I was watching Louis CK's 2011 comedy special, Live at the Beacon Theatre, the other night and was cracking up at his rant about how he believes humans are aliens because we are constantly complaining about how uncomfortable we are here on Earth. We use air conditioning and heating units and fans to make everything juuuuuuust right. Louis notes that it just doesn't make sense that we were meant to be on this planet. If we were, we would just be able to deal with the extreme highs and lows without freaking out. I'll admit that I'm one of those complainers. While I can handle winter weather alright, the heat and sweat and that stickiness that takes over from June to August is unbearable.
This weather we've been having recently, however, has been perfect... and I feel the need to say that out-loud to myself that at least once a day. "This is fantastic! It needs to stay like this forever. Ah, yes... seventy degrees and sunny with a slight breeze." I know it won't last long, but I'm taking as much of it in as I can before it gets warmer.
You may have noticed a lot of beverages on here recently and I've been enjoying playing around with some fun cocktail recipes for you (Hope you've been enjoying consuming some of them too!). Over the last few weeks, Eric and I have switched from whiskey drinks to gin and vodka and tequila. Just like food, our bodies crave different libations as the seasons change. So, here is a vodka "refresher" for you to all enjoy that utilizes some of Honest Tea's Honey Green Tea, which the company generously sent over for me to try. I was thrilled with the subtle sweetness of the tea, especially since I had planned on including a little simple syrup in the cocktail.
In addition, they're offering one lucky A Thought For Food reader a chance to win a month's supply of their tea (30 drinks)! Woo hoo!
See below for details on how to enter the giveaway:
A word from the folks at Honest Tea:
"Honest Tea would like to keep you refreshed for 30 days, on us. Brewed with organic tea leaves and half the calories and sugar of other bottled teas, we hope you’ll find it a sip in the right direction. "
To Enter the Honest Tea Givaway: Leave a comment here telling me what your favorite warm-weather beverage is (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
Giveaway Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. Open to US residents only . Giveaway will end on May 27th 2013 at 12:00 pm EST. One winner with a valid entry will be selected at random using random.org. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be selected. Samples of Honest Tea products and the giveaway items were provided to me by Honest Tea through the NoshOnIt Publisher Partner Program.
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Honey Green Tea and Rosemary Refresher
Yields: 2 drinks
Glassware Highball glass
Ingredients 3 fl. oz. vodka, optional 1 fl. oz. rosemary simple syrup, see recipe below 2 tsp. lemon juice 1 16 fl. oz. bottle of Honest Tea's Honey Green Tea Ice Rosemary sprig, for garnish Lemon slice, for garnish
Directions
- In each glass, pour in 1.5 oz vodka, .5 oz rosemary simple syrup, and 1 tsp. lemon juice. Stir together with a spoon.
- Fill the glasses half way with ice and then top with the tea. Give another stir with a spoon.
- Garnish the rim with the lemon slice and insert the rosemary sprig into the glass.
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Rosemary Simple Syrup
Yield: Approx. 1 cup
Tools A small pot Whisk
Ingredients 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1 rosemary sprig
Instructions
- Put water and sugar into the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Whisk until sugar dissolves.
- Add rosemary sprig
- Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Once it has cooled, it can be used in the cocktail.
- Store in refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
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