{"id":25238,"date":"2013-06-07T09:00:51","date_gmt":"2013-06-07T13:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.uncommongoods.com\/?p=25238"},"modified":"2013-06-06T10:54:15","modified_gmt":"2013-06-06T14:54:15","slug":"summer-cocktail-inspiration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uncommongoods.com\/blog\/2013\/summer-cocktail-inspiration\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Cocktail Inspiration"},"content":{"rendered":"

After hibernating all winter I get excited for summer and opening my home to friends. I always find entertaining in warmer weather is so much easier. I can keep food simple and light. Decorating is as simple as putting out some flowers and pulling back the curtains. And I always have so much fun mixing drinks for my guests \u2013 chilling some beer and wine and setting out a festive cocktail in a vintage pitcher. This summer I plan on getting fancy with ingredients and have really been inspired by three elements \u2013 gin, flowers, and fruit. (Yes, I\u2019ve been on Pinterest. Don\u2019t judge.) <\/p>\n

Gin<\/strong>
\nI\u2019m not usually one for hard-liquor but I love ordering a gin cocktail when a glass of wine is uncool. It\u2019s so old-fashioned and kind of classy, and there are really exciting new ways to spruce up some gin. Its juniper flavor blends well with a variety of fruits and botanicals.<\/p>\n

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Without question, my favorite drink on a sunny summer afternoon is a Pimm\u2019s Cup stuffed with cucumbers, oranges, and mint leaves. A classic Pimm\u2019s Cup recipe calls for gin, and this Smitten Kitchen<\/a> recipe is speaking my language.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>It\u2019s easy to combine fruit and herbs in a gin cocktail. It might sounds strange, but trust me \u2013 delish! You can even get a little crazy and use kumquats like in this recipe for a Citrus Rosemary cocktail on Ruffled<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Still in the mood for a plain old gin & tonic? There\u2019s nothing boring about this boozy sorbet recipe by Peter Georgakopoulos on The Boys Club<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Heck, the DIYer in me might even take to making my own gin<\/a> this summer!<\/p>\n

Florals<\/strong>
\nFlowers. In your drink. On your table, in your hair, and yes, in your drink. Floral flavors are becoming increasingly popular as French macarons make their rounds and it was only a matter of time until they were mulled and infused in simple syrups and mixed into our drinks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>This Raspberry Rose Fizz<\/a> by Joy the Baker is almost too pretty to drink. Almost.<\/p>\n