The Thirsty Diva ™

This is perfect to use in a summer cocktail or anytime. I used a vegetable peeler, but you can also use a paring knife.  I also make this in small batches. 1/2 - 1 c. vodka 1 lemon Under cold water, rinse lemon. Very carefully use vegetable peeler or a paring knife to peel lemons peel into strips.  Be careful not to get the pith, which is the white bitter part of the peel. Place lemon strips in a clean jar. Pour vodka in jar to cover strips. Screw lid on jar, shake jar and place in refrigerator for a few hours or until ready to use. Serves 4 - 8

Today's the run for the roses, the Kentucky Derby. This is perfect for your derby watching get together, Mothers Day or anytime.  I've omitted the alcohol for this family friendly version of a derby classic.  I used lemonade for this, but you can use premade sweet and sour mix for this too. 1 c. cranberry juice  2 c. lemonade Ice 1 orange  1 T. each: fresh orange juice, lime juice Cut an orange in half, set aside.   In the bottom of a clean pitcher, place ice. Pour cranberry juice over ice, top off with lemonade. Squeeze half of orange in pitcher. Squeeze some lime juice in pitcher, stir with a clean spoon to mix. Place pitcher in refrigerator until ready to serve. To serve: Remove pitcher from refrigerator Put ice in bottom of glasses.  Pour mocktail into clean glasses.  Serves 4.