Monthly Flavors for July – Sip Happens
It is getting real hot here, so it is time to grab a drink and sit by some water to cool down. So obviously, the
It is getting real hot here, so it is time to grab a drink and sit by some water to cool down. So obviously, the theme this month is summer cocktails! I have done cocktail inspired chocolates a few times here, but the difference here is I chose some of my all time favorites summer cocktails and tried to recreate them pretty faithfully. In the past I have done alcoholic gels with a flavored ganache to make cocktail ideas and I did tiki based cocktails but these are just some of my favorite cocktails for the heat. So pull up a chair and a good book and enjoy beating the heat with these lovely chocolates!
Red Wine Reduction with Sangria Dark Chocolate Ganache
Sangria is possibly one of the most quintessential summer drinks. This Spanish/Portuguese drink is usually red wine with oranges, lemon, apples, Cointreau, and cognac and is often served over ice. I knew that the apple would be difficult to come through, so instead of cognac, I used calvados to up the apple undertone. I actually learned how to make it from my mom, who makes a great sangria. The really fun thing about this one is the reduction is quite liquid – it is like a mouthful of wine! The fruit is subtle in the ganache, but the wine comes through nicely.
Ginger and Lime Milk Chocolate Ganache
Originally invented in New York but popularized in California, the Moscow Mule is vodka, ginger beer, and lime. This is one of my go-to cocktails, especially in the summer. The combination of ginger and lime is so refreshing! So to get the punchiness of this drink the ganache is made with fresh ginger juice and lots of lime zest and I also added crystallized ginger.
Peach Pâte de Fruit with Champagne Caramel White Chocolate Ganache
What is summer without brunch? And what is brunch without cocktails? Yes, there is the classic mimosa, but I absolutely love peaches so I will go for a peach bellini when available. As you may guess from the name, this cocktail comes from Italy! Classically, the build should be two-thirds prosecco and one-third peach puree. So, I mimic that with a strong peach pâte de fruit made with fresh peaches topped with a creamy champagne caramel ganache.
Mint and Bourbon White Chocolate Ganache
This is a classically American cocktail, and is the official Kentucky derby drink! It should be made with bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup, and lots of crushed ice. That made the ganache base a very simple idea. Lots and lots of fresh mint infused into the cream for a while to extract all the favor, and a good amount of bourbon at the end.
Cucumber, Mint, and Pimm’s White Chocolate Ganache
Since we had the American derby drink already, we clearly needed to have the British version – the Pimm’s Cup! This is the official summer drink of many British events, including Wimbledon. Pimm’s was originally created at an oyster bar, so it does pair very nicely with seafood and fish! The classic Pimm’s No. 1 Cup is cucumber, mint, Pimm’s and a squeeze of lemon with lemon-lime soda. I think this ganache does a lovely job recreating the herbaceous, light cocktail!
Candied Grapefruit Peel with Tequila Grapefruit White Chocolate Ganache
The paloma is grapefruit, lime, and tequila cocktail from possibly Jalisco, Mexico. As you may guess, a drink with such a basic build is hard to pin down. But no matter who invented it, this is a lovely sour style cocktail is perfect for the summer heat. Lightly sweet and tart with some carbonation, it is not hard to understand its popularity! So for this chocolate there is fresh grapefruit and lime juices in the ganache but also candied grapefruit peel to really back the citrusy flavor.
It is getting real hot here, so it is time to grab a drink and sit by some water to cool down. So obviously, the