Recipes: Summertime Cocktails (Like A Virgin)!

It's been a lovely summer full of festive parties, baby showers, birthdays and BBQ's! I wanted to share some of the most delicious drink recipes my friends and I have come up with! Not everyone wants to get a "buzz" on when out for dinner...so, especially as I'm 7 months pregnant...I am really enjoying these creative, alchohol-free cocktails this summer!

Rachel & Hania's Pineapple Lemonade
Make a big pitcher...and be prepared to keep making more...as your guests with LOVE this new twist on a lemonade cooler!

• 1/2 pitcher lemonade - Newman's is good
• 1/2 pitcher pineapple juice
• Fresh sprigs of rosemary and/or mint
• Serve in a tall glass of ice with a lemon slice...enjoy!
• Keep virgin, or add in a shot of your favorite vodka or rum
  

MEL's "MAMA-JITOS"

While I love my cocktails with alcohol, I'm expecting my first baby in September so needed to move into "virgin" mode! I thought it would be nice to share some of my fave "mocktails" that everyone can enjoy!

• Add a few pinches of fresh mint to a tall glass
• Squeeze a few limes wedges into each glass
• Muddle limes and mint together with wooden spoon
• Optional: I love to add in fresh or frozen raspberries...or, watermelon or blueberries, or any favorite fruit!
• Add in a good amount of ice cubes to fill the glass
• Pour in 7Up or Sprite (it's easier than making simple syrup, but if you are a purist, make simple syrup & use plain or flavored seltzer)
• Optional: Add a splash of cranberry or pineapply juice
• Keep virgin, or add in a shot of your favorite rum
  

"LIKE A VIRGIN" WHITE SANGRIA
Nothing says summer in Spain...or Boston...like a big pitcher of Sangria. I have grown fond of white sangria lately...and here is an easy recipe to make the virgin version, either white or red.

• Fill 1/2 pitcher with non-alcoholic white wine, sparkling grape juice or apple-cider (found in most grocery stores)
• Add a few diced lemons, limes, oranges, peaches, strawberries, frozen raspberries...or, watermelon or blueberries, or any favorite fruit!
• Top off the pitcher with either orange, cranberry or pineapple juice (your time to experiment with flavors here!)
• Add in a good amount of ice cubes
• Top off with a little plain or flavored seltzer
• Serve in big wine glasses with extra fruit
• Optional: Add in a dash of cinnamon or fresh mint
  
  
  

"NOT SO BLOODY" MARY
No Sunday Brunch is complete without the classic Bloody Mary...so here goes on my recipe...and make mine extra spicy!

• Fill a tall pint glass with ice cubes
• Add 3/4 full of V8 tomato juice (regular or spicy)
• Add a tall stalk of celery, lemon and/or lime wedge
• Optional: Add a dash of pepper, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce or horseradish, to taste
• Optional: Add in olives, pickled beans, or any other veggies you have
• Keep virgin, or add in a shot of your favorite vodka

Meatpacking District – Manhattan, NYC

A Great Neighborhood to Meet, Greet & Eat Meat!
When visiting NYC I love to go to the Meatpacking District in Manhattan... it's got this great vibe, with remnants of cobblestone streets, refurbished warehouses, and restaurants for everyone, from high-end French cuisine to BBQ from the Dirty South. For better or for worse, many high end retail stores (Barney’s, Matthew Williamson, Hugo Boss, Ports 1961) are taking over the "MePa" area (terrible abbreviation!), and rents are growing too high for some long-time bar owners. Stay tuned as the district transforms from slightly gritty to mostly posh. Although I have to say, I love a little mix of both. Here are my favorites:

Spice Market – Jean-Georges Vongerichten is the king of East meets West cuisine. He blends classic French cooking with Asian influences so perfectly, everything he touches turns to gold. You may have seen him as a judge on this season's Top Chef...good episode! I love Spice Market for many reasons, its stunning décor, ultra cool lounge and amazing cocktails. The space is huge with lots of cavernous rooms…great for people watching! Get a reservation at 9 or 10 pm, enjoy a pineapple mojito and pan-asian delights from one of the world’s great chefs. (Fun fact: My friend Jennifer and I went here one night for mojitos and met legendary E Street Band rocker “Little Steven” Van Zandt AKA Silvio Dante from The Sopranos. He was such a trip!) Reservations required. 403 W. 13th StreetNew York, NY 10014~ (212) 675-2322

Pastis is a hip and popular French bistro, with a lively atmosphere and hearty fare. It’s a Meat Packing cornerstone, a busy place for locals, tourists, and celebrity guests alike who flock to Pastis to enjoy a glass of red wine or a Le Sazerac cocktail. Go for the traditional steak frites, sea scallops Provencal, or a hearty Croque-Monsieur. Great for people watching and feeling the vibrant energy of the City. Reservations required.
9 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014 ~ (212) 929-4844

The Hog Pit - If you are tired of the long lines, pretentious doormen and Sex and the City wannabes, head on over to The Hog Pit in the Meat Packing District. My friends and I wandered into this roadhouse and right up to the bar for some tequila shots and cheap beer. Bikers, Willie Nelson (yes, he’s a fan) and everyone in between have a great time here. The BBQ ribs, pulled pork and mini corn dogs are finger-licking good, and the low prices can’t be beat. Besides, you might catch Keanu Reeves or Johnny Knoxville playing pool, so check it out. (NOTE: Sadly, due to increased rent, The Hog Pit will be closing on Jan. 1, 2009, so go now to say goodbye.)
22 Ninth Avenue at 13th Street, New York, New York 10014 ~ (212) 604-0092

Markt – Having lived in Amsterdam, I had the opportunity to visit Belgium a few times. So, finding Markt while wandering from the Meat Packing district to Chelsea was great luck. It takes me back to the lively grand cafes of Brussels or Antwerp. I recommend sitting at the bar, ordering an icy cold Hoegaarden white beer, tomato soup, steamed mussels -- offered 6 different ways, and a side of crispy Belgian frites with mayo. Prost! (Cheers!) And, it is even open for breakfast. 676 Sixth Avenue, NY, NY ~ (212) 727-3314

Question: Has anyone been to 5 Ninth ?? I’ve heard it's a cool place that is located in an unmarked rowhouse…it's hip, serving American-Asian fusion in a rustic atmosphere. Many say it a great brunch spot. And a romantic dinner spot at night serving red snapper, chicken and short ribs in the Asian style. Many people recommend hitting the upstairs bar as it has a cool scene in the Meatpacking District, for a “Gansevoort Fizz” with Jamaican run, Drambuie, and lemon juice. In the warm weather there is a sizable garden/deck for dining. 5 Ninth Ave., New York, NY, 10014 nr. Gansevoort St. 212-929-9460