Summer In a Glass

I suppose it's normal to be pining for a refreshing beverage this time of year, and I often want some iced tea. I drank a fair amount of lemonade on the Hilton Head trip (rare for me), and when I got home I remembered that I like an Arnold Palmer (half iced tea, half lemonade). Now, I figured that combo would be good with vodka (because everything is good with vodka), and when my husband and I got to mixing a cocktail last weekend after some yard work we came up with a couple of incredibly refreshing beverages that you should know about and try. You're welcome.

1. Arnold Palmer with a Twist (my husband says that these are really called a John Daly. Whatever. I added mint)

Fill a tall glass with ice and then add desired amount of vodka ( a shot, or 2 if you are tough). Add 2 full shot glasses of lemonade (something good and fresh like Simply Lemonade),  and then top the glass off with unsweetened ice tea. Crush some fresh mint from your plant that is overtaking your herbs out back between your fingers and add it to the glass. Muddle and mix well. Drink and repeat as necessary.


2. Sparkling Mint Lemonade (one is sitting next to me as I type)

Fill a tall glass with ice and add your vodka. Add lemonade until glass is 2/3-3/4 full, toss in a few leaves of mint (muddle), and then top off with sparkling water (I prefer the little cans of grapefruit or lime Perrier. It's true I am a sparkling water snob. I have a history with Perrier and will remain faithful!). Stir and enjoy, preferably on your back patio at sunset.