my fridge. Naturally, that combination puts me in mind of the South Side, a classic cocktail of Chicago-themed lore. I made a batch of mint infused lemonade and used that as the base.
Minted Lemonade:
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 3 strips of fresh lemon peel
- 7 large springs of mint
- 6 large lemons
- 5 cups of water
Juice the lemons into a large pitcher - no seeds please, so use a strainer. Add the water and stir to combine. Strain the syrup mixture and add it to the pitcher, stirring well to combine. Serve as is, or use it to form ...
The West Side Cocktail:
- 1/2 cup of minted lemonade
- 6 large mint leaves
- 2 oz. of good quality gin
- 3 drops of orange bitters
- some plain selzter for topping up, if desired
- a sprig of mint and a slice of orange or lemon for garnish
As written this recipe will make one cocktail ... and its a beauty! Light, refreshing, slightly astringent - but not overly so - and altogether delicious. If you want to kick it hard-core, you could certainly skip the ice and seltzer and serve it straight up as a martini. Either way it goes down smooth and look ...
... its not the least bit pink!
This is my version of the classic, named for my 'hood, and I'm well-pleased with it. If you're feeling lazy, by all means go ahead and use some prepared lemonade. If you're feeling abstemious, go right ahead and serve the lemonade without the booze. Its all good and all delicious, I promise.
Bon appetit!
17 comments:
This cocktail sounds absolutely perfect for a hot summer day. I love minted lemonade and making it liquor-y makes it even better!
These look tasty! If I was a drinker I'd probably embarrass myself with all the "girly" drinks.
Mission accomplished. Not pink, but certainly pretty. Looks really refreshing :D
Assumed vodka would be in there, but gin is a nice trade.
careful I feel the grenadine is sneaking up from the shadows,,,,
Tracy - it is perfect for a hot day ... if we ever again have such a thing! LOL
Hektik - They're all mighty tasty ... have one on me!
HH - Thanks, it was!
Duo - you could def. use some vodka in place of the gin. Either would be great. :)
doggybloggy - indeed, we may be back in the pink next week! ;)
This sounds so refreshing. I like the change of pace with the gin. I think gin is so much more refreshing anyway. Wish I had one now...
You *know* how much I dig hard lemonade! I'm sure yours is spectacular.
Say, could I have a PINK lemonade? LOL
I like those instructions "repeat as necessary". Don't mind if I do!
I was just at a friends house and she gave me tons of mint from her herb garden - these drinks will be perfect to make! Thanks!
ooooo...minted lemonade! Think I'll try a little of that this weekend.
bring on the thirsty thursdays!!! yum!
Lola - I agree that gin is more refreshing ... now we just need the summer weather to go along with it!
Mom - yes, I know you do! We have got to share some together ... I'll make yours pink! ;)
Daily Spud - that, my dear, is the most important part of the recipe! LOL
5 Star - ooh, perfect! The kids will like the (unspiked!) lemonade too. Its a 2 for 1! :)
Michele - trust me, it goes down smooth ... so make a pitcher!
Steph - Cheers! Have one on me!
I think I got a little refreshed just reading this.
words words words - excellent, then my work is done here! ;) Thanks!
Looks perfect for summer in Fl!
Wait - I haven't made the blueberry margaritas yet, after I was foiled by the lack of Cointreau! I have mint growing like mad in my herb garden - I missed the part about it being a voracious space-hog! As usual, this is a mighty fine refresher that will certainly be tried out in the Noodle household.
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