Welcome back to Thirsty Thursday, aka my favorite day of the week! :-)
As I've mentioned a million times over the last year & a half, I'm definitely not the biggest fan of summer (mostly because I'm a humidity wimp), but even I have to admit that there are a few fantastic things about summer that the other seasons just cannot touch. This is the time of year in which the city is at its best: the days are filled with long walks along the shoreline, gorgeous sunrises over a glittering Lake Michigan, awesome street festivals, free outdoor concerts, and fun BBQs/picnics with friends. Of course, we can't forget the most important and delicious part of the season... the amazing fruity cocktails! :-)
Last week, Mario and I were invited to visit 25 Degrees in order to check out their new line of Cîroc Vodka Lemonades. To me, vodka + lemonade = the quintessential summer drink, so it should be of no surprise that I was thrilled to have the opportunity to sample a drink (or two... or maybe even three).
Of course, we couldn't visit a restaurant that's known for its extensive burger menu & just drink vodka lemonades (plus, I don't know if I would have made it home without eating, as the drinks were quite potent!). Mario ordered one of their specialty burgers (Burger Number One: caramelized onions, Vella Toma cheese, Aderkasse Reserve bacon), while I chose to craft my own burger (avocado, Pleasant Ridge cheese, garlic aioli). For dessert, we split a Salty Caramel Spiked Shake (Maker's Mark, butterscotch, vanilla ice cream, Hawaiian red sea salt). Holy deliciousness.
Cîroc Pomegranate Lemonade
1.5 oz Cîroc Red Berry
1 oz lemonade
.5 oz pomegranate juice
.5 oz Limoncello
.5 oz simple syrup
In a mixing tin, add all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass & garnish with a lemon twist.
Cîroc Summertime Lemonade
1.5 oz Cîroc Vodka
.75 oz lemon juice
.75 oz agave
4 chunks of watermelon
5 parsley leaves
Sparkling Pink Lemonade
In a mixing tin, muddle watermelon and parsley. Add the remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Double strain into a Collins glass & top with sparkling pink lemonade. Garnish with a slice of watermelon and half sugar rim.
To make a pitcher of either of the Cîroc cocktails, simply multiply the recipe by four.
Last week, Mario and I were invited to visit 25 Degrees in order to check out their new line of Cîroc Vodka Lemonades. To me, vodka + lemonade = the quintessential summer drink, so it should be of no surprise that I was thrilled to have the opportunity to sample a drink (or two... or maybe even three).
Cîroc Pomegranate & Summertime Lemonades
Of course, we couldn't visit a restaurant that's known for its extensive burger menu & just drink vodka lemonades (plus, I don't know if I would have made it home without eating, as the drinks were quite potent!). Mario ordered one of their specialty burgers (Burger Number One: caramelized onions, Vella Toma cheese, Aderkasse Reserve bacon), while I chose to craft my own burger (avocado, Pleasant Ridge cheese, garlic aioli). For dessert, we split a Salty Caramel Spiked Shake (Maker's Mark, butterscotch, vanilla ice cream, Hawaiian red sea salt). Holy deliciousness.
I highly recommend that you pay a visit to 25 Degrees (build your own burgers! spiked milkshakes!), but if you can't make it to the restaurant, you can make your own boozy lemonade at home. These lemonades are perfect for any summer party, BBQ... or just a really fun weekend on your own! ;-)
Cîroc Pomegranate Lemonade
1.5 oz Cîroc Red Berry
1 oz lemonade
.5 oz pomegranate juice
.5 oz Limoncello
.5 oz simple syrup
In a mixing tin, add all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass & garnish with a lemon twist.
Cîroc Summertime Lemonade
1.5 oz Cîroc Vodka
.75 oz lemon juice
.75 oz agave
4 chunks of watermelon
5 parsley leaves
Sparkling Pink Lemonade
In a mixing tin, muddle watermelon and parsley. Add the remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Double strain into a Collins glass & top with sparkling pink lemonade. Garnish with a slice of watermelon and half sugar rim.
To make a pitcher of either of the Cîroc cocktails, simply multiply the recipe by four.
ETA: This restaurant has closed.
Ha, my "book club is called Thirsty Thursday. Though we took the book out of book club awhile back. These look like great summer drinks, love lemonade cocktails in the summer.
ReplyDeleteDid you ever have the Smirnoff Sno-Cones down at the Pier? Awesome!
ReplyDeleteWait a sec.... Sunsets over Lake Michigan? In Chicago?? How can?!
ReplyDeleteP.S. 25 Degrees in L.A. and Huntington Beach are awesome, too!
@Jacky: Best book club EVER!
ReplyDelete@Althea: Oh, yes. They are dangerously delicious!!
@Jamika: Ha! Good catch. I am originally from Michigan... that's where you can find the good sunsets over the lake. ;-)
Those all look delicious! I need to get some Ciroc. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat pics & love your descriptive way of writing
ReplyDelete