Cool Down This Summer With Two Refreshing Juice Cocktails Slice of Jess

Shake, Serve, & Sip.

Here Are Two Thirst-Quenching Juice Cocktails That Are Perfect For Cooling Down The Summer Heat.

It’s been a busy season and we’re only halfway through the humid, North Carolina summer. I’ve been working a lot lately: starting a chef-inspired filming series with Foodesign Associates (stay tuned), writing various publications for a couple of magazines, demoing at the farmers market, sprucing up my photography business with multiple photo shoots, guest appearances on television, attending summer menu previews, and doing a bit of traveling. Whew… that was a mouthful.

During my downtime, we often dabble around with different cocktail recipes and sip them on our patio after our son has gone to sleep. Insert the revolutionary Bob Peters here. Bob’s drink recipes are awe-inspiring and I often try to make them at home because they are down-right, damn delicious.

I was super excited when I heard the news that YAFO Kitchen was teaming up with Bob to create some state-of-the-art cocktails with YAFO’s specialty juices. I was even more thrilled when they asked me to photograph the collaboration at The Punch Room located inside the Ritz Carlton in Charlotte. Here you’ll find two delicious cocktail recipes using the season’s most flavorful drink ingredients. YAFO’s juices can be purchased by the gallon at their Southpark location. Make sure to grab a jug the next time you swing by, and tell them Jess sent you!

Watermelon Daiquiri

We all enjoy Watermelon by the wedge, but have you had it in a cocktail yet? YAFO Kitchen makes a mouth-watering Watermelon Juice that tastes like summer in a glass. It’s the perfect drink to have poolside or to sip in the afternoon on the terrace.

Ingredients:

2 oz. Kill Devil White Rum
4 oz. Watermelon-Lime Juice
.5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
.25 oz. Luxardo Maraschino Liquor
.5 oz. Simple Syrup
Lime wheel garnish

Directions:

Add all ingredients (except garnish) to a cocktail shaker and shake well with ice.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with Lime wheel, and enjoy.

Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita

This cocktail recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser, with a refreshing mix of Tequila, Cucumber, Lime Juice, and Jalapeño. Whip up a larger batch for your next cookout, weekend get together, or birthday celebration – I promise that it will be a HUGE hit!