TAKE A SIP: GRAPEFRUIT SIPPER

See, when I posted my last drink recipe on this here blog I figured it would be the last uber-fruity drink I'd post for a while, since Fall was here.

Welp.

It was 80 degrees this weekend, and to me, that just ain't hot cider weather.

Hence this recipe for a super easy grapefruit sipper!

 

What you need to make it happen:

- Fresh Squeezed red grapefruit juice (of course store bought works too!)

- 1 1/2 ounces vodka (I used Svedka)

- 1/2 ounce triple sec

- Splash lemon juice

- Mint for garnish

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Combine all ingredients.

Step 2: Pour over ice & garnish.

Step 3; Enjoy!

Anyone else having unseasonably warm weather in their area?

Thanks Wisconsin, for being so gorgeous!

xo, lp

*for more drink recipes, go here!

*for instagram fun, go here!

TWIST ON THE CLASSICS: THE BASIL SALTY DOG (GIN + GRAPEFRUIT!)

Here's today's recipe, and it comes with a story...

Back in my college bartender days there was a time I was working that a middle-aged guy came in and asked for a Salty Dog.

Me, being 19 (yes, you can bartend before 21 in Wisconsin) giggled and asked what he REALLY wanted, since I thought he was joking.

He looked at me, puzzled...and repeated that he wanted a Salty Dog. My giggles quickly turned to embarrassment- and I ducked behind the cabinet to find my cheater-cocktail guide.

It was just Gin & Grapefruit juice with a salted rim. 

At the time I thought "Ew. That sounds like the WORST thing ever!" 

(Keep in mind this was my raspberry vodka & sprite phase days...yick)

So I made him the drink, and promptly went home that night to make one for myself to try it out- and it was deee-lish. Super tart, with a bite of gin and a lick of salt.

I'd completely forgotten about the refreshing drink until the other day, when I heard someone order it in a bar. I decided it was time to go home and put a little twist on this classic by adding some of the fresh basil we had growing on our balcony. Thus, I give you the Basil Salty Dog.

What you need to make it happen:

- 1.5 ounces Gin 

- Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

- Grapefruit wedge

- salt

- 3-4 basil leaves

- grapefruit wedge & small basil leaf for garnish

- ice

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Dip the rim of a glass in grapefruit juice, and roll in salt for a salted rim.

Step 2: Muddle 1 grapefruit wedge with a splash of gin & 3-4 basil leaves. Be careful not to muddle the pith/rind of the grapefruit or you'll get extra bitterness!

Step 3: Add ice, gin, and grapefruit juice to the glass.

Step 4: give it a stir, add your garnish, and enjoy!

There you have it, friends.

I know grapefruit juice is a polarizing drink...but I mean, it's summertime. Even you naysayers might be moved to try this because it's so dang refreshing!

Raise your hand if you love a good cocktail with grapefruit!

Or if you don't- leave a comment with your favorite summer cocktail!

xo, lp

need more summer drink ideas?

try my: orange ginger mojitos, pineapple lemonade punch, or raspberry bourbon fizz

also:

YOU!

yes you!

find me on instagram here ---> @lpodlich

THE MOST REFRESHING GRAPEFRUIT GRANITA

So right around this time last year I introduced to all of you to the joy that is granita. Back then I shared a recipe for a lime basil granita...and today I'm back with a new flavor for you!

I know grapefruit is kind of a polarizing fruit- some love it, some hate it- but this granita will bring both sides together. It's refreshing and tangy- but toned down from the usual overly tart flavor!

What you'll need to make it happen:

1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice (about 2 large grapefruit)

1/3 cup pulp from the grapefruit

3 cups water

3/4 cup granulated sugar

9x13 pan- glass or metal

red food coloring (optional)

mint to garnish

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Squeeze those grapefruit, discarding of any seeds along the way. Leave in as much of the pulp in as you want- but I used about 1/3 cup. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix your sugar and water in a saucepan, stirring occasionally as you bring it to a boil. Let simmer for a minute and take off the heat to cool.

Step 3: After your sugar mixture cools, stir in your grapefruit juice and pulp- and if you're looking for a brighter pink, add 3 drops of red food coloring as well.

Step 4: Set in the freezer to cool in your 9x13 pan. After the top has started freezing, scrape with a fork. Continue this every half hour until the mixture is fully frozen. 

Step 5: You know you've done it right when you have perfect, icy crystals!

Scrape away! 

 Add a bit of mint!

 There you have it- easy, delicious- and so dang refreshing you won't even believe it. I know this summer I'll be making this stuff in just about every flavor! Oh - and if you like to have a little more fun- add some tequila and you have yourself one delicious grapefruit margarita slushy :)

Are you a grapefruit lover or hater?

Either way, you might need to try this recipe..it could change your mind! 

xo, lp

**Oh, and you're gonna need to go and get these Anthropologie gold dot fabric napkins. They're on sale online right now for $5 a set, and come in a bunch of colors! Get a few sets before they're sold out! **

Love granita? Check out the lime basil version here. Love grapefruit? Then you'll have to make my grapefruit margaritas found here!