summer cocktails – In Good Taste

Frozen Negroni Slushies

Maris Callahan — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 05:00:33 +0000

This weekend, the heat index in Chicago is supposed to reach 110 degrees F. That’s pretty hot. It’s almost too hot to sit outside and sip a glass of wine, but it happens to be perfect weather for grabbing a frozen cocktail and hightailing it to the nearest swimming pool. In hot weather, you’ll want to batch up this frozen Negroni cocktail, a slushie version of the classic beverage. Though I only enjoy the occasional Negroni every now and again (i.e. when I’m at a restaurant, pretending that I live in Italy or somewhere more glamorous than northwestern Illinois), I’m well aware that the cocktail has somewhat of a cult following. There is an entire week dedicated to the might Negroni every June and it’s a mainstay on classic cocktail menus around the world. In the summer though, sometimes you want to shake things up a little bit, making it especially refreshing by whipping up a batch in the blender. As you’re enjoying the summer and all the lovely cocktails that the season brings, keep this frozen, boozy goodness in mind. Made with gin and equal parts Campari, and sweet vermouth, the Negroni is a simple and sophisticated cocktail that will make your summer that […]

The post Frozen Negroni Slushies appeared first on In Good Taste.

Fresh Strawberry Basil Martinis On 8 Years of Blogging

Maris Callahan — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 05:00:30 +0000

After eight years of blogging, these strawberry basil martinis are somehow first making their way online for the first time. Strawberries, basil, simple syrup and vodka combine for a perfectly balanced summer cocktail. In 2008, somewhere in the neighborhood of mid-May (I don’t know the exact date because really, this is a blog, not a human person), I created In Good Taste. At first I called it ‘My Glamorous Life” because my friend and former boss Ann used to say “isn’t life glamorous?” whenever I was tasked with something ridiculous at work, like collating photocopies for a press kit or reprinting a new business presentation seven times until the binder holes were spaced evenly. I thought I would write about my everyday musings, because to be frank, I think I’m pretty funny. Although good friends have told me that I’m at my funniest when I’m being bitchy, but we can analyze that another time. At the time I started my blog I was living outside of New York City, where ridiculous shit happens in the street every single day and I thought I would have witty things to say about the drudgery of online dating and working at an entry-level public relations […]

The post Fresh Strawberry Basil Martinis On 8 Years of Blogging appeared first on In Good Taste.

Watermelon-Cucumber Cooler

Maris Callahan — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 18:48:42 +0000

Nothing screams summer quite like watermelon, so it’s only natural to find a way to be able to drink it with vodka in a watermelon-cucumber cooler. It’s not easy to find a cocktail that is smooth and refreshing without tasting overly sweet. As much as cocktails with names like “sex on the beach” or “tequila sunrise” sound alluring, I can’t say I have ever felt compelled to order and subsequently, drink a glass of sugar. The best way, in my ever so humble opinion, to enjoy a summer cocktail, is to select the flavors that you like the most and experiment with fresh ingredients, herbs and juices. Watermelon and cucumber are two of my favorite refreshing flavors, it only made sense to combine them into what can best be described as summer in a glass. It’s the perfect cocktail to double or triple the recipe and make by the pitcher for friends and if you have guests who want to skip the booze, you’d never even miss it. Save Print Watermelon-Cucumber Cooler Author: Adapted from Martha Stewart Recipe type: Things to Drink Prep time: 10 mins Total time: 10 mins Serves: 4 Ingredients 5 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1½ pounds) 1 large English […]

The post Watermelon-Cucumber Cooler appeared first on In Good Taste.

Three Tea-Based Summer Cocktails [Peach Bourbon Lemonade Recipe

Maris Callahan — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 11:20:23 +0000

Iced tea is one of the most classic summer refreshers — and it should be. Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water, and can be found in almost 80% of all U.S. households. Even better, iced tea is the perfect mixer for a summer cocktail. From fruity to floral to downright spicy, we have a few ideas to turn even the most basic iced tea into a serious summer treat. You can find most specialty teas at Whole Foods or at a tea shop like Chicago’s TeaGschwendner, a specialty tea shop in Chicago where we like to stock up. Peach Bourbon Lemonade is a perfect refresher for a hot summer day when you feel like something that will cool you off, and still pack a punch. Included below are two other tea cocktails that I made on CBS Chicago recently. Cheers! Save Print Summer Peach Bourbon Lemonade (Pictured) Author: Maris Callahan Recipe type: Things to Drink Prep time: 10 mins Total time: 10 mins Serves: 4 Ingredients 4 cups brewed peach iced tea 2 cup coarsely chopped peaches ¾ cup sugar 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about six lemons) 4 cups ice ½ to ¾ cup bourbon Instructions Combine the […]

The post Three Tea-Based Summer Cocktails [Peach Bourbon Lemonade Recipe appeared first on In Good Taste.