Summer enhancements!

Beverages of all sorts make your summer days and nights so much better. We've been hearing about a number of them lately and thought we'd share.

House Spirits/Aviation American Gin

House Spirits has created summertime cocktails that fit their theory of what makes a great Patio Pounder (you've got to love that name)-lower proof and thirst quenching, sometimes even lower in calories. The cocktails below were created by Ryan Magarian who co-founded Aviation American Gin in 2006.

Puttin' on the Spritz (make-ahead pitcher drink-serves 6)

9 oz. Aviation American Gin
9 oz. Dry Riesling (they suggest ANEW Riesling, Columbia Valley, WA)
4.5 oz. Dole pineapple juice (less than one small 6 oz. can)
6 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
3 oz. honey syrup (combine equal parts honey to heated water and stir until honey is dissolved, let cool)
12 oz. soda water (they suggest Q soda water)

Garnish with 1 whole sliced lemon (wheels) and 20 picked mint leaves.
When ready to serve, add ice about ¾ of the way up a 64 oz. pitcher.
Pour all ingredients into pitcher, plus garnishes, stir well, drink up!

Beers Knees (beer cocktail)

1-1/2 oz. Aviation American Gin
1 oz. freshly pressed lemon juice
1 oz. honey syrup (combine equal parts honey to heated water and stir until honey is dissolved, let cool)
3 oz. Widmer Hefeweizen

In a pint glass, add spirits and mixers through honey syrup.
Fill with ice and shake vigorously.
Fine strain into a chilled Collins glass with our without ice.
Top with Hefeweizen.
Garnish with a lemon wedge.

www.housespirits.com

Renwood Winery

Specializing in Zinfandel's, Renwood was established in 1993 in Amador County in California's Sierra foothills. Their handcrafted wines get consistently high ratings, but that doesn't mean they're all up into themselves with the big wines and bigger prices. For instance, they've come out with BBQ with a nose of cracked pepper, clove and blackberry; the right amount of spice to pair well with the smoky, grilled flavors of steaks, ribs, lamb, everything BBQ. It's just $12.99.

They've also created The Cleaver. Their theory: no butcher would be without his/her cleaver, and The Cleaver is one wine that no meat should be without. Perfect with steaks, ribs, chops. It's silky smooth with flavors of black plum and blackberry jam. The label even gives instructions: "serve at room temp." These are instructions just about anyone can follow. It's also affordable at $15.99.

Even better news: although these are great wines with summertime barbecue, they'll be available year 'round.

 www.renwood.com

Sullivan's Steakhouse

Sullivan's has created some cooling cocktails like the Bell Pepper Collins (recipe below-a twist on the classic Tom Collins), Melon Sparkler, Peach Mule, and Peach Raspberry Bellini. Try them out at 621 Union Street in downtown Seattle.

Bell Pepper Collins

1-1/2 oz. Beefeater Gin OR Absolut Vodka
½ oz. simple syrup
3 oz. lemon sour
1 oz. club soda
3 pieces of red bell pepper (1/2" diced)
Red bell pepper slice (garnish)

Place red bell pepper pieces in a Boston Shaker glass, add simple syrup and ice.
Cap and shake 5-10 times.
Add gin OR vodka, lemon sour and club soda.
Strain into an ice-filled tall glass.
Garnish with red bell pepper slice.

www.sullivanssteakhouse.com

Eureka!

Inspired by the FIFA World Cup Brazil, Eureka! has created an All-American version of the traditional Brazilian Caipirinha they're calling the Caipiroska, made with Ballast Point Fugu Vodka and locally-sourced ingredients. They're running this special cocktail from June 12-July 13; cost is $8. Find them in the University Village.

Eureka! Caipiroska

1.5 oz. Ballast Point Fugu Vodka
1 Demerara sugar cube
.75 oz. Brown Simple Syrup

Muddle sugar cube and simple syrup together with a splash of water.
Squeeze 3 lime wedges into rocks glass; drop one of the limes.
Add 1 orange rind to glass.
Lightly middle orange rind and lime wedge.
Add crusted ice to glass.

www.eurekarestaurantgroup.com

Barnard Griffin Winery

Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard founded their winery in 1983. Their tasting room and wine bar/eatery in Richland, Washington, are always fun places to visit. They've had many award-winning wines over the years, and their 2013 Rosé of Sangiovese just won Best of Class at the prestigious 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Check it out at their tasting room at 878 Tulip Lane in Richland. A good rosé can really make your summer.

www.barnardgriffin.com

June 2014