Relishments

Savoring life in the Berkshires

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
    • Start Here
    • Relishments Around the Web
  • Flexitarianism
    • Cookbooks
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Reviews
  • The Berkshires
    • Boothbay, Midcoast Maine and More
    • Adventures in Other Places
  • Technology
    • My Favorite Technology Tools
  • Contact
    • Sponsor

Summer Cocktails Cookbook Review + Kentucky Mule Recipe

Published on June 9, 2015 By Emily. Updated on August 8, 2020

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Remember in February when I wrote a glowing review of Winter Cocktails ?  Well, the awesome people at Quirk Books have done it again, publishing Summer Cocktails by Maria Del Mar Sacasa.

Summer Cocktails

This book is every bit as good as it’s winter counterpart and it’s opened me up to a whole bunch of new ideas, as well as provided me with recipes for traditional favorites all in one place.  Brian and I have been working our way through the margaritas, martinis and lemonade.  I’m looking forward to making some of the shrubs (Blackberry-Basil! Strawberry-Rosemary!) later this summer and one of the sangria variations – there’s a red and a white – for Brian’s birthday later this month.  Actually, I’m looking forward to trying most of the recipes in the book, but I’m trying to take things one recipe at a time.

dill cucumber and black peppercorn gin

I did made a batch of the dill, cucumber and black peppercorn (though I used mixed peppercorn) infused gin.  In addition to looking great in the jar while infusing, the spice of the peppercorn is balanced by the cooling flavor of the cucumber, bringing our gin and tonic to a wider flavor profile.  Infusing liquor is fun and I love the inspiration that Summer Cocktails provides.

summe cocktails inside

As with the first book, the illustrations are lovely.  The book also features several appetizer recipes at the end of the book, including fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, sliders and breakfast tacos.  The recipes don’t appeal to me quite as much as the ones in Winter Cocktails, but that’s personal preference for sure.

My favorite recipe so far is the Kentucky Mule, which is not unique to Summer Cocktails, but was new to me.  Quirk Books was kind enough to allow me the opportunity to share the book’s recipe with you.  In my opinion, the slices of fresh ginger make the drink and are totally not optional.

Kentucky Mule Cocktail

Quality ingredients are never more important than in recipes made with only a few of them. To make this mule from Kentucky, use your favorite bourbon, squeeze fresh citrus, and make a run to the market for ginger beer—its sharpness and fragrance make all the difference. For extra kick, slip in slices of fresh or candied ginger.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Servings 1 serving

Ingredients
  

  • Ice cubes
  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • Juice of 1 lime or more to taste, plus lime wedge for garnish
  • Ginger beer chilled, to top
  • Fresh ginger slices or candied ginger for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Pour in bourbon and lime juice and stir to combine. Top with ginger beer and garnish with lime wedge and fresh or candied ginger, if desired. Serve.

Notes

MULE-TY TALENTED (Variations)
1. Moscow Mule - Substitute 2 ounces vodka for the bourbon.
2. Sippy Cup - A mule is traditionally served in a copper mug. Though the clothes don’t make the man, this traditional vessel adds a historical note and keeps the drink chilled.
Recipe, notes and variations from Summer Cocktails by Maria Del Mar Sacasa. Reprinted with permission from Quirk Books.

Get the book: Summer Cocktails

Summer Cocktails was provided to me for review by Quirk Books.  As always, my opinions are my own.

Related Posts

Spice Blends–My Kind of Convenience (Review ...
Lime Sugar Cookies with Pumpkin Seeds
A Visit to Glass Bottom Brewery in Lee, MA
Taste Test: Yoplait’s Greek Yogurt
Did you enjoy this post? Share it!

Filed Under: books, drink, recipe Tagged With: alcohol, books, review

« Back In the Game (CSA Menu Plan #26)
Greens, Greens and Greens (CSA Menu Plan #27) »

Welcome!

Welcome to Relishments! Follow along with my adventures in flexitarian eating and cooking in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.

The Berkshires
Recipe Index
CSA Menu Plan
First Time?
 

