Sips & Synopsis - This Weeks Makings

• Welcome to the Season of Sipping

• Trivia Question

• Drink of the Week - Strawberry Basil Vodka Lemonade

• Cooler Friendly Mocktail

• The 1st Frozen Drink of the Season

• Batching Tips for the Long Weekend

Welcome to the Season of Sipping

Hey there, cocktail lovers! This weekend, we’re officially entering the sweet spot of spring-meets-summer, and you know what that means: patios, picnics, poolside hangs, and pitchers of drinks that go down way too easily.

This week, we’re serving up a long weekend cocktail guide that’s as ready to party as you are. Expect:
✔️ 3 crowd-pleasing, make-ahead cocktails
✔️ 1 cooler-friendly mocktail for your sun-loving sober crew
✔️ A story about the joy of the first frozen drink of the season
✔️ Pro tips for batching, chilling, and serving with style
✔️ A patriotic trivia question
✔️ A quote that makes you want to raise a glass to summer

Let’s make this long weekend legendary—one pitcher at a time.

Trivia Question❓

What was the original name of Memorial Day before it became a federal holiday?
(Hint: It was meant to honor Civil War soldiers.)

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Drink of the Week

🍓 Drink of the Week: Strawberry Basil Vodka Lemonade (Pitcher Style)

Bright. Boozy. Backyard BBQ perfection.

🌿 Pro tip: Make it sparkle with a splash of club soda or prosecco before serving!

Two More Crowd-Favorite Cocktails for the Long Weekend

1. Cucumber Gin Cooler (Spa Vibes in a Pitcher)

Refreshing, crisp, and ideal for hot afternoons.

• 1.5 cups gin

• 3 cups tonic or sparkling cucumber water

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

• Fresh mint

Serve chilled with plenty of ice and cucumber ribbons.

2. Grapefruit Mezcal Paloma Punch

Smoky, citrusy, and endlessly drinkable.

• 1.5 cups mezcal

• 2 cups fresh grapefruit juice

• 1 cup lime juice

• 1/4 cup agave syrup

• Top with grapefruit soda before serving

• Tajín for optional rim

🔥 This one’s bold, zesty, and made for a sunset toast.

Mocktail Moment: Pineapple Mint Spritzer

Cooler-friendly and picnic-approved.

• 2 cups pineapple juice

• 1 oz lime juice

• Fresh mint leaves

• Club soda or coconut water to top

• Garnish: pineapple wedge + mint sprig

Instructions:
Muddle mint with lime juice, add pineapple juice, shake with ice, strain, top with bubbles. Serve over ice with sunshine on the side. ☀️

The First Frozen Drink of the Season

There’s a special kind of joy that hits when you blend up that first frozen drink of the year. It doesn’t matter if it’s a piña colada, frozen rosé, or just a grown-up slushie with a kick - the sound of the blender is the sound of summer arriving.

It’s the drink equivalent of jumping into the pool, kicking off your flip-flops, and saying, “Yeah, I’m not answering any more emails today.”

This weekend, let that be your energy.

💡 Batching Tips for the Long Weekend

• 🧊 Freeze your fruit (berries, citrus, melon) and use as flavorful ice.

• 🍾 Top with bubbles last-minute to keep your spritzes sparkling.

• 🧃 Label your pitchers! (Especially the mocktail one...)

• 🌿 Garnish like a boss – herbs + edible flowers = ✨ photo-ready ✨

• 🍋 Balance your sweet and sour so drinks stay refreshing, not sticky.