Cocktail Couture: Hop, Skip & Go Naked!
For the next installment in our frozen Summertime Sweets series, which has included a mouth-watering Mango & Rose Water Sorbet and a delightful Strawberry & Pistachio Semifreddo, I'm happy to share a cocktail recipe with you for the Hop, Skip & Go Naked. Like the other recipes, this drink is perfect for beating the Summer heat and in case you haven't created any lasting Summer memories, this drink is sure to help. Just a warning though, it may not be the wholesome, family memories you were hoping for!
Kidding aside, this cocktail is imminently icy, refreshing and the most beautiful bubble gum pink. But don't be fooled by the innocuous color - it did get it's name for a reason! The combination of vodka, light beer and pink lemonade goes down remarkably easy and while the flavor combination may sound strange, the citrusy flavor of the pink lemonade masks the beer and vodka and the delightfully frosty texture makes it almost impossible to put down. While there are many different versions of this cocktail, I love the one from Susan Branch's "The Summer Book," one of my favorite cookbooks ever! All of Susan's cookbooks are works of art in and of themselves, featuring her watercolor drawings and beautiful, hand-written script throughout and her recipes are always fabulous.
This drink is perfect for a Summer soirée by the pool with friends. Just find some whimsical glasses (preferably clear so you can see the color of the drink), whip up a batch of Hop Skips and serve your guests and/or family on a tray decorated with flowers from your own backyard - it's really that easy!
In case you're still dubious about the idea of mixing beer with lemonade and vodka, you can substitute 1/3 cup Moscato d'Asti (we like these) for the 2/3 cup light beer and use a vanilla vodka instead of regular. This version is slightly sweeter but it is still "can't-put-it-down" delicious. Why not try both versions and YOU be the judge? No matter which version you try, I hope you enjoy the Hop, Skip & Go Naked as much as we do and have fun creating your own fun Summer memories!Cheers,
- 2/3 cup ice cold, light beer
- 2/3 cup frozen pink lemonade concentrate (must be pink!)
- 1/4 cup vodka
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fill blender container halfway with ice.
- Add light beer, pink lemonade concentrate and vodka, blend well and serve immediately in glasses garnished with lemon wedges.