Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Savoring Summer Cocktails"
Date: July 18, 2024
Host: Koosha Navadar (in for Alison Stewart)
Guests: Kerry Jones (food & spirits writer), John McCarthy (mixologist, co-authors of Every Cocktail Has a Twist)
Overview
On this scorching NYC summer day, guest host Koosha Navadar welcomes spirits writer Kerry Jones and mixologist John McCarthy for a vibrant conversation on summer cocktails and mocktails. Exploring everything from classic spritzes to innovative veggie-based drinks, they share recipes, tricks, and listener favorites while highlighting what makes a drink perfect for hot weather: low ABV, fresh flavors, and lots of ice.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. What Makes a Great Summer Cocktail?
[02:10]
- Kerry: Summer cocktails should be “bright and overall refreshing,” typically lighter in alcohol. Classics include the Aperol Spritz, Tom Collins, and Pimms Cup.
- John: Favors “drinks that have more volume, more ice, take longer to drink and are cold.” Lower alcohol (low ABV) is key, since summer day drinking often starts earlier.
Notable Quote
“If it’s a hot day, you probably don’t want to be loading yourself up with a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned.” — Kerry Jones [02:15]
2. Favorite Spirits & Cocktail Trends
[03:12]
- Summer leans to gin, blanco tequila, amari, Pimm’s, and Prosecco. Darker spirits (like whiskey) are best left for winter.
- Low ABV cocktails are both on-trend and practical.
Notable Quote
“For some reason, the drinking starts earlier in the day in the summertime than in the winter.” — John McCarthy [03:39]
3. Spritzes and Current Trends
[06:03],[07:03]
- Listener Jose: Recommends the Hugo (elderflower liqueur, prosecco, club soda, mint).
- Spritzes are “inherently fun,” easy to assemble, festive, and forgiving. They’re perfect for gatherings—just build in the glass and enjoy.
Notable Quote
“It’s a drink you can have at the beach or at brunch or, you know, at sundown in Italy, if you’re lucky enough to be there.” — Kerry Jones [07:03]
4. Summer Drink Ideas from Listeners
[08:25]–[23:11]
- Honeydew cocktail at the US Open, Lillet & tonic, Gin Negroni, Rosé recommendations
- Miss Linda: Vodka, cold seltzer, Rose’s lime, fresh lemon juice. [13:12]
- Lauren: Frozen watermelon, lime, and mint blended for a simple mocktail (or with rum). [14:09]
- Shrub cocktails: Noted for being full of electrolytes and flavor.
- Porto Tónico: White port, tonic, citrus.
5. Veggie-Based & Garden Cocktails
[10:39]–[11:27]
- The Garden Club Gimlet uses fresh sugar snap peas juiced, plus gin and lime. The freshness “just explodes” and must be drunk within an hour.
- Experiments with farm-fresh produce bring Summer flavors alive in mixed drinks.
Notable Quotes
“We just run fresh sugar snap peas through a juicer... then just gin and lime. It’s a take on the classic gimlet but the vividness...is just amazing.” — Kerry Jones [11:18]
“Make it and drink it because it’s going to start to degrade really, really quickly. You want to use it within an hour of making it for sure.” — John McCarthy [11:59]
6. Mocktail Recipes and Tips
[15:26]
- The Portside Punch: Cucumber, lime, basil, club soda. “Great for pitchers,” refreshing, and easily spiked if desired.
- Fresh juice (cucumber, watermelon) should be used same day for peak flavor.
Notable Quote
“It was perfect, because those who didn’t want to drink alcohol could have a really lovely, refreshing green drink. And those who wanted to pour a little vodka or rum in it, they could do that too.” — Kerry Jones [15:26]
7. Working With Summer Produce
- Cucumber: Incredibly versatile (cucumber Collins, margaritas, or just slices added to drinks); brings a “cooling” sensation. [19:30–20:24]
- Avocado Margarita: Avocado, pineapple juice cubes, lime, orange liqueur, served slushy and salted. [20:52]
- Smoothie Cocktails: Pair smoothies (cucumber, pears, ginger, etc.) with white spirits; vodka for a neutral base; gin or rum for complexity. [17:39]
- Spicy Mocktails: Grapefruit juice, muddled sage, spicy bitters. [21:58]
Notable Quote
“When you drink cucumber juice, it feels cooling almost.” — John McCarthy [19:30]
8. Garnishes
[23:25]
- Mint is the hands-down favorite: cooling, aromatic, and simple.
- Tip: “Gotta activate them. Give a little tap on your hand to break up the cells so that it releases the aroma.” — John McCarthy [23:30]
Listener Contributions & Memorable Moments
The Hugo Spritz [05:19]
- “Elderflower liqueur, basically St. Germain, some Prosecco, club soda, and a sprig of mint...over ice. It’s delicious. Best thing ever.” — Jose in Astoria
Cucumber Versatility [18:26],[19:30]
- Slices, juice, in a Collins or margarita, or just in a vodka soda.
“Miss Linda” Cocktail [13:12]
- Personal favorite with vodka and citrus; so beloved by friends, it got named after the original creator.
Frozen Watermelon Mocktail [14:09]
- Simple, creative way to avoid food waste and stay cool.
Cantaloupe Paloma [22:52]
- Cantaloupe with tequila, Topo Chico, and saline, as a late-summer twist.
Smoothie Spirits [17:39]
- Use “white spirits” like vodka for subtlety or gin/rum for additional flavor notes in fruit/veg smoothies.
Useful Timestamps for Segment Highlights
- [02:10] — Defining the ideal summer cocktail
- [05:19] — Listener introduces the Hugo spritz
- [07:03] — Why spritzes are so popular
- [10:39] — Story of the Garden Club Gimlet
- [13:12] — “Miss Linda” summer vodka cocktail
- [14:09] — Frozen watermelon mocktail tips
- [15:26] — Portside Punch: the perfect mocktail party drink
- [17:39] — Spirits to add to healthy smoothies
- [18:26] — Cucumber's versatility in summer drinks
- [20:52] — Avocado margarita recipe
- [21:58] — Grapefruit-sage-spicy bitters mocktail
- [22:52] — Cantaloupe Paloma bar inspiration
- [23:25] — Favorite summer cocktail garnishes
Conclusion
This spirited, interactive episode celebrates summer’s bounty, encouraging listeners to experiment with fresh produce, lower-alcohol spirits, and both classic and creative combinations. Whether you prefer a fizzy spritz, a lively mocktail, or inventing new recipes with farmers market finds, the message is clear: summer cocktails should be refreshing, easy, and fun to personalize.