On the Rocks: Raspberry Collins.

I love a good Tom Collins, but sometimes all that sweet and sour mix can give me heartburn after *ahem* a few. Even though this raspberry collins version uses lemon juice it still doesn’t seem quite as acidic and lot more suited to warm weather. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
– 2 ounces gin
– 1 ounce lemon juice
– ½ ounce simple syrup or 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
– 3 ounces chilled club soda
– ¾ ounce crème de framboise
– 3 ounces raspberry puree
– raspberries for garnish

Pour the gin, lemon juice, crème de framboise, raspberry puree, and simple syrup into and ice-filled Collins glass. Top with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with raspberries.

:: photo and cocktail recipe via Hostess with the Mostess

On the Rocks: Orange Mojito.

It just hit me that I suck. I forgot about my On the Rocks post yesterday. Please accept my apologies and this orange mojito as a peace offering.

Ingredients:
– 3 parts orange-flavored vodka
– 1 part light rum (recommended: Cruzan Estate Light Rum 2 Years)
– 2 parts lime juice
– 1 part orange liquor
– 1 part simple syrup
– Soda water
– Mint leaf

Fill a highball glass to the rim with crushed ice. Pour vodka, rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup over the ice. Top up with soda water. Garnish with a mint leaf. Depending on the quantities you use, this drink could serve 1-20 people.

:: photo and cocktail recipe via yumsugar

On the Rocks: Lime Derby.

I’m easily sucked into tradition and all that it entails. This Saturday is the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby and you can bet I’ll be tuned in to the all-day coverage right down until the winner crosses the finishing line. For those of you equally enthralled, you’ll know that the traditional cocktail of the Derby is the mint julep. But have you ever tried one? Wow. Powerful stuff. This year I’m opting for the lighter Lime Derby which just may take a permanent place on my summer cocktail list.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz. Smirnoff Lime Flavored Vodka
– 1 oz. simple syrup
– 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
– Cucumber
– Fresh mint

Muddle cucumber in a mixing glass, add mint and bruise. Add remaining ingredients into a mixing glass, fill glass with ice. Shake the ingredients and strain the mixture into a martini glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a cucumber wheel.

:: photo and cocktail via Cocktail Times

On the Rocks: Pear Cachaça Slushy.

With the weather warm again, I’m excited to start trying some frozen drinks! This Pear Cachaça Slushy tops my list at the moment. Add “slushy” onto anything and I’m a taker! A pitcher of these would be perfection for a lazy afternoon by the pool.

:: image and recipe via Cocktail Times

On the Rocks: Ruby Red Margarita.

Ruby Red Margaritas and the ridiculous amount of vitamin C found in these citrus fruits can help us all stay healthy. So, technically, you need to drink these for your own good.

Ingredients:
– lime wedge
– Coarse salt for coating the rim of the glass
– 1 jigger (1 1/2 ounces) tequila
– 3 tablespoons fresh pink grapefruit juice (preferably ruby red)
– 1 pony (1 ounce) orange-flavored liqueur
– 1/2 teaspoon superfine sugar if desired

Yield: 1 margarita

:: photo and recipe via Our Kitchen Sink

On the Rocks: Royal 61.

I’ve never been a big fan of gin, but this watermelon-y Royal 61 looks mighty tasty if I do say so myself.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– juice of half lime
– 1 oz creme de cassis
– 1 oz watermelon syrup*
– Champagne
– sugar for rimming (optional)

* Watermelon Syrup
To make watermelon syrup, mix 4 cups pureed seedless watermelon and 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and stir while bringing to a simmer. Adjust the heat to maintain a simmer. Stirring occasionally, simmer until the mixture has reduced by one half in volume and becomes syrupy. Remove from heat to cool and then place in a glass bowl or jar, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Keeps 5 days in the refrigerator. Makes 2 cups.

:: photo and cocktail via Cocktail Times

On the Rocks: Blackberry Rum Runner.

It’s overcast and we’re expecting rain this afternoon, but I’m busy picturing myself on a tropical beach sipping on one of these Blackberry Rum Runners.

Ingredients:
– 1-1/2 oz rum
– 1/2 oz Banana Liqueur
– Splash of pineapple juice
– Splash of orange juice
– 1/2 oz Monin Blackberry Syrup
– 3 fresh blackberries
– Splash of Sprite

Pour the first five ingredients, along with two of the blackberries, into a cocktail shaker with enough ice to fill a 14-ounce beverage glass. Shake. Pour into beverage glass and top with Sprite. Garnish with the reserved blackberry and a straw.

:: cocktail and image via Cocktail Times