National Mint Julep Day

May 30th is National Mint Julep Day, so I had to take a quick minute and feature it on my blog.  I really enjoy a mint julep since it has whiskey.  It's so simple and perfect for summer.  Take fresh mint and muddle with sugar add ice, and your favorite whiskey, stir with a bar spoon and add a splash of club soda.  So fresh, so minty, so refreshing, and can be enjoyed anytime of year, not just at the Kentucky Derby

Watermelon Margaritas

I rallied Sunday afternoon and made fresh watermelon margaritas with chips, strawberry salsa, and guacamole before we kicked off our day in sunny Venice, CA.  

I am always researching new lime juices to use at home for margaritas.  I dislike sour mixes.  I tried Califia lemon limeade juice.  It has a refreshing taste, it's local to southern California.  It's a much thinner consistency than a lime juice or sour mix, which I really liked.  You don't use that much anyway.  Next, I took a half of a mini watermelon, and juiced it.  

I just filled up my glasses with ice, added 2 ounces of white tequila, home made organic simple syrup, lemon limeade, and watermelon juice.  I shook it vigorously.  Just fantastic, delicious and fresh.  

I decorated my table, with my bar shaker, cocktail mermaids, cute bar napkins.  It's important to decorate your table for better ambiance.  

Pairing the margaritas with the salsa and guacamole was a perfect start to a perfect Sunday Funday with great friends!

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www.califiafarms.com

Basil vodka and strawberry lemonade

Using fresh herbs in cocktails are great for the summer.  I like to muddle fresh basil at the bottom of a shaker glass with a touch of agave syrup.  I add ice to the glass, and fill with 2 ounces of vodka.  Shake vigorously, and pour over fresh ice.  Top with fresh strawberry lemonade.  I juice the strawberries, and mix it together.  Garnish with a sprig of basil and a lemon wedge.  So refreshing!

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Paloma

My new favorite drink of summer is.........a Paloma.  I take 1 1/2 ounces of tequila, and pour it over ice, I like a salty rim, and I add fresh grapefruit juice, a splash of club soda, and a splash of fresh lime juice.
 Delicious and refreshing.  If your daring add a floater of Mezcal.  Ole!

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Cinco De Mayo

Cinco de Mayo a Mexican-American celebration to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War.  Also, a day to just drink lots of tequila, Mexican beer, and Mezcal.  All, which happen to be my favorite!

In celebration of this holiday, I would like to share my cocktail Diablo with you.  Take sliced serrano chilis or jalapeno and put in a shaker glass, add fresh blackberries, a dash of agave nectar, and fresh lime juice.  Muddle these ingredients together, add ice and top off with your favorite tequila.  For this recipe I use Calavera Reposado.  Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.  The color is a deep rich berry color.  You can rim the glass with salt if you like.  The heat from the chilis is amazing!  Garnish with a blackberry.

Salud!

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http://www.calaveratequila.com/