Irene's Drink Menu

With hurricane Irene on her way and most of the east coast on a watch, it looks like most of us will be laying low and staying in this weekend. With that said there is no reason to let her put a damper on our style. Try making one or all of these delicious cocktails and you'll not only enjoy the tastes of summer before it's over, but have the chic-est hurricane party in town! 


Cantelope Martinis

How to:

Cut a cantelope into chunks. Put melon in blender with a little apple juice and about 2 tbsp of agave nectar (adjust to taste) and pureee until smooth. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add equal parts vodka and puree (about 2 oz of each), shake, and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries or melon wedge.


Strawberry Mojito

How To:

Cut lime into small wedges (8 to 12 peices per lime), slice stawberries in half or quarters, and remove mint from stems. In the small part of a cocktail shaker (or cocktail glass) add about half of a lime (4-6 peices), about 4 strawberry chunks, one packet of splenda, small bunch of mint leaves, and a splash of club soda. Muddle all ingredients to infuse flavors. Fill shaker with ice (on top of muddled ingredients) and add 1 and 1/2 oz of rum (I reccomend strawberry flavored Barcard Dragonberry but plain works too). Shake well, pour into glass, and top with more club soda. Garnish with lime or strawberry.


Note: These mojitos are also great with watermelon or other seasonal fruit!


Lychee Martini

How To:

Open can of lychees and set aside 6-8 lychees for garnish. Dump remaining contents including juice into blender and puree until smooth. Fill a shaker with ice and add equal parts lychee puree and vodka, about 2 oz of each (coconut rum is also good for a sweeter taste). Shake and strain into chilled martini glass and garnish with lychees.

Note: Lychees are available at most Asian markets if your grocery store doesn't have them.



Hope you enjoy these recipes and don't be afraid to get creative and try your own version with your favorite ingredients or liquor. You can also easily make any of these "mocktails" by omitting the liquor and adding club soda or sprite. There, take that Irene!