Fresh Ideas for the Perfect SUMMERTIME SOIREE

By Kay Drew

It has arrived, summer’s finale… August.

How quickly the days and weeks of March-July passed as we grappled to establish adjusted daily routines and rethread to a new normal during this pandemic. While it remains important to stay home, wear a mask, and keep six feet of distance from one another, it is also vital that we get outside and enrich our lives through giving, sharing, learning, and neighbors. Stay healthy by shaking off stress and layering in new memories with some good old-fashioned fun.

With August’s sunny days and hot balmy nights, our yearning increases for something cool to take the edge off. For me, our porch and yard have been places to recharge and stay calm. Why not plan an alfresco evening serving delicious bites and cool beverages? Create your own backyard or porch party, kick off your shoes and run through the grass barefoot, bite into your favorite fruit and let the juice run down your chin, don’t forget to laugh and chat with others…. as long as it’s an alligator’s length away.

My current favorite drinks and nibbles include Frosé and a Prosecco Aperol Spritz served with a charcuterie board. Frosty cocktails and delicious bites are light and refreshing and the perfect accompaniment for watching the sunset transition into a twinkling night sky. Just remember, one unforgettable evening can spark another, and then another, and just like that-before you know it, you will have mastered the recipe for leaving worry far behind.

FROSÉ

I first sampled Frosé during a book club gathering. The book review that evening was deep and heavy, but this drink was fresh, frosty, and unforgettable. Plus, Frosé receives bonus points because it is made in batches ahead of time, so the focus is on relaxing instead of having to remix every time you have an empty glass. (for a non-alcoholic version freeze pink lemonade)

PROSECCO APEROL SPRITZ

Who would decline a classic summer spritzer? I sure hope no one. With a glorious blend of sparkling prosecco wine, fresh citrus, and a tangy liqueur this is an easy favorite. Our daughter mixed up a few of these this spring for us to sample. We sat and sipped on our screened porch, enjoying the cool breeze and uncomplicated conversation, as frogs serenaded us. She shared her ingredient list and recipe, and then we promptly added it to our list of keepers. Now, you can too.

CHARCUTERIE BOARD

This easy-yet impressive way to serve appetizers is the perfect complement for a relaxed, no-fuss evening. There are many blogs and posts dedicated to extraordinary boards and plates. Most will refer to them as charcuterie boards (pronounced shaar·koo·tr·ee) but in simple jargon, just call it a cheese board. This style of presentation eliminates the stress of dishes. That in itself is a win-win. Use a cutting board or a flat tray to display your food. Don’t fuss too much, just go with the basics.

Select three-five cheeses, assorted crackers, fruit, nuts, olives, veggies, and/or a cured meat. Always check your pantry and refrigerator first, then see what’s in season. This will save you time and dollars. Small bowls filled with honey or jam are sweet accompaniments and make the board just about perfect. Enjoy!

Frosé

1 bottle of Rosé wine ½ cup of Simple Syrup (Equal parts water & Splenda) 2 sleeves of pink lemonade mix (Crystal Light for bottled water) ¼ cup of Vodka 3 tsp of Stevia or Splenda

Mix ingredients in a large pitcher then pour into two freezable containers. Freeze until firm. (I stir occasionally during the freezing process but required.) Once frozen, spoon mixture into glasses. It will become slushy fast but to speed the process add Rose` wine over the frozen mix.

Prosecco Aperol Spritz

1 bottle chilled Prosecco 1 bottle Aperol liqueur 1 bottle chilled Club Soda Orange slices

Fill balloon or wine glasses with cubed ice. Combine equal parts of Prosecco and Aperol. Top with a splash or two of club soda. Garnish with a slice of orange or use a vegetable peeler to create an orange peel curl. (You may want to vary the ratio of Prosecco to Aperol- some prefer more Prosecco.)

Kay Drew is a native Clarksvillian who lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband, Tom. She enjoys spending time in Clarksville, Tennessee where they have their vacation home. Sharing humor, creativity, and celebrating the magic of unexpected occasions (Instagram- @kdd_drewdesign) are a few of her favorite things. Kay’s mantra, “Keep up your spirits, be positive, and continue lifelong learning by trying new things like recipes or arranging flowers. Serve and love your friends, family, and neighbors. It is good for the soul.”