A Pair of St. Germain Cocktails

 Our view from the deck

Ahh, a week at the beach… the to-do list is short:  Tennis, lounging in the sand, swimming and pondering what to eat and what to drink.  With the summer produce at its peak, every drink starts at the local farm stand and finishes with a splash of St. Germain.  This sweet French liqueur, it is made from elderberry flowers which has lovely elements of peach, grapefruit, orange and pear so it is a natural choice for any fruit based drink.   

Pineapple, Peach and Ruby Red Grapefruit

1 quarter Fresh Pineapple cut into chunks, skin and core removed

2 Peaches cut into  chunks, skin and pit removed

1 cup Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice

Juice of one lime and zest

Sugar to Taste

• In a blender combine the pineapple, peach and ruby red and blend until smooth
• Add sugar to taste

For each drink combine over ice

1/2 cup fruit puree

1 oz vodka

1/2 oz St. Germain

Top with a slice of Lime

The Plum Duck

1 cup Sugar

1 cup Water

3 Plums, cut into wedges, pit removed

Juice of 3 lemons, plus thin slices for garnish

• In a sauce pan, combine the plums, water and sugar and bring to a boil
• Simmer for about 3 minutes and stir – be careful not to let it boil over
• Let the mixture cool, then put in a blender and blend until smooth
   
  For each drink combine over ice:
   
  3 Tbs Plum Puree
  1 Tsp Lemon Juice
  1/2 oz St. Germain
  1 oz Vodka
  Top with Club Soda and a Lemon Slice