Hey friends! We are back with a bonus post for the month of May. This post is kicking off a summer series of posts that we have aptly named: Umbrella Worthy. Throughout the summer we are going to feature some drinks that we think are the ultimate sipping by the pool -floating on the boat – soaking it up in the sun at the beach drinks.
There are many different stories about the origins of the cute little paper umbrella that we love in our summer sippers. Google states that cocktail umbrellas were originally designed to keep sun off the ice and hence slow the melting process. Other stories accredit a famous bartender, Henry Ye, from the famed Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel bar, for being the first to use paper umbrellas in his cocktails. Yet another story states that using paper umbrellas to garnish food became a craze after the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Apparently the fair had a Chinese village that adorned food with paper umbrellas and the fad quickly caught on. (Imbibe Magazine, July/August 2018) Whoever was first, it was a great idea that still makes beverages taste a little better and helps us all feel like we can sit back, relax, and just soak in life!
Our Umbrella Worthy drink of the month is the La Branca. This yummy summer beverage is made with tequila, Fernet Branca, lime juice and ginger beer. You may be thinking that the Fernet is a bit strong for you. However, you loved Fernet in our yummy hot toddy. Rhonda was skeptical, as well. However, the tequila and the sweetness of the ginger beer soften the Fernet a lot. You get to enjoy the herbally flavor of the Fernet without the overbearing taste. Seriously! Rhonda gave this cocktail 2 thumbs up.
Place an ounce of tequila, an ounce of Fernet Branca, and half ounce of fresh squeezed lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 30 seconds.
Pour into margarita glass. Top off with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge and umbrella!
Ingredients
- 1 ounce of tequila
- 1 ounce of Fernet Branca
- 1/2 ounce of fresh squeezed lime juice
- ginger beer
Instructions
- Place tequila, fernet and lime juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake for 30 seconds.
- Pour into a margarita glass. Top off with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and an umbrella.
If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at http://www.theblindpig.blog for a printable recipe of La Branca.
The La Branca is smooth, refreshing, and a different twist than most summertime drinks. Try this Umbrella Worthy drink this weekend!