Grownup Raspberry Lemonade and the Hawaiian Island

I think we're not going to get any more snow this year, so it's safe to say we're entering the outdoor season.  Time to relax in the backyard with the smell of grlled meats and veggies whafting about, the kids playing on the swingset and sipping on a cool adult beverage.  Yes, I said an adult beverage. Nothing wrong about an adult beverage at the end of a long hot day.  And it doesn't have to be a wheat, barley, or hops based one.  I'm not knocking beer, but I'm more of a mixed drink fan.  So here are a couple that not only taste great, but will cool you off and take the edge off. 

The first one has a little alcohol and is great for sipping on a hot day.  It's a basic Raspberry Lemonade with a little hooch to get the party started.  The second is a version of a Long Island.  You know Long Islands have a splash of Coke added to a number of shots of alcohol.  A Loan Beach is the same, except replace the coke with cranberry juice.  I created a Hawaiian Island, which is the same Long Island alcohol, but with some pineapple juice as the mixer.  Great to nurse while reclining under a sun shade.  Disclaimer:  Know your alcohol tolerance.  That Means We Get Pie will not be held responsible for enhanced inebriation that leads to public nudity,WOOOOO!!! screaming, the revelation of embarrassing college experiences, physical or verbal fights with extended family members or friends, or any other social, political, religious, economic, or legal faux pas caused by a miscalculation of your tolerance level.

Adult Raspberry Lemonade
Makes roughly 64 ounces

1 1/2 cups raspberry licquer, your choice (I prefer Chamboix)
1 cup crushed raspberries
48 ounces lemonade (either from concentrate, bottle, or handmade)

Pour the alcohol and the raspberries into a 2 quart pitcher and stir for a minute or two.  Then add the lemonade and mix well.  Pour over ice in a tumbler glass and serve cold.  Goes will with almost any barbecued item

You can change the fruit as well and swap out the raspberry liqueur for any other flavored booze.  Try peach schnapps and peaches that have been chopped up in a food processor for 5 seconds.  Or even mashed strawberries with strawberry vodka.  Essentially you'll have about a shot and a half of booze per glass, which is enough for some people to get a little loopy.  I need to drink the whole pitcher, thanks to my high alcohol tolerance. 

And make sure to make a non-alcoholic version for the kids, but put it in some other type of container so you DON'T MIX THEM UP!!!!

Hawaiian Island
Repice makes one drink

2 shots Pinaeapple juice
2 twists of lemon
1 twist of lime
1 shot vodka
1 shot gin
1 shot rum
1 shot tequila
1/2+ shot triple sec

Combine all ingredients over ice and hold onto a large, solid, grounded object during and after drinking it.

So enjoy a little drinkie-drinkie with your meal and truly relax in the warm summer sun (finally).