Savor the Fruits of Summer with these Seasonal Sweet Treats
May 2024
Salute to First Responders
May 2024
by Stefanie Powers
The warm weather is here! Time to head outdoors and enjoy springtime in Louisiana with good friends, good food, and good drinks!
Thrive asked Gus Olah, president and owner of Hokus Pokus Liquors, what libations are trending this season.
“Agave spirits are HOT!” he says. “Tequila and mezcal are the biggest market gains this year by far. These spirits have been on the rise for several years now and show no signs of slowing down. Their mixability is endless, and with the premiumization of this category, drinking them neat or on the rocks is trending as well. There are some amazing brands to look for. Check out Tapatio, El Luchador and Casa Mexico Tequila; and Quiereme Mucho, Craneo, Granja and Reyes Mezcal.”
Olah says the number one trending cocktail is a classic or spicy mezcal margarita. Or try the Paloma, a tequila-based cocktail prepared by mixing tequila, lime juice, and either fresh grapefruit juice or a grapefruit-flavored soda such as Fresca, Squirt, or Jarritos. It’s served on the rocks with a lime wedge, and salt can be added to the rim of the glass. So refreshing!
During warmer months, Olah says the lighter spirits (vodka, rum and gin) tend to have an uptick in consumption. “Of the three, gin is the biggest gainer in this category,” he explains. ”It’s showing its artisanal side, and higher-ended brands are becoming more popular. There are so many profiles of this unique spirit that the possibilities are endless for creating craft cocktails. Also, barrel-aging gin is on the rise, which is creating more unique profiles and hitting that bourbon consumer to enjoy the lighter side of spirits.” Olah recommends Apostles, Porters, Green House, Apium, Turmeon Blue, and Shot Tower Barrel-Aged Gin.
Hosting a barbecue? Serve Bourbon Lemonade! Bourbon goes great with ribs and brisket and the lemonade adds a touch of summer! Pour 2 ounces (¼ cup) of bourbon in a glass, then pour in 6 ounces (¾ cup) of lemonade. Stir to combine. Add ice and garnish with a lemon wheel, mint sprig, and/or a maraschino cherry, if desired.
We haven’t forgotten the wine drinkers. “Rose’ is the ultimate versatile spring and summer wine that has nice structure and can be drunk cool,” Olah says. “Our two most popular ones are from France and Spain. Look for Notorious Pink Rose’ and Vie Vite Rose’ from France; and Astobiza Txakoli Rose’ from Spain.” Bring a bottle or two to the next dinner party you’re invited to, and enjoy!
Mezcal Old Fashioned
¼ ounce simple syrup
2 dashes bitters (such as Angostura), or more to taste
1 cup ice cubes, or more as needed
1 (3 inch) piece orange peel
1 ounce mezcal
1 ounce añejo (aged) tequila
1 Luxardo maraschino cherry (optional)
Combine simple syrup and bitters in an old-fashioned glass. Fill the glass with ice. Squeeze orange peel over the glass to expel oils, then place peel in the glass. Add mezcal and tequila; stir until the drink is ice cold and alcohol has mellowed, about 20 seconds. Garnish with cherry to serve.
Oceanside
2 parts gin
¾ part salted simple syrup
¾ part lime juice soda water
6 mint leaves, garnish
To make salted simple syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp. salt in a saucepan. Heat until sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake for 3–4 seconds and strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with mint leaves.
