Community Corner

Best Summer Drinks To Make in Woodstock

Here are some delicious, seasonal drinks that make the sizzling days of summer a bit more bearable.

Written by Dana Leigh Smith

There is nothing better than tipping back an ice-cold drink on a hot, humid day. While water should be your go-to drink to keep dehydration at a low, sometimes it’s necessary to shake things up a bit—literally! From low-cal cocktails for Mom and Dad, to candy-infused mocktails for the kids, these delicious and easy-to-make summer drinks are sure to make cooling down a little more fun!

In Woodstock, Freight Kitchen & Tap regularly features its seasonal cocktails and drink deals. ICE Martini Bar also rolls out regular drink and sushi specials at its location on Chambers street. 

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Skinny Strawberry Daiquiri (serves 1)

http://www.fitango.com/blog/?p=1517

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With just 108 calories per serving, this tropical drink won’t derail your diet. If you’re not a fan of strawberries, swap them out for your favorite fruit.  

Ingredients:

  • 1 shot (1.5 fl. oz) white rum

  • ½ cup strawberries

  • 1 shot (1.5 fl. oz) lime juice

  • Ice, to your liking

  • Instructions:

    1. Blend the strawberries and ice.

    2. Toss in a shot of rum, and top it off with lime juice.

  • Stir and enjoy.

  • Frozen Key Lime (serves 1)

    http://tgifridaysathome.blogspot.com/2012/10/cocktails-with-icecream.html

    No need to head out for drinks when you can create the same delicious cocktail in your own kitchen. This spinoff on the TGI Friday’s favorite is a tropical, sweet, ice cream-based treat, perfect for cooling down after a long day in the sun.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 1/4 ounces light rum

    • 2 ounces lime juice

    • 1 tablespoon bar sugar

    • 2 scoops vanilla ice cream

    • 1/2 scoop crushed ice

    Instructions:

    1. Combine ingredients in blender, blend until smooth.

    2. Serve in a tall specialty glass.

    3. Garnish with aerosol whipping cream and lime wheel.

    Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail (serves 2)

    http://blog.womenshealthmag.com/scoop/drink-to-your-health/

    Coming in at just 140 calories per serving, this all-time summer favorite with a unique twist will have you coming back for seconds. The blueberries in this drink add a sweet flavor without adding excess calories.

    Ingredients:

    • 3 ounces Absolut Berri Acai Vodka

    • 1 cup blueberries

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 packet Crystal Light Pure Lemonade

  • Juice of one lemon

  • 1 cup ice

  • Instructions:

    • Combine all ingredients in blender, and blend until smooth.

    Sauvignon Blanc-Infused Yellow Peach and Vanilla Ice Pops (serves 10)

    http://www.shape.com/blogs/shape-your-life/wine-infused-ice-pops-make-great-summer-snack

    This icy concoction is the perfect addition to any summer soiree. With just five easy-to-find ingredients, there is no simpler way to beat the heat and take the edge off.

    Ingredients:

    • 3 to 4 baseball-sized ripe to overripe yellow peaches

    • 4 ounces of organic dark cane sugar

    • 4 fluid ounces of water

    • 1-inch piece of vanilla bean, cut lengthwise

    • 7 ounces of 2011 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

    Instructions:

    1. Combine sugar and water in saucepan. Gently heat while stirring until sugar completely dissolves.

    2. Remove from heat, add cut vanilla bean, and steep for 15 minutes. Remove bean and allow syrup to completely cool.

    3. Rinse peaches and pat dry. With paring knife, remove pits and stems.

    4. Lightly puree peaches, being sure to leave some texture, resulting in about 16 fluid ounces.

  • Combine puree with cooled vanilla syrup and 7 ounces of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, stirring well.

  • Pour into molds, add sticks, and freeze until solid (about 4 to 6 hours). Unmold and serve, or place in plastic bags for storage.

  • Strawberry Kiwi Mock Margarita (serves 6)

    (http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/strawberry-kiwi-mock-margarita-55024.aspx)

    Why should kids be left behind when Mom and Dad take a trip to margaritaville? Mix up this fruity treat when your tot needs something special to shake the heat, or serve it up at a pool party or barbecue.

    Ingredients:

    • 1½ cups  cold water

    • 1 cup  cold orange juice

    • 2 tablespoon  lime juice

    • 1 packet (makes 2 quart drink) or 2 packets (makes 1 quart drink each) Crystal Light Strawberry Kiwi Flavor Drink Mix

  • 4 cups ice cubes

  • Instructions:

    1. Pour water, orange juice, lime juice and drink mix in blender container; cover. Blend until drink mix is dissolved.

    2. Add ice; cover. Blend on high speed until smooth.

    Non-Alcoholic Cotton Candy Martini (serves 1)

    (http://popartdiva.com/The%20Martini%20Diva/Martini%20Recipe%20Pages/Cotton%20Candy%20Martini.html#Anchor-57230)

    This candy-inspired drink has a fruity taste without being too sweet. Cotton candy makes for a fun garnish and often can be found at Walmart. Kids — and grownups too — will love watching the fluffy addition to their beverage dissolve like magic!

    Ingredients:

    • 2½ ounces raspberry-flavored soda or pop

    • 1/2-ounce raspberry-flavored syrup (the kind you find in a coffee bar; Torani and DaVinci are two well-known brands)

  • A splash of grenadine

  • Cotton candy or Cotton Candy Jelly Bellies for garnish

  • Instructions:

    • Chill your glass as usual but combine the liquid ingredients in a pitcher with some ice and stir instead of shake, then pour into your martini glass and garnish.


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