Here are some great drink recipes from Kim Haasarud , a James Beard-honored mixologist, author, beverage consultant, and judge on Iron Chef America.  She is the founder of Liquid Architecture. She conceives her signature cocktails much as Alice Waters would create a specialty dish, taking inspiration from market-fresh, high quality ingredients.  “Cocktails, like food, should be culinary experiences,” says Haasarud.  “It is about combining ingredients to create a sensation on the palate and entice all the senses with a combination of flavors, textures, aromas, and garnishes.”

In her new book 101 MOJITOS and Other Muddled Drinks,  Kim provides expert guidance on mixing the perfect mojito, as well as 100 variations and other muddled drink recipes that focus on fresh ingredients and plenty of ripe fruit. In addition to mojitos, you’ll find caipirinhas, caipiroskas, crushes, and margaritas as well. In fact, if you’ve got fresh fruit of any kind on hand, you’ll probably find more than enough delicious and refreshing ways to use it.

Whether you’re hanging out in the backyard, lounging by the pool, or eating at an outdoor restaurant, the mojito and its muddled cousins make the perfect summer drinks.  Here are few of her recipes.

The Three Tomatoes Mojito (aka the Lemon Dill Mary)

• 1 ½ oz Belvedere Bloody Mary
• 1 oz. peppercorn syrup
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 3 heirloom cherry tomatoes
• 6 pieces chopped celery
• 2 sprigs of dill (one for garnish)

Directions:

1) Add the lemon juice, peppercorn syrup, cherry tomatoes, celery and dill to the mixing tin.

2) Muddle contents.

3) Add the Belvedere Bloody Mary.

4) Add ice and shake vigorously.

5) Strain into iced Collins glass.

6) Garnish with dill sprig and lemon wheel.

Black & Blue Mojito

A great summer time Mojito made with Driscoll’s blackberries and blueberries.

• 2 oz 10 Cane Rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 3 blackberries
• 10 blueberries
• pinch of mint
• Splash of soda water

In a mixing glass, muddle the berries and mint with the lime juice and simple syrup.  Add the 10 Cane rum.  Top with crushed ice.  Add a splash of soda water and stir.  Garnish with mint sprig and additional berries.

Strawberry Basil Smash

• 2 oz SKYY Vodka (you can also use SKYY Infusions Dragonfruit)
• 2 strawberries, hulled
• 2 basil leaves
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Splash of soda water

In a mixing glass, muddle the strawberries with the basil, lemon juice and simple syrup.  Add the SKYY vodka.  Top with crushed ice.  Top with a splash of soda water and stir.  Garnish with strawberry.

Enjoy!