What pairs better on your porch than friends, music, a breeze and a cold pitcher of refreshment?
Nothing that we can think of.
So as we prepare for the inevitable crush of humidity that will be making its months-long appearance sooner than later, we decided to share a few pitcher perfect ideas for your next summertime porch, pool or couch session.
The first thing you’ll need is a really cute pitcher. Always double-check to make sure it is good to hold hot water, as some recipes begin that way, and it’s a shame to waste all that time and booze when it cracks.
Second, what should we drink? Keep it fresh, light and fruity.
Strawberry Peach Rose Sangria
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup vodka
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups sliced peaches
- 2 (750-ml) bottles dry rosé wine
- Fresh mint, for garnish
Directions
- In a saucepan, bring sugar and 1/4 cup water to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved.
- Transfer to a large heat-safe pitcher; let cool completely.
- Stir in vodka, strawberries and peaches.
- Refrigerate, covered, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
- Add wine just before serving and stir.
- Fill glasses with ice and add a few fresh strawberries and a small slice of peach.
- Garnish with fresh mint and serve immediately.
Frozen Mint Lemonade
(this can easily be made as a non alcoholic version by simply omitting the gin)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 bunch fresh mint (keep the full sprig intact)
- 1-1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (from 7 to 8 lemons), plus wedges for serving
- 8 ounces gin, chilled
Directions
- Combine sugar, full sprigs of mint, and 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat; let cool completely.
- Remove and discard mint.
- Pour syrup into a freezer-safe 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- Stir in lemon juice and 2 cups cold water.
- Freeze until solid, at least 6 hours and up to 1 day.
- Remove from freezer; scrape surface of mixture with the tines of a fork until flaky.
- (If too firm to scrape, let stand at room temperature 10 minutes.)
- Transfer to a blender with gin and 2 cups ice-cold water.
- Blend until smooth. (Mixture can be returned to freezer at this point until ready to serve.)
- Divide among chilled serving glasses, garnish with mint leaves and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.
Pineapple Peach Rum Cooler
Ingredients
- 1 can (46 ounces) pineapple juice
- 3 cups Malibu Rum
- 2 cups peach schnapps
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (from 6 to 8 limes)
- Lime slices, for garnish
Directions
- In a large pitcher, stir together pineapple juice, Malibu Rum, peach schnapps and lime juice.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve over ice, garnished with lime slices.
