(StatePoint) From pool parties to evenings around a bonfire, summer is the ultimate time to entertain. Artisanal cocktails make a statement at any gathering, so become the trendsetter of the season by using interesting spirits to get the party started.
The key to successfully designing a creative cocktail is simple- keep an open mind and use the best possible ingredients. Using quality spirits and seasonal ingredients will make for an intriguing and delicious drink.
Think outside the box when crafting cocktails, a hidden gem may already be in your bar collection, such as a cognac liqueur. A common misconception is this spirit is only meant to be consumed during the wintertime. However, these liqueurs can be served chilled or made into refreshing cocktails.
One example is the award-winning Belle de Brillet, the original Pear Williams and Brillet cognac Liqueur produced by the 10th generation, family-owned Maison Brillet, located in the heart of the Cognac region of France. Belle de Brillet is a pear liqueur made by infusing Brillet cognac with the essence of Williams Pears, produced mainly in the east of France. The liqueur is mainly served in an elegant, pear-shaped bottle, which will add charm to your summer spread.
Because of its versatility, Belle de Brillet liqueur is a favorite among gourmet chefs around the world. It will pair nicely alongside summer salads, grilled seafood, and fresh summer fruits, like melon, strawberries, or raspberries.
This summer delight guests' palates with fresh ingredients for a new taste sensation.
To best serve this luscious, yet refreshingly tart liqueur with ripe pear notes, consider these three cocktails created by NYC mixologist Jaime Rips. Each recipe can be easily prepared ahead of time so guests can help themselves.
Belle of the Ball
1 1/2 ounces Belle de Brillet Liqueur
1 ounce light rum
3/4 ounce lime juice
3 raspberries
Club soda
Sprig of rosemary
Add raspberries, ice, and alcohol ingredients into a shaker. Shake a strain into a highball with fresh ice. Top with club soda and garnish with rosemary sprig.
Brilliant Belle
1 ounce Belle de Brillet Liqueur
1/2 ounce lime juice
1 1/2 ounces premium vodka
1/4 ounce green chartreuse
3 dashes of orange bitters
3 red grapes
1 basil leaf
Muddle red grapes and basil leaf in a shaker, then add the rest of the ingredients. Shake and evenly strain to the rim of a martini glass. Garnish with basil leaf.
Summer in the City
1 ounce Belle de Brillet Liqueur
1/2 ounce lime juice
2 ounces Joto Junmani Sake
Cucumber slices
Mint leaves
Muddle cucumber and mint, then add the rest of the ingredients with ice into a shaker. Shake and strain into a highball glass with crushed ice. Garnish with mint sprig and cucumber.