By Seth Fera-Schanes

There are two types of summer in New York City.  The first is pleasant, filled with friends, outdoor concerts, lazy weekends, etc.  The second kind is hot, stifling and really just bordering on gross.

On the hot and humid days and weeks in the midst of summer, many New Yorker’s escape to the Hamptons, Berkshires or anywhere that is not 100 degrees on the asphalt and contains a mixture of smells I will refrain from describing at this time.

Regardless of where you are, this is the season to bring out your best summer cocktail recipes.  We will be featuring a few drinks that will keep you cool (and partying) for the next three months.

Introducing:  The Porch Swing

The Porch Swing

Serving size: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 0

Ingredients:

Ice

1 ½ oz gin, preferable Hendrick’s

1 ½ oz Pimm’s No. 1

4 oz Blue Smoke lemonade (see note)

5 thin slices cucumber, cut into 10 half-moons

Splash of 7-Up or lemon soda

Directions:

Fill a Collins glass and a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, Pumm’s No.1, and Blue Smoke lemonade to the shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into the glass. Add the cucumber, half-moons, top with the 7-Up, and serve.

Blue Smoke Lemonade:

Mix together 2 parts freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 parts water, and 1 part Simple Syrup (see below). Use immediately. 

Simple Syrup:

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool. Pour into a glass jar, cover, and refrigerate until needed. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

This recipe and picture are courtesy of Blue Smoke restaurant located at 116 E. 27th St. New York, NY 10016.  If you are interested in some other summer drink and food options, check out The Refined Chef.