Cocktails that capture the essence of summer

The Seattle Times - “Summer afternoon . . . those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” – Henry James

SUMMER AFTERNOONS and evenings deserve beautiful drinks. Not just a cold refreshment, but a concoction that captures the essence of summer with vibrant colors, textures and smells. And, of course, a killer combination of flavors. The best drink is like a summer garden: fragrant, lush and dizzyingly wild. To step up the cocktail game this season, all you need are fresh ingredients and a wee bit of advance preparation.

Drinks are transformed by homemade syrups, fresh fruits and herbs. It takes just a few minutes to juice citrus, make a syrup or macerate herbs. These simple steps are what put the “craft” in craft cocktails. As with cooking, use the freshest, ripest ingredients possible.