The Thirsty Diva ™

  This is perfect for summer cocktails or anytime.  1 c. vodka 1/3 c. fresh raspberries  Rinse raspberries through a strainer under running cold water, pat raspberries dry with a clean paper towel.  In a clean jar combine raspberries & vodka, screw on lid and place jar in refrigerator for a few days. When you’re ready to use, remove jar from fridge unscrew lid from jar & strain desired amount of vodka through a tea strainer into a clean cocktail shaker or cocktail glasses. Serves 6 - 8.

  This is great on a hot day or anytime 1/2 - 3/4 c. chopped fresh ginger ( adjust amount needed) 1 - 2 tsp. sugar or your favorite sweetener (optional) adjust amount needed  2 c. water 4 - 6 c. club soda Rinse, chop fresh ginger In a saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil. Mix well to dissolve sugar.  Add ginger. Boil for a few minutes. Reduce heat and set simmer for 15 - 30 min, stirring occasionally until it's  reduced. Turn off stove, cover pan and let cool for 15 - 45 min. S train cherries and water through a sieve into a measuring cup. Let chill in refrigerator until ready to serve. To serve: put ice in 4 - 6 glasses. Spoon some of the ginger syrup in bottom of glass.   Pour club soda over syrup. Stir and enjoy. Serves 4 - 6.

You can enjoy this while watching the Kentucky Derby or anytime. This is my version of the southern classic.  For the kiddos version, omit bourbon. 1 liter (32 oz. approx.) ginger ale 4 - 6 oz (1/2 c - 3/4 c) bourbon 1 lime Ice Cut 1 lime in half, set aside. 32 oz Place 4 clean glasses in the freezer to chill for a few minutes. To serve: Remove glasses from freezer and place ice into the glasses.  Pour some of the bourbon in the bottom of the glass. Pour ginger ale over bourbon and squeeze some lime into each of the glasses. Stir with a clean spoon to mix. Serves 4.