Summer means the grocery stores and farmer’s markets are bursting with local, seasonal fruits. Sure you use these fresh ingredients in your breakfast parfaits, salads and desserts — but why stop there? For you next barbecue or rooftop jam try Purity Vodka’s new cherries and basil cocktail and appetizer combination. Margaritas and chips are so last year.
Kathy Casey Summertime Purity Vodka Cocktail & Appetizer Pairing
Cherry Basil Collins
Makes 1 cocktail
3 fresh cherries
1 small basil leaf
1 1/2 ounce Purity Vodka
3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
3/4 ounce simple syrup*
2 ounce soda water, chilled
Garnish; fresh lemon wedge, fresh cherry and a small basil leaf
Drop the cherries and basil into a cocktail shaker. Press with a muddler to
release the juices. Measure in the Purity Vodka, lemon juice and simple
syrup. Fill cocktail shaker with ice, cap and shake vigorously. Pour drink
into a Collins glass. Add soda water and stir. Garnish.
*To make simple syrup: combine 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water in a small
sauce pan. Bring to a quick boil then immediately remove from heat. Cool
then store refrigerated for up to one month.
Recipe Created by Kathy Casey Food Studios® – Liquid Kitchen™
Cherry & Goat Cheese Bings
This quick and easy summer appetizer is the perfect bite with a Purity Vodka
cocktail!
Makes about 20 pieces
20 fresh dark sweet cherries
1/2 cup (2 ounces) sliced almonds
1 teaspoon olive oil
Pinch of salt
4 to 6 ounces fresh goat cheese (chèvre)
Pit the cherries and set aside to drain on paper towels for 30 minutes.
Preheat an oven to 350°F.
Meanwhile, mix the almonds, oil, and salt in a small bowl, then spread on a
rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Let
cool to room temperature. When cooled, use your hands to crush the almonds
to the size of large cracker crumbs; put into a shallow bowl.
Take 1 heaping teaspoonful of cheese in the palm of your hand, place a
cherry on the cheese, and start rolling with your hands to coat the cherry.
If there are any thin spots, add a bit more cheese. Immediately after
rolling the cheese around the cherry, drop it into the crumbled almonds and
roll to coat with the nuts. Repeat with the remaining cherries. Serve
immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve, for up to 2 hours.
Recipe Created by Kathy Casey Food Studios® – Liquid Kitchen™
