Create a Better Cocktail Bar This Season

by Julie Tereshchuk on June 29, 2016 in Food+Drink, Lifestyle, Home,
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Invite some friends over and create a unique cocktail experience in your home this summer with these simple yet delicious ideas. Learn how to put a new spin on old classics with seasonal fruits. Step up your garnish game, revamp your ice cubes and impress your guests. We’ll raise a glass to that!

This DIY cocktail bar can be a fun and creative way to get guests enjoying the gathering early. Courtesy photo
This DIY cocktail bar can be a fun and creative way to get guests enjoying the gathering early. Courtesy photo

Elevate Your Cocktails: Rather than serving up traditional mimosas and Bellinis, put a new spin on the classics by serving sparkling wine, such as Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore, with seasonal fruit purees. Allow your guests to mix their own cocktails and set up a DIY cocktail bar with various purees, such as honeydew, nectarine, raspberries, watermelon and strawberry, which are seasonal and pair perfectly. Provide options for garnishes, such as simple mint sprigs, raspberries and sliced strawberries. The additional fruits can make for great décor as well: cut a small groove into citrus fruit to hold place cards for the table if you are hosting a sit down meal at your party.

Revamp Your Ice Cubes: Under the Texas summer sun, your favorite cocktail won’t stay chilled for long. To keep your glass ice-cold without diluting the cocktail and add an extra dash of flavor, fill ice cube trays with seasonal fruits like strawberries and kiwi and top with that handy bottle of prosecco!

Plan ahead and prepare flavorful ice to avoid dulling crafty cocktails. Courtesy photo
Plan ahead and prepare flavorful ice to avoid dulling crafty cocktails. Courtesy photo

Go For Bold Garnishes: Upgrade your classic wine cocktail by rimming the glass in the juice or peel of your citrus of choice (e.g. lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit) and dip into citrus-infused sugar. To make this, grate your favorite citrus into granulated sugar and mix to combine. The same can be done with shaved coconut or minced fresh herbs.

Fun Tip: Replace traditional sugar with gold or colored sugar for rimming your wine cocktail.