Summer drinks: gettin' crunk in the heat

Super Summer Gin and Tonics

It's a classic for a reason. I've always universally hated gin- that is- till I actually tried a well made gin and tonic recently. It blew my mind with it's deliciousness. And on the plus side, it'll help protect me from malaria! Woo quinine!

Fruity Fourth of July

1 oz (a shot glass full) of blueberries, frozen or popped into the freezer for several hours

3 oz gin

4 oz tonic

2-3 strawberries, sliced

1 strawberry, whole

Sugar

1 lime wedge

Cut a slit in the lime wedge and rub it around the edge of a highball glass. Pour the sugar on a plate and coat the moistened rim. Dump the frozen blueberries on the bottom of the glass, fill the next third of the glass with ice, then the gin, then the tonic and top with the sliced strawberries. Garnish with the whole strawberry.

Cooling Summer Spritzer

1/2 cucumber, sliced into rounds

10 oz gin or vodka
1 liter tonic water

2 sprigs of mint

Layer the cucumber, some ice and the mint in a pitcher. Pour in the gin and then the tonic, mixing gently. Makes roughly 3 largeish drinks. 

Lazy Summer Day Gin Slushie
1 pink lemonade frozen concentrate
1 limeade frozen concentrate
1  bag frozen strawberries
2 cups gin

Blend in blender, maybe with ice, if things get too soupy.