Bloody Marys are one of those drinks where, even if you yourself don't like them (like me for years, but I've evolved!), you should still know how to make a decent version of one for your hungover friends/family members. The Bloody below is a bit more ingredient-rich than most I've seen out there but also not nearly as over the top as others. The latest over the top version I noticed featured a hamburger slider as garnish. We're not going there. Just, no.
My version doesn't contain specific amounts of anything. The best part of a Bloody is that you make it to your own tastes. A dash of this, a sprinkle of this, a pour of this and *bam* - yumminess!
Sam's Bloody Mary
Fill a tall glass with ice and pour a few oz of vodka over it. In whatever amounts you like, add the following: worcheshire sauce, siracha/hot sauce, pickle juice, olive juice, Tony's cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, horseradish. Optional (but awesome) items: Wickles (which are spicy pickles), blue cheese stuffed olives, pickled garlic, pickled green beans, a lovely strip of bacon, and/or pickled asparagus. Top it all off with Mr. & Mrs. T's or Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix. If you're a purist, you can also use tomato juice instead of mix. I prefer more "stuff" and less vodka and, yes, I know I'm in the minority on that! Do what you love.
For more of a porch sipper or a "I'm making Sam's taquitos this evening" beverage, howsabout a delectable margarita? No mix in this one...just good stuff.
The Perfect Margarita (per Bon Appetit magazine)
Pour some kosher salt into a small dish. Rub 1 lime slice over half the rim of a short tumbler. Dip rim of glass into salt. Combine 1/4 cup tequila, 2 tbsp agave nectar (or simple syrup), and 2 tbsp lime juice in a cocktail shaker; fill with ice and shake well. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with second lime slice.
Headed to the beach with some pals? Having a backyard BBQ? Make a pitcher of this lovely punch ahead of time and keep chilled in a cooler for at least a few minutes worth of excellent sipping opportunities!
Pensacola Punch
1 can pineapple juice
1 carton orange juice (no concentrate...gross)
1 bottle peach schnapps
1 handle coconut rum
Mix all ingredients well and serve over ice in a red solo cup or something. YUM. I say this recipe makes "a few minutes worth" of sipping because this stuff is so tasty that it tends to go FAST.
Summer is also a splendid time for a nice cold beer (but really, when isn't a good time for that?) I tend towards the fruity stuff in the summer...not really a hardcore IPA or Stout kinda gal, but I don't fault you if you are. I just like lighter beers when it's hot outside. Save the heavy stuff for the winter!
Sam's Favorite Summer Beers (in no particular order)
Leinenkugel Summer Shandy
Wheat beer with some lemon flavor...SO GOOD and SO DRINKABLE. Dangerous, really.
Samuel Adams Porch Rocker
How can you resist a name like that? This is a fabulous lighter lager which, like the Shandy, also has a lemon flavor to it.
Corona Extra
With lime, darnit! And hopefully this speaks for itself as a classic summer brew.
Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier
Blackberries, orange, and coriander give this wit a signature flavor I haven't had in any other beer.
21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon
New to my list as of this year, this wheat beer only comes in cans. The watermelon flavor hits you after you've swallowed your sip, like a kick in the face. A great kick, if there is such a thing.
So now that you all think I'm a big lush, go try some of these! I claim no responsibility for your decisions before, during, or after consumption. Ever. So don't blame me or call me from prison, k?
Try 'em. You'll like 'em.
-Sam
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