A Toast to Summer

A toast to summer with fall on its way

VODKA SLUSHY
Cook's Notes: You'll love this recipe because it's super refreshing, delicious and

• It's made with only 5 ingredients.
• It’s made in about 5 minutes.
• It’s flexible with the variety of fruit that can be used (so it can be made with what’s on hand).
• The recipe can easily be adjusted for fewer (or more) servings.

Frozen raspberries were used, but use what fruits you enjoy best. Other delicious options are frozen strawberries, cherries, blueberries, pineapple or mango.
Just keep in mind that different varieties of fruit will have varying degrees of sweetness (which will impact the overall flavor of your frozen drink). The recipe is from girlheartfood.com and makes 4 drinks.
Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen raspberries
• 1 cup cold orange juice
• 1 cup crushed ice
• ½ to ¾ cup cold water, or more for a looser or thinner consistency
• 6 ounces vodka
• ¼ cup simple syrup, or to taste
• Orange slices, garnish to taste (optional)

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until combined. Divide slushy between four glasses and garnish (if desired) with an orange slice. Serve and enjoy!

Note: For a thicker consistency, use ½ cup of cold water. Add more if you want things looser or thinner.

Limoncello Raspberry Prosecco Cooler or a Hackensack Summer Sipper

Amazingly refreshing, bubbly, and sweet, the perfect summer solstice cocktail that you can make in just 5 minutes! Recipe adapted from The Comfort of Cooking
Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of Prosecco or another sparkling wine, chilled
• 1 cup limoncello liqueur, chilled
• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• 6 sprigs fresh mint

Directions:

• In a large pitcher, whisk together prosecco and limoncello. Add ice cubes.
• Chill wine glasses.
• Serve the drink with frozen raspberries and garnish with mint, if desired.

Individual Charcuterie Cones 

Use scrapbooking paper to make cones. They can also be purchased online through Amazon.

Fruit Infused Water (non-alcoholic) 

Try infusing your water with some antioxidant-rich fruit! This is an easy way to boost your beverage with a hint of flavor without filling your glass with added calories or sugar. You’ll get all the hydrating benefits of water while supplying your body with a boost of polyphenols, fiber, and vitamins.

For the perfect balance of flavor, we recommend a ratio of 1 part fruit to 3 parts water. Fruits: Melons, berries, kiwi, and citrus fruits are all good options. Apples, pears, and peaches do not do well in terms of infusing water with flavor. And I love the taste of cucumbers (yes, cucumbers are technically a fruit!
You can use fresh or frozen fruit, and you can even mix in fresh summer herbs! For a hint of added sweetness, try swapping traditional ice cubes for the coconut water ice cubes mentioned above!

Here are some yummy flavor combos to try:
Mint + Lemon + Raspberries
Ginger + Lemon + Lime
Cucumber + Lemon + Basil + Strawberries
Blueberries + Blackberries + Basil
Raspberries + Pineapple + Mint
Watermelon + Cucumber + Mint