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
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
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.
Sparkling 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
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.