It’s that time of year when outdoor activities are bustling and cool and refreshing libations are a must! Here are a few of my favorite beverages to drink for this summer!
I recently discovered that I really like Kölsch style beers and just in time since the temps have been in the 90’s this week- yikes! The Kölsch style is typically a clear beer with a bright straw-yellow hue, and has a prominent, but not extreme, hoppiness. It is usually less bitter than the standard German pale lager. A Kölsch style beer that really impressed me recently was Metropolitan Brewing’s Krankshaft. This beer has aromas that are lightly floral and mildly malty and are fresh and flavorful in the nose. There is a healthy note of orange and a crisp finish of residual bread and a touch of floral yeast. The mouth-feel is light bodied, crisp, and mildly effervescent with a crisp finish and a wonderfully fresh profile. I would pair this particular beer with steamed mussels or guacamole and chips- now I want Mexican food for dinner!  
Keeping the Latin theme going and if beer is not your “thing” then a delicious sangria may be just the thing to help you cope with the heat this summer.  Here is a white sangria recipe that I think you will enjoy:

•    2 scoops of ice in a martini shaker
•    1 & 1/4 oz vodka (your choice) - pour into shaker
•    ¾ oz simple syrup- pour into shaker
•    splash fresh lime juice- pour into shaker
•    1 lemon wedge squeezed- into shaker
•    1 orange slice squeezed- into shaker
•    2oz white wine (preferably a Pinot Grigio)-  into shaker
•    splash sour mix- into shaker
Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and strain
Garnish with a squeezed lime wedge and one orange slice cut in half (using both pieces)
Serve in a martini glass

If you prefer red sangria, here is a recipe that Wildfire has used in the past on our cocktail menu:

•    2 scoops of Ice  in a martini shaker
•    1 lime wedge – put into martini glass
•    1 orange wedge – cut in 3 pieces – put in martini glass
•    2 oz    red wine (preferably a fruity merlot) – pour into shaker
•    1 oz    vodka (your choice) – pour into shaker
•    ½ oz    Fresh sour mix – pour into shaker
•    ½ oz    Simple syrup – pour into shaker
Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and strain
Pour from shaker right over the fruit garnish into martini glass

Enjoy either of these sangria recipes with tuna ceviche or fish tacos- now I’m really going to have to stop at Chipotle on the way home tonight!

Finally, if sparkling wine is your “poison”, a Cava or Prosecco are great inexpensive alternatives for Champagne this summer. A few to keep in mind would be the Santa Margherita Prosecco which is delicate and dry with long-lasting, concentrated bubbles and fresh aromas of peach and apples. This Prosecco has up-front floral flavors that are followed by a mixture of lychee and lemon citrus and retails for around $20.00 a bottle. Spanish Cavas are known for being affordable and versatile. The Codorniu Reserva Raventos Brut Cava ($18.00-$22.00 a bottle retail) has intense aromas of pineapple, stone fruit, citrus and apple. There are predominant notes of dried fruits, nuts, honey and toasted bread. This Cava has a creamy texture, refreshing mouth-feel and lingering finish. Pair either of these sparkling wines with chicken or pork dishes. Besides on their own, you can also always enjoy a Cava or a Prosecco by using them as a mixer in a cocktail or in a mimosa.

Don’t let the heat get to you this summer and keep “your cool” with any of these beverage choices or with whatever else may personally quench your thirst.

Cheers to you, Brad Wermager