Support Relishments on Patreon

Just so you know…

I’m just a girl who loves to cook and eat. This site is not a source for nutritional information.

Relishments is affiliated with various sponsors. Some product links on this site are affiliates; I may get portion of the sale. All opinions on this site are honest, regardless of revenue opportunities. Find out more about my policies here

Relishments is affiliated with…

View my food journey on Zomato!

  
Ahalogy Badge

relishments

New year, new word! This year, I'm focusing on bei New year, new word!
This year, I'm focusing on being deliberate in my speech, my relationships, my work and my time. Change isn't going to happen my chance!
More of my thoughts are on the blog, link in my profile.
.
.
.
#onelittleword #myoneword #newyears #newyearsresolution #2021 #2021theme
My top 9 of 2020. In typical 2020 fashion, I had a My top 9 of 2020.
In typical 2020 fashion, I had all kinds of issues getting my Top 9 created this year and this image still has problems. 
But the images are accurate and nicely summarize the year - take out from local establishments (@aokberkshirebbq, @thebreakroomgw, @northadamsfarmersmarket), #RelishmentsBakes projects, the natural beauty of the Berkshires and our successful container garden.
.
.
.
#topnine2020 #2020 #newyear
New on the blog: my 8 favorite recipes I made in 2 New on the blog: my 8 favorite recipes I made in 2020. This post has ideas for every meal and features recipes from @bonappetitmag, @kingarthurbaking, @budgetbytes, @markbittman, @smittenkitchen and @wholefully.
.
Link in profile.
.
I'd love to hear about the best things you cooked this year!
.
.
.
#recipe #recipereview #favoriterecipe
Apparently, in the weirdness that is 2020, posting Apparently, in the weirdness that is 2020, posting to my Instagram feed was one of the things that didn't make the cut. There are more items than I'd prefer in that category, but recently I've felt like I'm beginning to get my feet firmly planted beneath me again. This fall was so busy with learning how to teach remotely and parent 2 children well. I don't anticipate that life will ever feel not busy, but I've been able to carve out some time lately for activities I've been missing. Making bread is one of those activities. Hopefully, more posts in the feed will be more frequent going forward. 
.
.
.
Peasant bread recipe from @breadin5
For last month's #RelishmentBakes challenge I made For last month's #RelishmentBakes challenge I made apple turnovers with puff pastry from scratch. I am so pleased with how well they turned out and proud of myself for tackling puff pastry.  Get all the details at the link in my profile. Next month's challenge is coming soon!
.
.
.
#BakingChallenge #BakingFromScratch #bakealong #turnovers #AppleTurnovers
Sunset in North Adams . . . #igers413 #WigwamWeste Sunset in North Adams
.
.
.
#igers413 #WigwamWesternSummit #InTheBerkshires #WesternMA #WesternMass #VisitTheBerkshires #NorthAdams #NAmazing #sunset
#sponsored All the time we've spent at home lately #sponsored All the time we've spent at home lately has definitely had me looking to expand the snack options in my pantry.  I jumped at the chance to try these @sunmaid Sour Raisins  and they immediately became one of my daughter's favorite snacks. She likes them because they're reminiscent of candy, I like them because they're technically fruit and they come prepackaged for easy snacking and taking on the go. I was pleasantly surprised at how tasty they are!
#howyoulikethemsours #contest #complimentary @Influenster
This weekend's weather was amazing and my family e This weekend's weather was amazing and my family embarked on the only way to kick off fall: we went apple picking at Jaeschke Orchards in Adams.  The parking lot was full, but out in the orchard we hardly came across any other groups.  The trees were heavy with apples and we quickly filled our bag. Looking forward to apples for snacks, pie, crisp and turnovers in the coming weeks.
This month's #RelishmentBakes challenge may sound This month's #RelishmentBakes challenge may sound familiar because it's a repeat. Sort of. Get all the details and join me in some turnover baking this month at the link in my profile.
.
.
.
#bakealong #BakingFromScratch #BakingChallenge #baking
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in