Savor August's Seasonal Fruits with Refreshing Cocktails and Mocktails!

Sip & Synopsis - This Weeks Inspiration

• Hello August
• Drink of the Week - Peach Bellini
• Seasonal Cocktails & Mocktails
• Find & Store the best Seasonal Fruits
  

Welcome to August! This month brings a bounty of delicious fruits that are at their peak and often hard to find the rest of the year. This week, we’re celebrating the unique flavors of peaches, nectarines, watermelon, cantaloupe, and grapes. Enjoy these seasonal delights in refreshing cocktails and mocktails, and savor the taste of summer while it lasts!

Celebrate the end of summer with these refreshing drinks featuring the best fruits of August.

Nectarine Margarita (Alcoholic)

Ingredients: 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz nectarine puree, 1/2 oz triple sec, ice, nectarine slice and lime wheel for garnish.

Instructions: In a shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, lime juice, nectarine puree, and triple sec. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a nectarine slice and lime wheel.

Watermelon Mint Cooler (Mocktail)

Ingredients: 2 cups fresh watermelon juice, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, fresh mint leaves, soda water, ice, watermelon slice and mint sprig for garnish.

Instructions: Muddle fresh mint leaves in a glass. Add watermelon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water. Stir gently and garnish with a watermelon slice and mint sprig.

Cantaloupe Spritz (Alcoholic)

Ingredients: 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz fresh cantaloupe juice, 1/2 oz lemon juice, Prosecco, ice, cantaloupe ball and lemon twist for garnish.

Instructions: In a glass filled with ice, combine Aperol, cantaloupe juice, and lemon juice. Top with Prosecco and stir gently. Garnish with a cantaloupe ball and lemon twist.

Grape Lemonade Fizz (Mocktail)

Ingredients: 1 cup green grapes, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, soda water, ice, lemon wheel and grape skewer for garnish.

Instructions: Muddle green grapes in a glass. Add lemon juice and simple syrup. Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wheel and grape skewer.

Explore the unique flavors and health benefits of seasonal fruits that are at their peak in August.

Peaches

Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They are perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. Try adding sliced peaches to your salads or grilling them for a caramelized treat.

Nectarines

Nectarines are similar to peaches but with a smoother skin. They are packed with nutrients and have a slightly firmer texture. Use nectarines in salsas or bake them into tarts for a delicious dessert. Store both Peaches & Nectairnes at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate to prolong freshness. To freeze, slice and place on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.

Watermelon

Watermelon is incredibly hydrating, made up of over 90% water. It's also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6. Freeze watermelon chunks for a refreshing snack or blend them into smoothies. Whole watermelons can be stored at room temperature. Once cut, keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. For freezing, cube and place on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and beta-carotene. Its sweet and juicy flesh makes it a summer favorite. Add cantaloupe to fruit salads or wrap it in prosciutto for a savory-sweet appetizer. Store whole cantaloupes at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate. To freeze, scoop out the flesh and freeze in chunks.

Grapes

Grapes contain antioxidants and are great for heart health. They come in various colors and can be used in many culinary applications.

Freeze grapes for a cool snack or add them to your cheese platters. Keep grapes in the refrigerator, unwashed, in a ventilated bag. Wash before eating. For freezing, wash and dry grapes, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.

Finding Fresh Fruit

Make the most of seasonal fruits by finding the freshest produce and storing it properly to enjoy all month long.

• Farmers' Markets: Visit local farmers' markets for the freshest and often locally grown produce.
• Pick-Your-Own Farms: Look for pick-your-own fruit farms to get the freshest fruit straight from the source.
• Grocery Stores: Choose fruits that are in season and look for those that are firm, fragrant, and free of blemishes.

As we savor the flavors of August's seasonal fruits, let's celebrate with refreshing cocktails and mocktails that highlight the best of summer. Cheers to enjoying the last days of summer with delicious drinks and the vibrant taste of fresh fruits!

Cheers!

~ Andrea