Summer in the south...it's hot..but oh so sweet. I love the smell of fresh peaches, the sound of crickets, and the vision of lightening bugs as they dance around my windows.
At The Carolina Inn its the perfect season for entertaining. There are weddings, showers, bridal luncheons, and family reunions. There are families enjoying blue grass music on the front porch and old friends gathering in the lobby for tea and finger sandwiches.
If you are looking to bring a little of the Carolina Inn's southern charm into your home I have a few of our favorite southern cocktails to share with you.
I hope that you sip them and become as smitten with the south as I am!
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Watermelon Mojitos
Watermelon Mojitos
Ingredients
4 large mint leaves
1/2 lime
1 tablespoon superfine sugar
4 ounces seedless watermelon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3/4 cup), plus a small wedge for garnish
2 ounces white rum
1/2 cup ice cubes
Directions
In a heavy large glass, combine mint, lime, and sugar. Using a muddler, mash together mint and lime until sugar is dissolved. Add watermelon, and muddle until broken down. Stir in rum and ice cubes. Pour into an 8-ounce serving glass and garnish with a watermelon wedge. Serve immediately
4 large mint leaves
1/2 lime
1 tablespoon superfine sugar
4 ounces seedless watermelon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3/4 cup), plus a small wedge for garnish
2 ounces white rum
1/2 cup ice cubes
Directions
In a heavy large glass, combine mint, lime, and sugar. Using a muddler, mash together mint and lime until sugar is dissolved. Add watermelon, and muddle until broken down. Stir in rum and ice cubes. Pour into an 8-ounce serving glass and garnish with a watermelon wedge. Serve immediately
Blackberry Sage Cooler
Ingredients
15 medium sage leaves
4 tablespoons sugar
1 cup water
8 ounces of blackberries
4 tablespoons sugar
1 cup water
8 ounces of blackberries
Directions
Bring the water and sugar to a boil over high heat just until sugar dissolves. Crush the sage leaves with the back of a spoon and add to the syrup mixture and set aside to let the sage infuse for 15 minutes and then remove the herbs.
Meanwhile puree the blackberries in the blender and then strain the mixture through a fine strainer.
To serve place a tablespoon of the blackberry puree in the bottom of a glass, add a tablespoon of the sage syrup and top off with 8 ounces of club soda.
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