Refreshment Inspirations for the "Dog Days of Summer"

The term, "Dog Days of Summer" most commonly refers to the sultry time of the year, when temperatures are high and the need for refreshment is even higher.  This month, we offer up several dog inspired beverages that you can make for yourself or for entertaining guests.  Let your guests in on the inside joke as you encourage them to ingest a cool canine named drink to tame that hot and humid dog day afternoon with any one of the following beverages:

Hair of the Dog

Ingredients:

• 6 oz Bulldog Gin
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2-3 dashes Tabasco sauce
• slice of chili pepper

Preparation:

1. Pour the Bulldog Gin and Tabasco into an ice-filled cocktail shaker.
2. Shake generously.
3. Strain into a chilled rocks glass.
4. Garnish with a chili pepper.

Remember to wash your hands well with soap (especially before touching your eyes) if you handle the chili pepper.


This drink features classic flavor profiles, and is refreshingly cool, in spite of its peppery kick.  It also looks abstract and sleek in the glass.

Salty Dog

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz grapefruit juice
• salt for rimming
• lemon or lime wedge for garnish

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a collins glass rimmed with salt and filled with ice cubes.
2. Stir well.
3. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.

This drink is sure to please, with its crisp and  vibrant citrus flavor.  It really looks great and classic in the smooth confines of the Collins glass.

Atomic Dog

Ingredients

1 1/2 shot Rum (White)

3/4 shot Melon Liqueur

3/4 shot Coconut Rum Liqueur

2 1/2 shots Pineapple Juice

3/4 shot Lemon Juice

Preparation:

Shake all 5 ingredients with ice for a few seconds. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice cubes.
Add a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry on the rim to garnish and serve.

Due to the vibrant color of this drink, it would look great in abstractly styled barware--think squares, unusual shapes, etc.  or in a punch bowl for a festive flair. 

Psychotic Bloody Prairie Dog

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz. Brandy
• 1/2 oz. Liqueur, raspberry (Chambord)
• 1/2 oz. Gin
• 1/2 oz. Hpnotiq
• 1/2 oz. Schnapps, peach
• Top with Grenadine
• Fill with Red Bull
• 1 splash Sour Mix
• 1 piece Cherries/Maraschinos

Preparation:

Fill Collins glass with ice. Pour in gin, brandy, peach schnapps, Chambord and Hpnotiq. Add a splash of sour mix and give a short shake. Fill to within 1/2" from top with Red Bull. Top with grenadine and add a cherry for garnish.

This drink is bright bold red, and since it contains both spirits and energy drinks, may not be for the faint of heart, or a conservative gathering, because you might see one or two of your guests become "unleashed!"

You are encouraged to share these refreshing elixirs with your guests, keeping in mind that finding refreshment does not have to be boring, or lacking in taste and style.  These recipes are offered as inspiration for you to explore beverage ingredients, flavors and presentation to unleash your own special style.  However, if you have to entertain a large group, or are not comfortable with the idea of mixing beverages, feel free to consult the skills of a Certified Mixologist, like SMS Mixology, so that you can impress upon and imbibe with your guests.  Whether you are a DIY type, or want to use a professional, make sure that you entertain with the Spirits of Style!

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