Tipsy Tunes

Even with all the tempting outdoor seating in town, it’s always fun to cool off on hot nights with some refreshing cocktails on our own porch, deck or patio. WCDish has a few drink and music recommendations that are sure to impress your guests and add to the magic of outdoor sipping.

WC DISH Tip: Just be sure to invite the neighbors so they don’t get jealous (or call the police)

Combo #1:

Music: Chosen for Sophisticated (but not stuffy) cocktails

Artist: St. Germain
Album: Tourist

Drink: French Lillet Cocktail

• 1 bottle Lillet (French aperitif)
• 1 bottle Creme de Cassis (Black currant liqueur)
• 1 lemon
• Crushed ice

How to make it:

1. Over crushed ice in a chilled glass, pour two parts Lillet to one
   part Creme de Cassis
2. Add twist of lemon

Combo #2

Music chosen for: Laid Back n’ Fun with Food and Friends

Artist: M. Ward
Album: Post-War

Drink: German Radler

• Lager beer
• Lemon-lime soda, carbonated

How to make it:

1. Chill pint glass
2. Fill half full with your choice of lager
3. Fill remaining glass with carbonated water, keeping chilled

Combo #3

Music: Chosen for Romantic, Curtains Blowing Through the Window, Sittin’ on the Porch Tunes

Artist: Billie Holiday
Album: Love Songs

Drink: British Pimm’s Lemonade

• Pimm’s (can find at most state liquor stores)
• Sparkling lemonade
• Ice
• Mint sprigs
• Sliced lemons, apples, cucumbers and strawberries
• (Optional ginger beer)
• One pitcher

How to make it:

1. Fill pitcher with ice, Pimm’s, and sparkling lemonade, leaving room for fruit
2. Add fruit to taste
3. Drink at leisure, adding more fruit if desired

Combo # 4:

Music chosen for: Down-home, Country Backyard Entertainment

Artist: Old Crow Medicine Show
Album: O.C.M.S (Wagon Wheel is the best track) or the latest release, Big Iron World

Drink: Southern Mint Julep (Come on, it’s foreign to some!)

• 3 oz Bourbon
• 3 mint sprigs
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 Tbsp water

How to make it:

1. Take water, mint and sugar and mash until you can smell the mint
2. Pour into a tall glass
3. Fill with shaved ice, add bourbon
4. Stir til pre-chilled glass is frosted, garnish with orange and float mint sprigs on top

The Final Dish: If that doesn’t do it for you, here are some other fun drinks to try:

Mexican Chelada

• Coarse salt
• Ice cubes
• Juice of one to two limes
• 12 oz Mexican beer (Modelo, Corona, etc)
• (Optional Worcestershire or Tobasco sauce)

How to make it:

1. Salt rim of highball glass
2. Fill with ice cubes, add two inches lime juice (one inch with Worcestershire)
3. Pour beer, add more as you drink, enjoy!

Cuban Mojito

• 1 tsp powdered sugar
• Juice from 1 lime (2 ounces)
• 4 mint leaves
• 1 sprig of mint
• Crushed ice
• White Rum (2 ounces)
• 2 oz club soda

How to make it:

1. Place mint leaves in tall glass, squeeze 2 oz lime juice
2. Add powdered sugar
3. Gently grind mint into juice and sugar, using back of spoon
4. Add ice, fill with rum and top off with club soda
5. Garnish with mint sprig
6. Optional: enjoy a Cuban cigar

Photo by Bing Ramos