5 California Ingredients To Add Zing To Your Summer Cocktails

Food Republic•

Over the past couple of months we've taken a look at the California lifestyle with the help of our sponsor Hangar 1 Vodka . We've now reached our final series: Farm Fresh. In honor of Hangar 1's fine fruit-infused flavors , this series dives into the sources and products derived from the delicious fruits of the California land.

Summer time and the living is easy—if it's not, you probably need a cocktail. We rounded up six ingredients grown in California (get them at your local farmer's market!), then paired those ingredients with Hangar 1 Vodka to create five sip-able libations. Okay, four cocktails and one alcohol-infused Popsicle—all best enjoyed with a little sunshine.

Mix strawberries with Hangar 1 Kaffir Lime Vodka to create boozy Popsicles. Photo: Dave Briggs on Flickr.

Strawberries + Hangar 1 Kaffir Lime Vodka = Spiked Strawberry Popsicles

Hangar 1® Kaffir Lime Vodka

Pineapple juice

Fresh strawberries, mashed

  1. Add equal parts vodka and pineapple juice to a bowl, then add strawberries. Stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a Popsicle mold and add a stick. Freeze until solid.
Mint lemonade vodka just might be your drink of choice this summer. Photo: alasam on Flickr.

Lemon + Hangar 1 Straight Vodka = Mint Vodka Lemonade

1 1/2 cups Hangar 1® Straight Vodka

2/3 cup simple syrup

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 cup chopped mint leaves

Ice and fresh mint sprigs

  1. Combine the chopped mint and simple syrup in a bowl or Mason jar, then stir in the lemon juice and vodka. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to let the flavors merge. Strain the mixture and pour over ice. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.
Drunken Bees Iced Tea is a surprisingly simple – and delicious – concoction. Photo: Siona Karen on Flickr.

Honey + Hangar 1 Mandarin Blossom Vodka = Drunken Bees Iced Tea

2 ounces Hangar 1® Mandarin Blossom Vodka

2 ounces unsweetened iced tea

2 ounces lemonade

1 tablespoon honey

Lemon wedges

  1. Drizzle the honey into a bottom of a chilled pint glass. Add the vodka, iced tea and lemonade, then stir until the honey is dissolved. Garnish with fresh lemon.

Avocado + Hangar 1 Buddha's Hand Citron Vodka = Avocadotails

1 1/2 ounces Hangar 1® Buddha's Hand Citron Vodka

1/4 ounce simple syrup or agave nectar

Avocado half

1 tablespoon lime juice

Ice and sparkling water

  1. Peel the avocado and remove the pit, then blend in food processor or mash until thin. Combine the vodka, simple syrup or agave nectar and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
This summer, try a fruity Russian mojito made with Hangar 1 Kaffir Lime Vodka. Photo: Callum McKain on Flickr.

Mint + Raspberries + Hangar 1 Kaffir Lime Vodka = Fruity Russian Mojitos

1 1/2 cups mint simple syrup (recipe below)

1 cup chilled Hangar 1® Kaffir Lime Vodka

1/3 cup fresh lime juice

1 cup chilled club soda

Ice, fresh mint sprigs and raspberries for garnish

Mint Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 cup packed fresh mint leaves

1/2 cup fresh mashed raspberries

  1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sugar, water, mint and mashed raspberries. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for five minutes, or until the sugar has fully dissolved. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the thickened mixture to cool for 20 minutes.
  2. In a pitcher, combine the mint raspberry simple syrup, vodka, lime juice, and club soda. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with mint and raspberries.

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