Summer Citrus

Heather and I are looking forward to Summer and all its bounty: The outdoor concerts, the reopening of Governor's Island, the ability to go from place to place without being encumbered by a jacket. I've been trying to help the warm weather along by focusing on some citrusy drinks in preparation for the season--specifically ones that focus on lime.

I prefer drinks that incorporate lime to those with lemon for some reason. I think it yields a more complex drink. I love lemon but it can be a bit overpowering at times and can quickly take over the flavor profile of a drink whereas lime, in my opinion, is more of a team player.

The mojito is a tried and true favorite in our household and also one that I've posted about in the past. Delicious. The combination of mint and lime is fantastic, incredibly refreshing and one that I can't pass up.

Mojito

-2 oz. white rum

-1/2 oz. simple syrup

-Juice of half a lime

-8-10 mint leaves

-Club soda

Muddle the simple syrup and mint in mojito glass or pilsner. Add ice and remaining ingredients. Tumble in a cocktail shaker to incorporate. Garnish with lime wedge and mint sprig.

Another favorite of mine is the Vodka Gimlet. It's made exactly the same way as a Vodka Martini except it replaces the vermouth with the juice of half a lime giving it a fruitier, more festive feel.

Vodka Gimlet

-2 oz. vodka

-Juice of half a lime

Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Add a lime wheel for garnish.

A drink that the New York Times recommended last year was a Rye Rickey. It's a variation on the popular Gin Rickey but with rye whiskey substituted for gin. The NY times article calls for a full lime but I eased it back to half. Sometime you can have too much of a good thing.

Rye Rickey

Adapted from the New York Times dining section

-Juice of half a lime

-2 oz. rye whiskey

-1 teaspoon grand marnier

Top with club soda, stir and garnish with a lime wedge.

And to top off our limey battery of drinks, a twist on an old favorite. The Cuba Libre is simply a Rum and Coke with the juice of half a lime. It gives the drink more of a tropical taste and Cuba Libre sounds much more exotic than Rum and Coke.

Cuba Libre

-2 oz. white rum

-Juice of half a lime

-Cola

Add rum and lime to a tall glass with ice, fill with cola and stir. Garnish with lime wedge.

There you have it. Four summery cocktails to kick off summer. And they don't even include old standbys like a Cosmopolitan or a Margarita. I hope I've been able to add more ammunition to your Summer drink arsenal.