Too Damn Hot 06/05/2009
 
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It’s hot here in Seattle. Damn hot. Today temperatures peaked at over 90 degrees which may be fine if you live in a place like California or Arizona where every house has air conditioning, but here in Seattle only the grocery stores and movie theatres are climate-controlled. When it gets hot like this the only thing to do is lower the blinds (to reflect the sun), open the windows, turn on a fan and lie around in your underwear drinking cold beverages. To that end, we’ve been drinking wine cocktails. They’re a little bit boozy, cool and refreshing, but there’s not enough alcohol to cause problems with dehydration and hangovers. 

I picked up a bottle of Lillet a few weeks ago and we’ve been sipping our way though it in the evenings. Lillet is an aperitif wine that is sold in wine shops and upscale grocery stores. This cocktail is slightly sweet, a bit sour, and lovely and bubbly and cool. There’s less alcohol in it than in most traditional cocktails, so we’ve been able to enjoy a glass as we make our dinner without feeling completely squiffy. 

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You will need:

Lillet
Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
Lemon juice
Sparkling water (chilled)
Raspberries (to garnish)

I use a measure that is .75 fluid ounces. If you have a jigger, the small side probably holds that much. Mix 1 part Lillet, 1 part Cointreau, 1 part lemon juice, and 4 to 5 parts sparkling water. Serve in a champagne flute garnished with 2 raspberries. Best if very cold. 
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Comments

Giorgio

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:33:05

You should live here in Italy, it never gets over 35.

 



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