Summer in February

For years now, I have been lucky enough to spend the greater part of the summer in Muskoka. It was about four summers ago now and it was a really hot July. I got invited to this event on Lake Roso called Christmas in July. At first I thought that it was a rather absurd concept. I like to embrace the summer and not think of the snow to come, but as a Canadian I realized how much we are in love with our seasons. I suppose so much so that some of us miss the snow even in the hot summer. This event embraced winter cocktails, great beer and a hot fire. It is an event that I find to this day hard to forget and now every year on July 25th my friends, family and I celebrate Christmas in July. It is of course another good excuse to have some creative cocktails with great company.


So I thought to myself on this rather snowy day, if we can have Christmas in July, why not celebrate summer in February. February is the month of the winter blues so let’s bring the hot days and warm nights of July to this month by drinking summer cocktails. So I propose that tonight being the 25th of February gather your friends and indulge in your favorite summer cocktails. Get creative! For this purpose I have suggested some creative summer cocktails you can make in your own home. In the hot summer simplicity is key, but that does not mean the cocktails are not tasty! So start a fire get in your shorts and feel the warmth of a hot summer night. Just think the summer is just around the corner…so feel the heat.

Tonight forget the snow…dress inappropriately for winter… and simply indulge!


MOUNTAIN LEMONAID

1 oz. Banff Ice Vodka
4 oz. limeade
2 oz. Lemon Lime Soda

To a rocks glass filled with ice, add Banff Ice Vodka, limeade and soda.
Garnish with a mint sprig.

LIME SUNSET

1 oz. Smirnoff Lime Twist Vodka.
½ oz. Captain Morgan’s parrot bay coconut rum.
4 oz. Pineapple Juice.

Garnish with Lime wheels.