Food & Spirits Magazine #17 | Page 41

“For more adult gatherings, throw gin or bourbon into the mix for a delicous, refreshing cocktail.” Hopefully, I have brought you over to the dark side of exciting summertime refreshments. Mix one of these up for your next backyard BBQ and I can guarantee it will be a hit. These are quick and easy to do; they just simply need time to chill before your friends arrive thirsty. For your more adult gatherings, throw gin or bourbon into the mix for a delicious, refreshing cocktail to go with your kabobs on the grill. Or just keep a pitcher in the fridge with one long curly straw for your own personal enjoyment. Either way, enjoy. Recipes Basil Lemonade 4 cups fresh squeezed and strained lemon juice 4 cups water 4 cups basil syrup* Mix all ingredients together and chill for a couple hours until cold. Add ice and serve! *To make basil syrup, combine 4 cups sugar, 4 cups water, and 2 cups packed fresh basil in a large pan. Bring all ingredients to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling and sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and cool. Strain out basil. Cocktail idea: Gin Basil Cooler 1 ½ oz premium gin 4 oz basil lemonade Serve over ice with a basil leaf garnish. Hibiscus Orangeade 3 cups fresh squeezed and strained orange juice 1 cup fresh squeezed and strained lemon juice 4 cups water 4 cups hibiscus syrup* Mix all ingredients together and chill for a couple hours until cold. Add ice and serve! *Hibiscus syrup: combine 4 cups sugar, 4 cups water, and 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers in a large pan. Bring all ingredients to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling and sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and cool. Strain out flowers. Cocktail idea: Sparkling Flower 1 oz hibiscus orangeade 3 oz Champagne Pour orangeade into a flute, top with Champagne. Garnish with a hibiscus flower canned in syrup. fsmomaha.com Now that we have covered our bases, let’s make some ‘ade. This is surprisingly easy. Start with equal parts citrus juice, syrup and wa ѕȸ)9