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It may be a little late to snag one of these Linen Deck Towels in time for the long weekend, but I will definitely have them on hand for the rest of summer.
I love linen – sheets, pants, jackets, couches, napkins, you name it – it’s a fabric that just exudes simple luxury. And the thought of spending the summer with linen under my bum sounds just fabulous. Take ‘em to the beach, backyard BBQs, deck parties, anywhere that has sunshine (and maybe a cocktail).
They would also be the perfect present for summer birthdays or as a thank you gift for any summer travels.
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend! Hope it is filled with food, drinks, friends and fiestas … and a few little luxuries too!
Images via Deck Towel via Design*Sponge
Just in case you want to have another tequila cocktail option for upcoming BBQs this weekend, here is one I have been enjoying from The Breslin. Good food and better drinks are definitely on the final week(s) agenda.
This one is more herbal, less fruity than the strawberry-black pepper drink. That one is perfect for daytime, and maybe switch to this as the sun goes down. And if you are serving both of these this weekend, it’s not to late to invite me over!
I haven’t recreated this one yet, so I don’t have exact amounts, but if you get to it before me, let me know how it goes in the comments.
Here is how it’s listed on the menu:
Moon Safari blanco tequila with fresh pineapple, tarragon and fresh lime juice –If you are unsure of how the tarragon works here, suffice it to say, there was more than one round ordered and consumed. I think I am now trading this slightly licorice-y herb for basil in all my summer cocktails. For now anyway.
Because at this rate, I am going to have a whole new tequila love affair by next week. Yikes – let’s hope not.
I am going to guess that you haven’t had a strawberry margarita in quite a while. And considering that too many are made too syrupy sweet, that is a good thing.
But I have one that will make you remember the genius of the tequila and strawberry combo. Well, rather Back Forty has one, but for upcoming Memorial Day BBQs and parties, I’m going to call it mine, and I think you should too.
What makes you come back for another one on this drink is the black pepper. The rim is coated in a mix of sugar and freshly ground back pepper and it is amazing. I love when pepper is in a bloody mary rim mix, but there it is salty and expected. Here, twinged with a hint of sweet, it is the best kind of almost-summer surprise. Kind of like strawberries themselves. When perfectly ripe, way better than you remember or imagined.
But for all the allure of the rim, the drink itself it simple.
I really don’t mean to be boring and predictable, always linking weather to what I eat (or drink), but I just can’t help it. It has been over 80ºF here lately and so I am in a summer state of mind. And to me summer = backyard BBQ’s and lots of fresh libations. So, I am taking this weather to mean we should get a head start on those drinks.
One of my favorites for summer (and spring) is to make a big batch of fruit puree for an instant “specialty” drink. You can use fresh fruit of course, but frozen is easier, cheaper and means you have to wait until actual summer to get peaches.
Just puree any frozen fruit of your choice (peach, raspberry and strawberry are my favorite – but keep them separate, this isn’t a smoothie) with a little bit of liquid (I use peach nectar for the peach version and simple syrup with the raspberries) to thin it out. It’ll keep in the fridge for a few days, if you want to get a head start on things.
You won’t be disappointed … these unexpected additions to the bar (as well as the CB2 bottle decanters) were the (or rather, one of) the hit of a recent party.
A few ways to use fruit purees:
- Pour a bit into the bottom of a champagne glass and top with bubbly of your choice for a bellini. Have multiple flavors, instant bellini bar!
- Jazz up your standard vodka-soda
- With a bit (or more) tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime juice on the rocks for a fruit margarita that isn’t quite so embarrassing
What drinks would you make with these purees?
