Besides my wine I enjoy an occasional fruit flavored drink, especially in the summer time. Even though it is winter in Michigan right now (the oranges are especially delicious this time of the year) I thought I would bring a touch of “sunshine” to everyone.
This cocktail comes from Susan Belsinger and Carolyn Dille, who were two of the first “herbalists” I came to enjoy way back in the 1980’s when we first moved to our 75 acre “farm”. I was all about gardening and growing herbs and lots of veggies. The kids like this beverage too – just leave out the rum! This recipe is 30 years old and I figured it was about time to include it in my blog. It first appeared in Gourmet Magazine in 1980.
Balmy Sunset Cocktail, Adapted
- 1-1/2cups unsweetened pineapple juice
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3/4 cup dark rum (I used only 1/2 cup)
- 1-1/2 tsp. Grenadine
- few dashes of Angostura bitters (I used regular but Orange bitters would be good too)
- 4 lemon balm sprigs (I used 2 sprigs of mint and a slice of lemon)
- sparkling water or seltzer (optional)
- cherries to garnish
Muddle the lemon balm sprigs or rub them with your fingers to release their fragrance in a pitcher. As it is in the middle of winter I only had mint to use which I grow under lights. I also added a slice of lemon. Add the first five ingredients and allow to blend for 3 hours or overnight.
Remove the sprigs of lemon balm (mint and lemon slice). Rub the rims of four chilled glasses with a lemon balm leaf or use a lemon. Serve on the rocks and garnish with more lemon balm leaves (I added cherries) and a splash of sparkling water or seltzer if needed.
Recipe by cookingwithauntjuju.com
This sounds amazing to me! I love everything in it that I’ve tried. Time to add a few herbs too!
Thanks Julie – I like the fruit drinks. Muddling some fresh herbs in cocktails can add some nice flavor.
This sounds like a wonderful summer drink, maybe one to make it a big pitcher for a party. I am pinning it for our housewarming in mid-May. Thank you. I like that I can easily make it non-alcoholic for any kids and it isn’t “knock-your-socks-off” strong.
Thanks Liz – fruit drinks are always good because you can always leave out the booze! Wow – you are organized and already are planning your housewarming 🙂
Such a refreshing and sunny cocktail. I can see how it can brighten any winter’s day gloominess! 🙂
Thanks – the oranges are so good now that I like to use them all kinds of ways. This recipe is one of the last from my old file that I wanted to put on WP.
Looks too tasty
Thanks – a very fruity beverage!
This drink looks so warm and inviting right now! It even felt a tiny bit like summer here in Michigan today! It looks like a great way to chase away the winter blahs! 🙂
Thanks Jenny – can you believe the weather – love it. The cocktail is good for both adults and kids (without the alcohol) especially when the oranges are so sweet 🙂
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