It is summer (my favourite season of the year) and with it, comes that uncontrollable urge to enjoy watching each sunset with a glass in hand. Does this happen to you too? I love summer, I love cocktails…
I love a drink here and there and have some firm favourites. But if I need to be honest, there are 4 drinks that really do it for me!
Bubbles
Like without bubbles.. is not the same!
Life without bubbles it’s just not the same. I must confess that it was when I moved to England, almost 3 years ago, that I really started drinking a bit more of it. Every time seems to be champagne time! I have also developed a healthy addiction to Italy’s version of this juice, called Prosecco. There are occasions for both. On my recent cruise, and for all MSC Yacht Club passengers, this was available “on tap” – guess who was a happy girl?
Mojitos
Pomegranate Mojitos in San Diego
I really like mojitos, especially in the summer. The mint makes it quite refreshing and we all know how hot it gets in England (no comment, was being sarcastic!). I like the original one, but have been surprised recently by some interesting variations like lychee or pomegranate (shown here in San Diego, California – where else?)
As you know, I have recently been on a cruise and had the opportunity to film 3 short stories – and of course, chose things I really like doing, one of them being shopping… and the other being mixing cocktails!
One drink I have never actually made myself is a Mojito, so I was delighted to learn how to make one. After that, I shared my (adapted) recipe for Sparkling Sangria, one of “my” drinks (almost an obsession at this stage). I had to make do with the ingredients available.
What do you think? Just click here or on the image to see the video.
Cocktails at sunset – A masterclass!
Sparkling Sangria
Rosé sangria
This is the drink I miss the most from home. It equals lazy summer lunches by the beach in Portugal, usually with fresh grilled fish and prawns. What is so special about it? In Portugal, those who like this drink take some pride and joy, and come up with really creative recipes, away from the usual – wine, lemon, orange and sugar.
Here is how I make my sangria:
– 2 parts sparkling wine (prosecco, cava) – preferably rose as it looks lovely
– 1 part lemonade (if you are going to do it, you are going to do it)
– Sugar syrup to taste (a discovery on the cruise, as I just usually add sugar, or Splenda to be more truthful)
– Fruit cut in pieces – strawberries (essential), raspberries, peach, pineapple, banana, lemon (use anything you have. Strawberries are a must!), a cinammon stick and fresh mint
– lots of ice
I’d say add everything except the wine, mix it up a bit and then top up with the sparkling.
Port Cocktails
White Port and Tonic
Lastly, there is Port. Yes, Port. I know I am not over 65 – and it is something I have been discovering in recent years and keep going back for more. I love dry white port and tonic (add some mint, and ice and I am a happy girl!).
I really really enjoyed going behind the bar on board MSC Splendida’s Yacht Club – I do understand it is not available on demand, but appreciate the company letting me do this for the blog.
So, tell me, what is your favourite summer drink?
xo
Mrs. O
PS. Enjoy Summer (and send some sun over to England, please!)
Disclosure: I was invited by MSC Cruises to join them on a blogger trip onboard MSC Splendida. All opinions expressed in my blog are, as usual, mine. You simply cannot buy the love.
Jaklien
July 19, 2014 at 8:16 pm
Sangria and mojitos are my ultimate summer drinks. Although I would add Pimms and lemonade. But that’s just sangria the British way.
Jaklien recently posted..My Five Favourite Beaches
@mrsoaroundworld
July 21, 2014 at 1:06 am
Kind of 🙂 but I love it!
Josh
May 26, 2013 at 9:16 pm
Nice choices Mrs O! For me it all depends on the scene by that I mean location, style of bar and ambient temperature. Would have thought you would be all over the mojito royale (top with champagne instead of soda, delicious)! Pimms, cannot be forgotten either-the English Sangria! For me a frozen (top shelf) margarita, a hurricane of sorts or even a simple G&T works in non-cocktail bars.
Saying that I did have the perfect Mai Tai in the Grand Wailea last night..!
@mrsoaroundworld
May 28, 2013 at 10:55 am
Love royal pimms!
9VSKA
August 8, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Wow, I want one of those right about now… damn refreshing! 🙂
(Sorry, a bit late to the party — but I’d never miss one of your posts for the world!)
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 8, 2012 at 1:11 pm
excellent, I shall make some when you come over to see us 🙂
Craig Zabransky
August 5, 2012 at 4:44 am
I read the first sentence and said YES. I so agree, summer, sunset, and a cocktail equals – perfection.
and your Sangria, I make mine a bit different…. well, the fruit. I think apples are a must.
And I’d like to try one of those port cocktails… i usually think of port as a winter drink… but I am willing to give it a go. why not.
stay thirsty,
Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..A Visit to the Original York in England
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 5, 2012 at 8:28 pm
Very interesting about the apple. I shall add that to the equation, promise. Used a lot of peaches on this weekend’s attempts 😉 Do try, seriously – they are fab!
