Fun in the sun, warm weather libations

Longing for a warm weather getaway, but keeping close to home this summer because of safety concerns and travel issues?  If so, perhaps these ‘fun-in-the-sun’ cooling refreshments will bring a little taste of vacation to your lanai or backyard barbeque. Use your imagination and enjoy!

Think Spain
“Few drinks go better with a warm summer day than a glass of Sangria.” This famous Spanish ‘punch’ of red wine, brandy, triple sec, juices, diced fruits and more, cools, refreshes and does not require an expensive bottle of wine. And while there are endless recipe variations for the “classic” sangria, David Hatten of jetsetter.com fame, offers his favorite right here.

Then there’s Hawaii
One sip of a Mai Tai, with its blend of rum and fruits, will instantly transport you to a paradise-like reverie found only in Hawaii. Originally created at Trader Vic’s in California, Hawaii’s Mai Tai naturally includes pineapple juice, but many recipe variations exist. In Hatten’s preferred concoction, aged rum is suggested “to really channel the island vibes.”

Churchill Downs in September
The Kentucky Derby has been rescheduled for September. That leaves plenty of time for the non-drinkers out there to hone in on an alcohol-free, “classic with a slight twist” Mint Julep recipe. Find it at www.allrecipes.com.