Friday, AUGUST 6, 2010
Productivity unexpectedly knocked on my door yesterday afternoon as I was about to head home from work. And by productivity, I mean a text requesting my active presence on Bayshore Boulevard. I said yes, but the second my feet hit the pavement, I instantly wished I had said no. Although four miles in July heat was the purest form of torture, it did initiate a craving for a spectacularly summery cocktail, and for that I am thankful.
At that point, the only thing separating me and the glorious concoction that I spent approximately 60 minutes dreaming about was a quick trip to the market. Or so I thought. A slight feeling of panic came over me when every store within a five mile radius had been swept clean of mint, the obvious star of this thirst-quenching show. Three trips and one phone call later… I was back in business.
Iced Lemonade with Vodka and Mint:
1 cup packed fresh mint, stemmed
2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 10
2 cups good quality vodka
Iced Lemonade with Vodka and Mint
1-1/3 cups sugar
2 lemons, sliced lemons)
½ cup water
Ice cubes
1 liter club soda
Lemon Slices
Mint Sprigs
Combine the sugar, mint, and lemons in a pitcher and mash lightly with the back of a wooden spoon. Let stand for 30 minutes.
Add the lemon juice, vodka, and water and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Chill for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Strain the lemonade and discard the mint. To serve, fill a tall glass or goblet with ice. Pour the lemonade to fill 1/3 of the glass and top with the club soda. Stir to blend. Garnish with a lemon slice and mint sprig. Yields 8 servings.
I split the recipe in half as eight servings is a little aggressive for a two person Wednesday, and I’m sure glad I did. Between the third guest we invited over, and the slurpability of this delightful drink, finishing all 8 servings would have been a breeze! As each of us finished our last sip, we found ourselves planning a pool party in which we could serve this exact mix. A mid-summer night cocktail that leaves you with the desire for fun in the sun? I’d say that’s perfection.
