Sam's Summer Fix

To start this great summer drink, wait for a sunny day, unfold the lounge chair, turn on the fountains in the pool and bring out the towels and sunshades! The passionfruit syrup is commonly available in bigger food markets, a few liquor stores, and bar supply stores. It is an essential ingredient in this drink and to make a proper drink, I will not substitute, otherwise the drink will end up tasting like a Russian margarita. The ginger, mint and limes are available in the produce section of your local markets. I prefer to use reasonably priced vodka for this mix. I mean anything under $25. The reason is simple: premium vodka such as Grey Goose or Belvedere are best enjoyed clean with a dash of tonic over ice with a twist of lime or lemon. I draw the line somewhere when it comes to my food and drink. Spoken like a true lush/foodie !

Alright, here is the recipe for the drink:

Sam's Summer Fix

3 cups ice cubes

1/3 cup passionfruit syrup

1/3 cup fresh mint, stemmed and coarsely torn

6 - 8 thin slices of fresh ginger, and some extra ginger, julienned for garnish (optional)

juice from 4 fresh limes

1 1/2 cups vodka (Smirnoff or Absolut would work)

tonic water

In a pitcher, pour ice cubes, add vodka, passionfruit syrup, lime juice, ginger and coarsely torn mint leaves. Stir and adjust sweetness by adding more passionfruit syrup, as desired. Top the pitcher with tonic water. To serve, add 4-6 ice cubes into a cocktail glass . Pour the mix into the glass until slightly half an inch to the rim, stir with a swizzle stick (or chopstick or any clean stick - hey, even a barbie skewer would be fine with me!), and garnish with a sprig of mint leaves and a stick of fresh ginger if desired.