Liquid Summer Magic

I've experienced a bit of a beverage awakening this summer season.    The kind of awakening that makes me wonder what the hell I've been drinking in summers past.   I thought I'd list of few of my highlights so far. 

Hitachino Nest White Ale

Seriously, I could drink this beer all summer long.   In fact, I would if I could find it consistently.   Hitachino in a bottle is fine, but Hitachino draft is another experience entirely.    Floral, with hints of orange and citrus, Hitachino Nest White Ale is a Belgian style beer that is at the top of my list these days.   It's made by Kiuchi Brewery near Nagano, Japan, and generally pretty difficult for me to track down.   I've had bottles  of the White Ale at Momofuku,  BLT Burger and Mermaid Inn but have only found it on tap at Marshall Stack. 

Seriously, if someone can point me in the direction of a bar pouring White Ale from a keg in NYC, I'd love you (long time).

2006 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

I'm a huge fan of New Zealand Sauv Blanc.   For around $12, I think the '06 Kim Crawford Sauv Blanc from Marlborough is one of the best values on the market.  Huge hits of grassiness are balanced with a cutting acidity, making a refreshing yet flavorful wine perfect for a meal or just casual sipping.   I have bought a case to hold me through the summer August.   You can find this wine here.

Berritt's Ginger Beer

I've been obsessed with ginger beer for a while now.  Maybe you've noticed.   I like to drink it at home courtesy of the Berritt's brand.  I can usually find them at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, though less frequently than I'd like.  Since I'm not usually after a Dark and Stormy in the summer, I like to make cocktails with ginger beer, vodka, seltzer and whole pieces of spicy candied ginger.   I am foaming at the mouth even writing about it.   More about Berritt's Ginger Beer here.

Basil Simple Syrup

A friend took me for a cocktail at a North Fork restaurant called The Feisty Oyster earlier in the summer.   I had a  cocktail that consisted of a basil infused simple syrup,  gin,  seltzer and a sprig of rosemary.  It was one of the best cocktails I've had this summer for sure.   Why am I telling you this?  Mainly because this cocktail is a breeze to make at home.  Here's the recipe for a basil simple syrup - give this a try, it's worth the minimal effort.

Gruner Veltliner

It's relatively embarrassing for me to admit that I hadn't had a Gruner Veltliner before 2006.   Not sure why either, as I enjoy Austrian wines in general.  I love the crisp acidity of Gruner, combined with the deep minerality that lends it a powerful yet floral quality.    Gruner is also a great food wine for the summer.  One of my favorites is the 2005 Hiedler Gruner Veltliner Thal Novemberlese, which you can search for here.

That's just a bit of a highlight reel, certainly not a complete list.  White Burgundies, Pims Cups, Blue Moon, Muscato D' Asti and lots of others are for future discussion.  Would love any of your thoughts or suggestions......

Comments

[Jennifer Hess]

I love that Hitachino Nest White Ale.

My husband is the drinks guy in our household, so I usually let him handle that end of things. I do make a decent Vermouth Cassis which is always nice this time of year (1 oz. Creme de Cassis plus 3 oz. white vermouth in a tall glass filled with ice and topped off with seltzer).

The Soixante Sexte is another recent favorite:
http://www.adashofbitters.com/2007/06/24/soixante-seize/

As for wine, Provencal roses go down real easy this time of year, but my favorite pink has to be the Sinsky Vin Gris of Pinot Noir.

[Gina]

What's the recipe for the basil and gin cocktail! I want it! I need it!

[ken]

I really like the gourmet dinner plate.

[Brian]

I just picked up a bottle of the White Ale at Citarella of all places. (Upper East Side location) Looking forward to giving it a try...

[Erika]

Hey Joe-

I love that Hitachino White Ale as well. They've got it at Spitzer's corner, though it's not draught. Cool spot to checkout regardless.

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