It’s summertime, summertime! And while I’m not entirely looking forward to the 90+ degree days that will no doubt soon be upon us, right now I’m enjoying the 70s. For now, that means, for me, porch naps and porch lounging, some sort of iced drink in hand and Crawley on my lap. And if you’re like me and also enjoying porch time and looking for the perfect summer cocktail to make that lounging even more summer-esque, then this mango ginger cocktail is for you. Vodka is involved, if you so prefer.

The inspiration for this drink came from a local haunt here in Ann Arbor, one that Mom and I both enjoyed on Mother’s Day. We enjoyed the non-alcoholic variety, but as for recreating it at home, I decided to take it’s essence and add my own twist, much like I do. It goes like this:

Mango juice (or, mango-orange would be lovely, too)

Homemade ginger simple syrup

Vodka, if you like

Sparkling water (plain, but flavored would be lovely, too)

Mint, to garnish

Ice, to serve

Truth be told, I’ve fallen back into my old ways from younger days and have found myself booked, booked and overbooked. From tennis matches to tennis practice to cooking class and a work trip next week, I’ll be looking forward to having some lazy time to enjoy the porch, a book and a nice cool, sweet drink in…another week or so. That is, before the family and I head out for our big summer vacation. #WimbleDONE.

This drink will totally scale, and while I’m giving you the serving of two, feel free to mix up the base, throw it in the fridge and keep it ready to go should any of your friends drop by.

And isn’t that just what summertime is for? Friends dropping in? Let’s make it so.

Mango Ginger Cocktail

June 5, 2019

Servings: 2 drinks

Prep: 1 hr

Total: 1 hr

Difficulty: Easy

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Refreshingly summer mango ginger cocktail made with mango juice, homemade ginger simple syrup, vodka and sparkling water.

By: Chrissy

Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup fresh ginger, peeled
6 ounces mango juice
4 ounces vodka
8 ounces chilled sparkling water (more or less)
ice cubes to serve
Mint to garnish

Directions

Step 1 Make the simple syrup by heating the ginger, sugar and water over medium high heat in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and make sure all the sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat and simmer 30 minutes. Strain out the ginger and let the mixture cool completely.
Step 2 Once you’re ready to serve the drink, in a pitcher, mix together the ginger syrup with the mango juice. Give it a good stir.
Step 3 Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes. Divide the juice mixture evenly into each glass. Add 2 oz vodka to each glass, and then top off each glass completely with sparkling water. Serve with fresh mint and enjoy!