It’s summer in New England, finally! This is when we put away our long sleeves and fleece and get outside at the beach, fire up the grill for cookouts, hang at the park, and dine with friends al fresco. While the kids are splashing in the pool, the adults may like a splash of a different kind—adult beverages.
Have some yogurt in your next drink. That’s right. Dairy can really take your drink experience to the next level. Not only are there great flavor combinations, but you get a boost of good nutrition. Of course, with any alcoholic beverage choice, don’t forget moderation, which means one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men (that’s what the experts say).
Here are four dairy and alcohol beverage combos that will make adulting this summer more fun.
Tropical Dream
A riff on a Pina colada, this drink gets a boost from vanilla yogurt, which adds a creaminess and tang that cuts the sweetness a little. Some live and active cultures help, too.
Ingredients 1 serving 4 servings
- Pineapple juice ¾ cup 3 cups
- Vanilla yogurt ½ cup 2 cups
- Coconut rum 1.5 oz. 6 oz.
- Ice cubes
- Pineapple chunk and shredded coconut for garnish
Combine the pineapple juice, vanilla yogurt, and coconut rum in a blender or smoothie maker. Add enough ice cubes to reach just below the top of the ingredients. You want to get a nice frostiness to the drink. Adjust it based on your blender or personal taste. Blend until smooth. Serve in a nice glass and garnish with a piece of pineapple and a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
Fruit Punch Sparkler
This light beverage is a great fruity complement to a cheese plate and will elevate your next cookout.
Ingredients 1 serving 4 servings
- 100% juice fruit punch 6 oz. 3 cups
- Sparking wing (sweet) 4 oz. 2 cups
Make sure the sparkling wine is sweet not dry or brut. Combine the fruit punch and sparkling wine in a pitcher or carafe. Pour the wine second and slowly; it will foam up. Serve in a stemless wine glass with a nice cheese platter. I use an extra sharp Vermont cheddar. Hint: don’t add ice cubes because it will water this drink down, so make sure everything is chilled well.
White Raspberry
Summer and fruit are a natural pairing. Let’s take the White Russian and give it a fruity make over. Perfect for a sophisticated drink at your next summer dinner party.
Ingredients 1 serving
- Half and half 3 oz.
- Raspberry vodka 1.5 oz.
- Hazelnut liqueur* 1.5 oz.
- Ice cubes
- Raspberries and crushed hazelnuts for garnish
*I used Frangelico as a personal preference. If you find a comparable product, you can use that as well.
Fill a short glass with ice cubes. Add the raspberry vodka, hazelnut liqueur, and half and half in that order. Stir to combine. Add a few raspberries and a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts to the top as garnish and enjoy.
Hint: I wouldn’t suggest making this in a batch. It works best making each in an individual glass to get the right blend and avoid watering the drink down with ice.
Grand Orange Cream
I’ve always loved orange cream popsicles. Vanilla ice cream and orange ice are so iconic summer. Here’s an easy, adult version that will bring you back to your childhood with a little kick.
Ingredients 1 serving 4 servings
- Vanilla ice cream ½ cup 2 cups
- 100% orange juice ¾ cup 3 cups
- Grand Marnier* 1 oz. 4 oz. or ½ cup
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend thoroughly. Serve in a nice glass. If you’d like to garnish the glass, an orange wedge or orange peel makes a nice touch.
Think dairy when you’re considering what adult drink to serve this summer. Don’t forget, drink responsibly, and drink lots of water; alcohol can be dehydrating especially in summer heat.
Enjoy!
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