{ island mimosa }

Memorial Day weekend is the [un]official launch of the summer season. What better way to usher in all those glorious months of sunshine and fun than with a morning cocktail worthy of a tropical paradise? As you sip, close your eyes and listen for the steel drums, waves, and seagulls.

It just looks like a sunrise at the beach, doesn't it?

 
Island Mimosa
Ingredients
2 parts champagne or sparkling wine
1 part pineapple juice
1 part Malibu Coconut Rum
dash of Grenadine
frozen pineapple chunks, to garnish and keep drink chilled (optional)

Process
Fill a champagne flute 1/2 way with champagne or sparkling wine. Add pineapple juice and rum. Top with a dash of grenadine. Drop in 2-3 pineapple chunks to keep drink chilled.

Don't worry. Be happy.

{ pineapple cocktail }

I love pineapple juice cocktails, but often times they're too sweet for more than a taste or two. And finding a pineapple mixed drink that doesn't include [Malibu] rum is a rare occurrence.

Until now.

I love this drink because it retains the taste of the pineapple juice, yet also adds undertones of citrus. And the vodka gives it a bite worthy of a martini glass.

A perfect Friday (or Tuesday!) night cocktail. Salud!

Pineapple Cocktail
(adapted from FoodNetwork.com)

• 1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 ounce orange liqueur
• 1/2 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
• sugar, for the rim
• Maraschino cherry

Chill a martini glass in the freezer. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the pineapple juice, vodka, orange liqueur and lime juice. Shake vigorously until combined (about 30 seconds). In general, by the time the exterior of the cocktail shaker is coated with condensation from the ice, the drink is ready.

Using a lime wedge, completely coat the top edge of the rim of the glass, and then dip into sugar (on a plate). Strain/pour the drink into chilled glass and garnish with a cherry.

Sip, sip, repeat.

{ summer thoughts for teachers }

This week was Teacher Appreciation Week. If I had my way, I'd give every educator a huge cash bonus, a large cocktail, and a big hug. But since that wasn't possible this year, I provided some thanks in the form of sugar and butter.

So, a very special "YOU ROCK" to ALL you beautiful teachers who do so very much. And remember ... summer is near!