Happy Hour with AE: COOL cocktails to beat the heat!

Baby it's HOT outside.   Try staying cool and refreshed with these fun (and relatively EASY) cocktails!

TIP!  Start the cocktail prep by putting your liquor in the freezer.   Your drink will stay cool a lot longer if your vodka/gin/etc. is already the coldest it can be.  It will keep your ice working better and will be that much more refreshing!

WATERMELON MARGARITA

• 1 1/2 ounce Don Julio Blanco Tequila
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• 1/4 ounce agave syrup
• 2 slices watermelon

---

Directions

1. Muddle watermelon and agave syrup, add rest of ingredients, and shake well.
2. Double strain into a frozen martini glass.
3. Garnish with a watermelon slice.

CIROC CHIC

• 1 1/2 ounce Cîroc Vodka
• 1 1/2 ounce pomegranate juice
• 1 ounce pineapple juice
• 1 slice pineapple, or edible flowers

---

Directions

1. Add Cîroc Vodka, pomegranate juice, and pineapple juice.
2. Shake with ice and strain into a prechilled glass (champagne flute, martini glass, rock glass, any will work)
3. Garnish with a pineapple slice or edible flowers.

CUCUMBER-BASIL COLLINS

5 basil leaves

1/2 ounce simple syrup

juice of 1 fresh lime

2 oz. cucumber infused gin (directions below)

Club soda

Directions

1. Muddle the basil leaves and simple syrup in bottom of glass (mason jars make an adorable presentation)!
2. Pour in lime juice and gin
3. Add crushed ice and top with club soda

Making infused liquors is easier than is sounds.  Simply add the cucumbers and gin (or vodka or liquor of choice) to an glass container with air tight lid - shake well.  Let the flavors merry for several days (shaking the mixture daily) and VOILA!  Strain the cucumber (or fruit of choice) from the liquor and store as you would any other spirit.  Delish! 

ENJOY!!!!