When the temperature rises, so too does the challenge of keeping our cocktails chilled without diluting them. Though I love to collect vintage and antique bar staples, like ice buckets, they aren’t always the best choice when entertaining. Neither is using ice cubes that can quickly turn a carefully crafted libation into a nothing more than flavored water.
Cocktails should be chilled but not diluted. Wine should be the perfect temperature without creating a water marks on your table or your guests. That’s not too much to ask is it? I don’t think so.
Here are 3 ways I suggest keeping your cool this summer:
1. Frozen Fruit : Frozen fruit is a favorite frozen garnish of mine. From grapes and cucumber to frozen dried apricots or cranberries and even my honey dew and strawberry “olives”.
Follow the steps below and place skewered “olives” in an airtight container in the freezer for 1/2 hour before serving. I love them in this grapefruitini recipe.
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- Honeydew Melon and Strawberry “olives” are a refreshing summer garnish for any libation.
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- A 1″ melon baller is the perfect size!
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- A stainless steel cocktail stirrer is the perfect size to core the honeydew melon ball in preparation for the strawberry.
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- Coring the honeydew melon to make it ready for the strawberry.
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- Strawberry sliced into 5ths, using the side center pieces for the “red pimento” center.
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- These honeydew melon and strawberry “olives” are a great summer garnish for nearly any libation.
2. The Tilt chilling sphere will change your libations. You put them in your freezer for 4-6 hours before use and then enjoy the chill. If you live in Greensboro you can find them at the Extra Ingredient at Friendly Center. Regardless of where you call home, you can find your authorized re-seller here.
“tilt‘s chilling sphere technology preserves the full flavor of your beverage and lasts far longer than cubed ice.” Not only is this great for libations, it’s perfect for keeping your gazpacho chilled.
3. You are going to LOVE VinoIce. Seriously – the folks at CorkPops.com have out done themselves with this one. No more drips (except the ones you invite to your party) and perfectly chilled wine every time!
I wish more restaurants offered this as an option when ordering a bottle of white wine. Check out their full inventory of wine accessories and gift ideas. This would make any hostess happy.
How to you keep your cocktails cool?
