The Thirsty Diva ™

The last week of summer's next week in Michigan. This is perfect for a summer afternoon, tailgating  12  blackberries  1/4 c. cucumber  1 tsp. lemon juice 2 tsp. sugar 4 mint leaves 4 c. approx (1 liter bottle) club soda or sparkling water  Ice Place 4 clean glasses in freezer to chill for a few minutes. Rinse blackberries, mint, pat dry mint leaves, set aside. Rinse, cut ends from and chop cucumber. For each drink: Remove glasses from freezer. In the bottom of glass, place some of the sugar, blackberries, some of the cucumber, 1 mint leaf. Squeeze some lemon juice in glasses. With the back of clean spoon, muddle mint leaves, blackberries, cucumber, sugar together. Add ice, top off drink with club soda.  Stir for a few seconds with a clean straw. Serves 4.

Happy birthday Hawaii! On this date, Hawaii officially became our 50th state.  You don't have to go to Hawaii to enjoy this cocktail. 4 - 6 oz. rum 1/2 c. coconut cream 2 - 3 c. pineapple juice 2 oz. triple sec  Ice  Blue coloring  In a cup combine triple sec and 1 - 2 drops blue food coloring, use a clean spoon or coffee stirrer to mix.  In a blender combine remaining ingredients, triple sec.  Blend  well for 20 - 30 seconds. Pour into glasses.  Serves 4.

  Happy National Scotch Day all! This is perfect for scotch day or anytime. 4 - 6 oz. scotch whiskey Ice 2 c. sparkling water 1 T. lime juice For each cocktail: Place a clean cocktail glass in freezer to chill for a few minutes. Remove glass from freezer.  Place ice in bottom of glass. Pour scotch over ice in glass. Squeeze some lime juice in the glass. Top off with sparkling water. Serves 4.

This is refreshing whether you're on the Riviera or on a hot afternoon.   3 - 4 c. sparkling water 1 T. lemon juice  Ice  2 - 4 T. lavender syrup  Place 4 clean glasses in freezer to chill. To serve: Remove glasses from freezer. Place ice in bottom of glasses. Squeeze some lemon juice over ice.  Spoon desired amount of lavender syrup in glass. Top glasses off with sparkling water.  Serves 4.

 Happy Canada Day all!  This is perfect for celebrating Canada Day, brunch or anytime. Enjoy! 2 - 3 c. Clamato juice.  4 -  6 oz. vodka 1 T. lime juice, (to taste) 1/2 - 1 tsp. each: Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce 1/2 tsp. each: salt,  pepper Sprinkle salt, pepper on a clean plate. With a clean wet napkin, wet rims of 4 clean glasses.  Place glasses rim side down on salt, pepper plate to coat glasses. Place glasses in freezer to chill for a few minutes.  For each glass:  Remove glasses from freezer, add ice to bottom of glass. Drizzle some of the Worcestershire and hot sauce into glasses.  Squeeze some lime juice into glasses. Add vodka to glasses. Top glasses off with the Clamato.  Stir with a clean straw to mix. Serves 4.

Who's all watching the US Open. This is perfect for watching the golf classic, on the golf course or anytime. I used ginger beer, but this is good with ginger ale too. 2 - 3 c. grape juice Ice 4 - 6 oz. vodka 2 c. ginger beer  Lime juice Put ice in the bottom of a clean glass.  Pour a shot of vodka into each glass. Pour ginger beer over vodka. Top off with grape juice. Squeeze some lime juice in glasses, stir with a clean straw to mix. Serves 4.