by Beatriz Sylvain

Created on: July 30, 2009

Summer Cocktails: La Donna

Every year I wait impatiently for summer time. I don't look forward only for the nice weather, but I look forward to a nice and refreshing cocktail. Who can't relate to that? Is there anything better than a cold beer after a long hot day at 80+ degrees or a nice Strawberry Daiquiri? This year we are having a little bit of bad luck in Maine. It has been raining since May. We are now at the end of July and we can count on one hand how many nice sunny and hot days we had. For that reason I decided to pay a visit to a long time friend Donna in Florida. She lives by the ocean in Longboat Key just off Sarasota. Beautiful area and worth visiting if you haven't been there.

While sitting by the pool observing dolphins in the ocean she served me a beautiful and refreshing drink. Whereas she invented the drink and we didn't have a name I loved so much I baptized it La Donna. Try it because you will love it. I have been making it to all my friends in Maine. They love it! They all testify that they haven't tasted anything like it and it seems something out of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" kind of drink. I am so hooked on this drink I have been making it almost everyday at home. Now I would like to make this wonderful drink famous giving full credit to my dear friend Donna in Florida for her creativity and wonderful taste.

Summer Cocktail: La Donna

Ingredients:

2 lime wedges

2 thick slices of cucumber

1 small branch of rosemary

1/2 shot of gin (good brand)

White Cranberry Juice (blended juice for cocktails)

Ice

Instructions:

In one tall glass combine lime, cucumber and rosemary. Muddle all three together softly. Fill the glass with ice (as much as you like it). Complete with the gin and then the white cranberry juice, give a little stir and then squeeze a little bit of lime. The drink will be colorful and delicious I guarantee! The rosemary gives a nice refreshing taste and also beautiful garnishing. I wish I could submit a picture for you.

Enjoy!

I am certain you will love this drink! When someone asks you just say it is something you picked up from Donna in Florida.

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