Ask An OC Expert: Best Summertime Vodka Cocktails
Summer is a time when you're outside a lot. At times when you're enjoying the weather and a cocktail, you want something that's refreshing and won't weigh you down. Cocktails that use seasonal fruit are a good way to enjoy a refreshing drink on a hot day. Patrick Brazell of Trattoria Bruno's provides some cocktail recipes to try on those hot days.
Patrick Brazell
Trattoria Bruno's
210 W. Birch St.
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 257-1000
www.brunosbrea.com
Patrick Brazell has been the lead bartender at Trattoria Bruno's since the popular Italian restaurant opened in 2012. He prides himself in making classic cocktails with a contemporary twist. Here he provides a couple simple and refreshing vodka cocktails that are great for hot summer days.
Fragola
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Wodka Vodka
- 2 oz fresh strawberries
- 1/2 oz balsamic syrup
- pinch of black pepper
- 1-1/2 oz lemonade
- slice of fresh strawberry
Instructions:
- Muddle the strawberries and balsamic syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the ice and the remaining ingredients.
- Shake well and strain the ingredients into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a slice of fresh strawberry.
Limoncello Drop
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Wodka Vodka
- 1 oz Limoncello
- 1/4 oz honey syrup
- 1/4 oz lemon juice
- 1/4 oz Aperol Aperitivo
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the first four ingredients to the shaker.
- Rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar.
- Strain into the chilled cocktail glass.
- Add the Aperol, which will sink in the cocktail.
- Stir before drinking.
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Lambrusco Martini
Ingredients:
- 5 fresh blackberries
- 1/4 oz Fragoli liqueur
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 1/4 oz lime juice
- 1-1/2 oz Wodka Vodka
- 1/2 oz egg white (optional)
- 3/4 oz Lambrusco Robanera red
Instructions:
- Combine the first four ingredients in a Boston shaker and muddle gently.
- Add the vodka and egg white (if using).
- Shake dry for five to 10 seconds.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients until they are well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Gently pour in the Lambrusco.
- Garnish with blackberries on a bamboo cocktail still.