Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Strawberry Lemonade Cocktails

Shula attempting her own version of cornhole
I don't know that the .75mi swimming, 66mi biking and 4.5mi of running I did compensated for all of the eating and drinking that happened this weekend.  But it was absolutely delicious, so I'm not complaining :)

Crazy Feta, Cilantro Lime White Bean Hummus and Strawberry Mango Salsa

We're talking things like chocolate chip cookie-stuffed cinnamon rollshomemade veggie burgers, no-bake smores bars with homemade marshmallows, chickpea salad sandwiches, crazy feta, cilantro lime white bean hummus, strawberry mango salsa, a zucchini ricotta galette, an arugula potato green bean salad, cherry pie and blueberry balsamic meatballs w/goat cheese to name a few.  And did I mention I didn't do a whole lot of cooking?  Rebecca did the heavy lifting this weekend with a little help here and there from the rest of us!

Rebecca and Mike with their cherry pie!

I was spoiled, no doubt about that!!  Hopefully my beverages provided some refreshment for those doing the hard work ;)  First up was Jessica's watermelon float, with a scoop of homemade vanilla bean coconut milk ice cream in a sea of watermelon mint soda.  Incredibly refreshing, and a great way to cool off after an afternoon of kayaking!!

Watermelon float

And then there was, dare I say it, the star of the two drinks I prepared...  a Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail.  It all started when I saw Dave's post about Strawberry Vodka.  Immediately I thought of the Absolut Wild Tea in my pantry and knew it'd be amazing.  I was right.  Perfect on its own, in ginger ale, or homemade strawberry meyer lemon juice.



Oh yes, I made some strawberry meyer lemonade to go along with the infused vodka.  I must have had some foresight when freezing down extra juice during my meyer lemon craze this year, because it created an amazing lemonade and probably one of the best drinks I've ever had.  No joke.  Dangerous, too, if you know what I mean ;) 

Srawberry Lemonade Cocktail

Strawberry Meyer Lemonade
Recipe by Shannon

A great summer drink in its own right, this is a great addition to strawberry infused vodka!  Regular lemon juice could be used as well, just taste as you might want to add more sugar.

1/3c evaporated cane juice (or granulated sugar)
1c water
1c meyer lemon juice (fresh or frozen, thawed)
1lb strawberries, washed and hulled
16oz seltzer

Prepare the simple syrup by combining water and sugar in a small saucepan and cooking over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.  Remove from heat and let cool.  This can be done ahead, simply refrigerate until using.

Blend strawberries and then pour through a fine mesh sieve (I used a hand held strainer) to remove the solids/seeds.  Mix with simple syrup, lemon juice and seltzer, then serve!

Edited to add:  This is also delicious when made with a basil simple syrup.  Simply add a bunch of basil leaves after bringing the simple syrup to a boil.  Let steep for 15-30min and then strain out basil!


How was everyone's 4th of July?  Any delicious eats you'd care to share??

25 comments:

Rebecca said...

This strawberry lemonade was the perfect summer drink! So refreshing... I am keeping my eyes open and buying Meyer lemons whenever I see them from now on with this drink in mind.

Erica said...

Wow! SO many awesome eats! I'm a little jealous ;) I've totally been wanting to try those floats and perhaps Ill hit up the strawberry lemonade cocktails post baby! Hope your week is going well

Nutmeg Nanny said...

Yum! I could totally drink a few of those :)

Delicious Dishings said...

That sounds incredibly refreshing. Guess we were both in the strawberry mindset. I made mini strawberry cupcakes.

Fun and Fearless in Beantown said...

I tried the Absolut Wild Tea vodka for the first time at DelFrisco's and LOVED it! Also, that float looks SO good!

vanillasugarblog said...

Ohhh must try that vodka! Are these the cocktails you had on the cape? Nice.

Joanne said...

(a) calories totally don't count on holiday weekends

(b) all of that activity totally makes up for eating anything.

(c) i want this cocktail. now.

Elizabeth said...

I would be so down with that watermelon float. I'll take my beverage with coconut ice cream any day :)

Elina (Healthy and Sane) said...

Wow, that's a seriously impressive list of homemade eats! And you made marshmallows!!! Awesome :)
The drink sounds super fantastic. :)

BigAppleNosh said...

Yum, these sound so good!

Biz said...

Everything looks delicious Shannon - I am sure it was a wash with the swimming/biking/running!!

Lauren @ Healthy Food For Living said...

Now THAT is a fantastic spread of food! Jessica is a constant source of inspiration, and I already have bookmarked many of these recipes. Your strawberry lemonade cocktails sound refreshing and delicious!

Lisa (bakebikeblog) said...

hat strawberry drink looks so refreshing!

Unknown said...

haha, I just made this!! but with limoncella. Great minds think alike!

Maris (In Good Taste) said...

Looks like a fabulous weekend with some delicious food. What a cute dog there too!

Kerstin said...

What awesome eats! And drinks! A watermelon float would so hit the spot right now :)

Emily said...

Oooh I need that cocktail right now! It sounds like fun.

I need to check out that chocolate chip cookie dough cinnamon roll recipe... what genius created that?

Kristen said...

well, now i know what to do with the rest of my watermelon!

Jodi said...

Hey, Shannon!
That Strawberry Meyer Lemonade sounds incredible. I can't wait to try it!

We Are Not Martha said...

I've been dying to try the Wild Tea vodka forever now and this cocktail looks so, so refreshing and delicious :)

Sues

Chef Fresco said...

How fun! These look so tasty.

I'm impressed you rode 66 miles!! We are training for a triathlon (my 2nd ever, Michael's first). We've gotten up to 18 miles so far. =)

Alicia said...

That cocktail looks so refreshing....
And I love Shula's summer cut! Roscoe just got his last week!

Shannon said...

I'm all loving all the great cocktail recipes I've been seeing lately! Strawberry Lemonade is one of my childhood favorites... you just made me a bit nostalgic (obviously the addition of vodka is a new but very welcome twist).

Esi said...

So obsessed with fresh fruit cocktails. Sounds good!

Rosiecat24 said...

Whoa, you biked 66 MILES? In one weekend? You are a fitness goddess, Shannon. Wow. I am seriously impressed!

(And I thought biking 14 miles in one weekend was enough...)

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