"What quenches your thirst depends on who you are" and New Yorkers are so diverse that there is an almost endless number of refreshing summer drinks to choose from, from sweet Greek frappés and Mexican agua fresca to strong African ginger beer and the bubble teas favored by Chinese students.
The recipe for refreshing in a summer cocktail comes down to a few key points, the most important being the inclusion of ice. Ice not only lowers the temperature of the drink, but helps the ingredients to blend together and, since it results in more water in your system as it melts, helps you stay hydrated in the summer heat.
"The Cuke" (recipe below) wins the NY Time's summer cocktail contest, as it is light, refreshing and not too boozy for sipping in the hot sun.
Prosecco might be the ultime summer sipper, though, as it is refreshing, stylish and soothes the heat better than "the gentle cooling of a rippling breeze."
People are starting to get a taste for cachaça, the national spirit of Brazil, which is made from fermented sugar cane juice.Frank Bruni eats at Degustation and gives it two stars, while giving Jewel Bako one star.
The CukeNY Times Ultimate Summer Cocktail
6 limes, rinsed
1 cup mint leaves, no stems, plus sprigs for garnish
3 washed, unwaxed cucumbers
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups vodka or gin (preferably Hendrick's gin)
Sparkling water
Slice 3 of the limes and place in a pitcher. Juice the rest and add juice to pitcher. Add mint leaves. Slice 2 cucumbers and add, then add sugar. Muddle ingredients together with a muddle or spoon. Add vodka or gin, then place in refrigerator to steep at least 30 minutes.
Peel remaining cucumber and cut lengthwise into 6 spears.
Fill 6 highball glasses with ice. Strain mixture from pitcher into each. Top each with a splash of sparkling water, garnish with a sprig of mint and a cucumber spear and serve.
Serves 6.
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