Cooking Lesson #503: Pacific Ocean Breeze Cocktail

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

How you doin’? Even though by calendar fall is about two weeks away, I’m sorry to report that with Labor Day in the rear-view mirror it’s really just a whisper away. I love Summer but Fall also has many attractions of interest for this writer. Before we start to extol the new season’s virtues, I want to close out the season with a last Summertime cocktail.
 
When I was in high school, I was a lifeguard and watched over the throngs of sun-worshiping people on my assigned beach. At this time of the season, I used to sit on the Santa Monica pier, look out over the nearly empty beach and out to ocean as the sun was setting to the West and think about my summer experiences. So here is my toast to the end of summer with a Pacific Ocean Breeze Cocktail.
 
For this cocktail I used Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka. Smirnoff is the number one selling premium vodka in the world. It is described by The New York Times as “clean and ultra-smooth with a pleasing texture”… the hands-down favorite. Smirnoff’s award-winning taste is triple distilled, filtered 10 times, with 57 quality checks. It is great for mixed drinks! There is an edge to it if you drink it straight. So, pick your favorite mixer carefully and get to drinking! Cheers!
 
Also important, with inflation on the rise, the price is still very affordable, as I think this brand is meant to be. Don't discount it just because of the lower price and it being rated the number one brand—It’s number one for a reason—it’s good!
 
Prep time:  3 minutes
Yield:  1 cocktail

Ingredients 
1-1/2 ounces Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
1-1/2 ounces Blue Curaçao
2 ounces lemonade
1 lime wheel
 
Directions

1. Combine the vodka, blue curacao and lemonade into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Strain the chilled cocktail into a highball glass filled with ice.
3. Garnish with a lime wheel.

​ChefSecret:  Serve this cocktail for a pool or patio party—turn it into a punch.

• 1-1/2 cups Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
• 1-1/2 cups Blue Curaçao
• 2 cups lemonade
• 6 to 8 lime wheels

Quip of the Day: “I tried to say no to vodka, but it’s 40% stronger than I am.”
-------------------------------------------
Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to ed@perspectives-la.com.  All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide .
-------------------------------------------
To you and everyone dear to you, be strong and positive, stay well and safe and be kind.

---