Punxsutawney Phil, the prognosticating groundhog (also known as a woodchuck…who knew?), says to leave your winter coats out for another six weeks.  Call it denial if you want, but I’m starting summer now.  Nothing reminds me of sitting on a sunny patio in shorts and flip flops quite like the taste of a Dark ‘n Stormy.  This concoction is a mix of Gosling’s Black Seal rum and ginger beer/ale.  If you are talking to a true Bermudian, they’d say Barritts Ginger Beer is the only acceptable mixer   (and being as it is the “official drink of Bermuda”, I would heed their advice).  read more »

Although nothing is more ideal than toasting a celebration with a true French Champagne, it would be hard on the pocketbook for everyday drinking.  We like to substitute Prosecco or Cava for a more affordable libation and combine with fun additions to make these refreshing summer cocktails!

Put additions into glass and then top with 5 ounces of sparkling wine for these classics:

*Champagne cocktail - 1 sugar cube, 2 drops bitters, 1/3 ounce cognac or brandy

*Bellini - 1 ounce peach puree

*Mimosa - 1 ounce orange juice

*Kir Royale - 1 ounce creme de cassis or Chambord with a lemon twist garnish

*Poinsettia - 1/2 ounce cranberry juice and 1/4 ounce triple sec

*Champear - 1 ounce pear brandy

*The Ghost - 1 ounce melon liqueur (Midori)

*French 75 - 1.5 ounces gin, juice from 1/2 a lemon and 1/2 teaspoon powdered sugar

The Mission:  To provide your guests with a refreshing summer cocktail

The Objective:  Spend no time behind the bar

The Procedure: Make a White Sangria by mixing together

1 cup of Peach Schnapps
1 cup Welch’s White Grape Peach Juice
2 (750 ml) Bottles White Wine

Store overnight in fridge.  Before guests arrive add

4 cups Club Soda
1 Peach, thinly sliced
1 cup raspberries
1 cup strawberries, thinly sliced
� cup blueberries

Place in a pitcher and allow guests to serve themselves.

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