Jun
9
2011
Summer Sips
Summer is but weeks away, and with it comes long, lazy days at the pool, plenty of hikes in the high country, concerts under the stars, and fab concoctions served in pretty little glasses. Here, we share our picks for the perfect summer cocktail – many of which are crafted right here in Colorado.
Breckenridge Distillery
The 4,000 square foot Colorado facility is nestled below Peak 8 along the Ten Mile Mountain Range within the Town of Breckenridge. At 9,600 feet above sea level, Breck is literally the world’s highest distillery. The 300+ inches of annual snowfall infuse Breckenridge’s Bourbon and Vodka with the purest water possible. Ladies and gents can also tour the distillery, learning firsthand what snowmelt spirits are all about. Breckenridge Distillery, www.breckenridgedistillery.com
The Breckenridge Banjo
2 oz Breckenridge Bourbon
3 dashes bitters
One squeeze of lime wedge
Mix on the rocks. Top with 50/50 of Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale.
Let the boys marvel at your ability to imbibe whiskey with ease, yet remain the perfectly girlish temptress you are.
St-Germain
The first liqueur in the world created in the artisanal French manner from freshly handpicked elderflower blossoms in the foothills of The Alps, St-Germain delivers limited batches with a curious mix of flavors, styles and influences. St-Germain, www.stgermain.fr
Sangria Flora
2 Cups St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1 Bottle Sauvignon Blanc
Fresh Strawberries, Apples, Oranges, Raspberries and Grapes
Stir ingredients in a pitcher or carafe. Allow fruit to soak in mixture between 3-8 hours. Serve in an ice filled glass.
Call your doctor and regale him with stories of your exemplary fruit consumption.
Montanya Rum
Silverton-based Montanya boasts the state’s only all-rum distillery, and they do it in style. With both dark and light iterations, Montanya was conceived about as far from the snowcapped Rockies as possible. When owners Karen and Brice Hoskin were vacationing on the beaches of Belize, rum drinks in hand, they had an “a ha” moment that led to opening Montanya’s doors in their Silverton, Colorado hometown later that year. Today, the distillery even boasts a tasting room where artisan cocktails are served year-round. Montanya Rum, www.montanyadistillers.com
Blackberry Orange Mojito
2 oz Platino Montanya Rum
½ Sugar Rim
3 Muddled Blackberries
6-9 Muddled Mint Leaves
3 Drops Orange bitters
½ lime
1-2 oz Orange Juice
Top with Soda water. Serve in a chilled glass.
Smugly answer, “oh, it’s just a little something I whipped up” when guests gush over your newfound talents in mixology.
I can personally attest to my love for all three of these cocktails. They make the perfect signature drinks for your next soiree, or better yet, a Colorado Wedding. Bottoms up, ladies!