Pitcher Drinks: Cool Summer Sips & Cocktails

Written by Liz

You may remember from previous posts that I love a little herb in my desserts – well, I also love a little herb in my drinks. Especially basil. And cilantro. And rosemary…ok I love them all. Give me a fennel-infused bloody mary with a touch of cilantro plus all the fixin’s and I’m a happy girl.

I was an equally happy girl when I found these easy summer drink recipes: one uses limoncello and basil and the other uses wine and sparkling orange mineral water. Both can be made by the pitcher for groups and parties, and you can always infuse your own personality into the drink – as I found out at a recent wine cocktail aperitivi party on California’s central coast.

For the Limoncello Basil Cooler pictured at top, you can easily follow the recipe; it’s oh so refreshing after a long day. Or, to create a South of the Border version, use 1 part margarita mix and 1 part dry white wine instead of limoncello, add fresh lime and lemon juice, and replace the basil with cilantro. You can even add a dash of Tequila!

Limoncello Basil Cooler

Ingredients for 6 small servings:

• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil sprigs
• 1 bottle (750 ml) limoncello liqueur, chilled, divided
• 1 bottle (16.9 fluid ounces) PERRIER Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
• Crushed ice cubes
• 6 basil sprigs for serving

Directions:

MUDDLE or smash 1/2 cup basil with 1/4 cup limoncello with a wooden spoon in a large pitcher. Add remaining limoncello and sparkling water.

FILL glasses half full with ice. Top with limoncello mixture, holding back bruised basil; garnish with basil sprig.

Another super easy crowd pleaser is this recipe for Fruity White Wine Spritzers. These take no time to put together if you just follow the recipe (a little bit hard for me!) OR you can really go crazy substituting your favorite fruit, juices and herbs to get something totally unique. Get some ideas here.

Have fun mixing it up!

Links:

• Limoncello Basil Cooler
• Fruity White Wine Spritzers

Related drink recipes:

Sparkling Sangria

Strawberry Aguas Frescas