Friendly Fires Punch
Courtesy Shannon Tebay Sidle, bartender, Death & Co, New York City
This drink appears in Batch Cocktails, by Maggie Hoffman, who says the fruity, savory concoction captures “that barbecue you dream of all winter long.” To make watermelon juice in a blender, purée about 2¼ cups cubed seedless watermelon until smooth, and strain through a fine-mesh strainer.
La Columba
Courtesy Jose Luis Betancur, sommelier, wine & beverage manager, Tuscan Kitchen, Boston
Loosely modeled on the classic Paloma, this bubbly sipper adds sage’s herbaceous notes. For those who seek an interesting nonalcoholic beverage, mix the sage simple syrup into grapefruit soda with a squeeze of lime.
Last Updated: May 22, 2023
Ingredients
Directions
Up to 1 week prior, combine mezcal (or Tequila), vodka, Green Chartreuse and simple syrup in 2 quart pitcher. Stir, then store in refrigerator.
Up to 2 hours prior, prepare watermelon and lime juices, and add to mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
To serve, stir mixture. Add lime wheels, fill pitcher with ice, and stir until pitcher cools. Pour into ice-filled rocks glasses. Serves 8.
Chile Vodka Ingredients and Directions
To make chile vodka, combine 6 thin slices jalapeño and ⅔ cup vodka in mason jar. Let sit 4 minutes, then taste. Let sit longer, if desired, until mixture reaches preferred spice level. Strain mixture through fine-mesh strainer. Sealed and stored in cool, dark place, vodka will keep for several months.
La Columba
Directions
Up to 2 hours prior, combine first four ingredients in pitcher. Stir, then refrigerate.
To serve, stir mixture well. Fill pitcher with ice, then stir again gently until pitcher cools. Pour into 8 ice-filled rocks glasses, then top each glass with soda and garnish with a sage leaf. Serves 8.