Pola (@jettingaround)
August 4, 2012 at 9:40 pm
Oh, I loved the video, Ana! It was fun watching the two of you take turns. 🙂
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo(s) of the Week: Mountains in Boulder, Colorado
Traveling Ted
August 4, 2012 at 10:30 am
About 90% of the alcohol that I consume is beer; however, I love sangria and and mojitos in the summertime. I love the video, and the Mrs. O sangria looks wonderful.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Five ways to beat the heat during this oppressive summer
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 5, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Thank you Ted. I dare you to try something different 🙂
Scarlett
August 3, 2012 at 10:47 am
That pomegranate mojito looks delicious! xx
Scarlett recently posted..Four things you probably didn’t know about Scarlett…
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 3, 2012 at 10:52 am
Oh it was 🙂 Not sure how easy it will be to replicate, must try some day 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
D.J. - The World of Deej
August 2, 2012 at 11:58 pm
I’m a big mojito fan, but have never had a pomegranate one. The wife has had it in martini form and loves them…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito on Two Wheels
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 3, 2012 at 8:08 am
Well well well, let’s try them then! 🙂
Ad-lib Traveller
August 2, 2012 at 10:06 pm
Nice post, sounds as though you had a good time on board. I’ve now got a recipe for the Port that has been in my kitchen for a while 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Ad-lib Traveller recently posted..A day out in London – Olympic Houses, markets and more
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 2, 2012 at 10:32 pm
Pleasure 🙂 but has to be dry white port for it to work 🙂
lola
August 2, 2012 at 10:02 pm
i’m so parched now, it’s ridiculous. LOVE the video Mrs. O. you are a stunner behind that bar. lucky Mr. O getting to clink drinks with you. miss you!! xx
lola recently posted..Cambodia Countdown – week 3
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 2, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Me too 😉 need to wait for saturday! and costa brava!
Charu
August 2, 2012 at 3:57 am
I absolutely adore a good mojito! And may I add, that perfect Bellini is also a stellar summer drink–give me prosecco and peach schnapps any day. Lovely post!
Charu recently posted..Some of my Favorite English Accents (Learning English in the UK Series)
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 2, 2012 at 8:05 am
OMG.. Charu, I totally forgot about Bellinis! I love Bellinis. Interesting – just thought why I forgot them.. because in England there is no peach juice. Wow
Francesca
August 2, 2012 at 2:59 am
Awesome!! Thanks for sharing the recipe for your sparkling sangria. I’m going to have to try it! I do love mojitos, too, and am a self-proclaimed mojito snob (I always prefer to make my own). Another favorite cocktail is Aperol spritz. You know how a picture or a song can take us back to someplace we’ve traveled? Well, the taste of Aperol always takes me back to Italy 🙂
Francesca recently posted..On driving and surviving in Costa Rica
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 2, 2012 at 8:06 am
Aperol Spritz, oh yes! It is very nice – it takes me right down to Venice. Now I can’t stop thinking about it!
Leah Travels
August 2, 2012 at 2:32 am
I expect to have one of each of those when I visit you and Mr. O. I love a good mojito and it looks like you really know how to make one now. 🙂
Leah Travels recently posted..Texas Tuesday: A Devil of a River
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 2, 2012 at 8:06 am
LOL, haven’t tried again.. but I can always have a peek at the video 😉
Nikos
August 1, 2012 at 9:30 am
Mojitos, so refreshing in summer. Had a few last night too! Best one I ever had was in London though…I gotta run to the beach again now!! 🙂
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 1, 2012 at 10:56 am
Enjoy Greece – want to see photos!
Reg of The Spain Scoop
August 1, 2012 at 9:13 am
Fun video! You’re quite the expert!
Reg of The Spain Scoop recently posted..Summer Andalusian Eats: Gazpacho
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 1, 2012 at 9:23 am
LOL, not really but I like my cocktails 😉 thank you so much!
Emily McGee
August 1, 2012 at 8:29 am
Ohh, all those look so good. I like mojitos and sangria, another favorite is the caipirinha. (It’s just sugar cane rum, sugar, and lime.) One of my husband’s coworkers works two weeks a month in Brazil, and she brings back the special rum from Brazil and then makes caipirinhas for parties. Delish!
Emily McGee recently posted..Why I Call Myself a “Trailing Spouse”
mrsoaroundtheworld
August 1, 2012 at 8:39 am
Oh I love caipirinhas 🙂 must didn’t want to sound as if I “liked” too many cocktails. We actually have a lot of them in Portugal – every flavour! Cachaça can be dangerous though.. I loved Mango caipirinhas in Rio.. now you got me thinking!!
Annette | Bucket List Journey
July 31, 2012 at 9:29 pm
I wish I had me one of those pomegranate mojitos right now. Looks yummy!
Annette | Bucket List Journey recently posted..I Don’t Like Paella. Not Even in Spain.
mrsoaroundtheworld
July 31, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Hi Annette, thank you 🙂 I wouldn’t mind one either 😉
the lazy travelers
July 31, 2012 at 8:49 pm
we equate all nice weather with drinking. and poor weather, for that matter…
these all look delicious, mrs. o!
the lazy travelers recently posted..the wino’s 2013 dream itinerary: down under
mrsoaroundtheworld
July 31, 2012 at 9:32 pm
Thank you, girls 🙂 I know what you mean!
Tawny- Captain and Clark
July 31, 2012 at 7:51 pm
I’m a sucker for mojitos! I recently tried a dragonberry one and it was to die for. I think I’ll definitely have to try pomegranate next time. I’ll also take a cool glass of Sangria any day.
Tawny- Captain and Clark recently posted..Why we said “no” to trying dog meat in South Korea.
mrsoaroundtheworld
July 31, 2012 at 8:22 pm
intrigued with the dragonberry, very intrigued 🙂 shall make some extra sangria when you venture this side of the pond!
Nathan
July 31, 2012 at 6:12 pm
Great post Ana! Summer time cocktails for me is anything with rum in it. With that being said my favorite rum cocktail is the Mai Tai. Nothing says summer, or even more specifically Hawaii, than the Mai Tai. The island juice and the rum mix together so good and throw in a slice of pineapple, HEAVEN!!!!!
mrsoaroundtheworld
July 31, 2012 at 6:49 pm
Yummy, I have never had one… I may have to try it.. wow!