June Bug

It all started with a Junebug drink recipe I have been wanting to make which then led me to think about a book I had used in the classroom with the same title and then the discovery of a new book title with the same name and lastly, the ultimate find, another Junebug drink recipe.

We have had copious amounts of rainfall this past month which has hatched a huge influx of mosquitoes, ticks and other pesky bugs including Junebugs (a large brown beetle) who make their appearance in late spring to early summer. In the south "cute as a Junebug is considered a term of endearment. It is considered a compliment like calling someone very sweet.

I have been waiting for just the right occasion to serve Junebug. Memorial Day seems like the unofficial start of summer and a good time to share with company this refreshing summer drink. I am just hoping warm weather is not too far behind.

Junebug is also the title of a small chapter book for third and fourth graders. It is about a nine year old boy named Junebug who has a dream one day of escaping the housing project he lives in. He then launches a plan to help make his dream come true.

I did find a new title June Bug which is an adult novel by Chris Fabry. Follow this link to learn more about the book which got very good reviews. http://www.titletrakk.com/book-reviews/june-bug-review-fabry.htm

Who would have thought Junebugs could be so versatile!

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Junebug

recipe from Southern Living June 2010

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of ginger ale
• 4 TB grenadine
• 4 TB. orange juice
• 3 scoops orange sherbet

Directions:

• Blend all ingredients in a blender
• Pour into ice-filled cocktail glasses
• To make alcohol add 1/2 cup rum

Ultimate Junebug

Makes 1

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. melon liqueur (Midori)
• 3/4 oz. Malibu coconut rum
• 3/4 oz banana liqueur
• 1 oz. sweet and sour mix
• 1 oz. pineapple juice

Directions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and mix