Photo by Yossy Arefi, from Modern Potluck (Clarkson Potter 2016)
Welcome to this week's very special installment of A Drink and Things. It's very special because I've got some big news. I wrote a book! You might remember that, in a former life, I was an editor for Food & Wine magazine. I still write about food on the side, and two years ago, I began working on my first cookbook, Modern Potluck. Next Tuesday, the book will be out in the world and I'm thrilled!
And now, onto our regularly scheduled programming.
A Drink!
No surprise, but the drink this week comes from my new book. It's the best summer cocktail to make for a crowd because it doesn't require ANY citrus squeezing. All you have to do is mix some wine with gin, simple syrup, sliced cucumbers, and limes, and you are good to go. You can find the recipe below.
Some Things!
I've been following this story about how Black Lives Matter supporters and Wichita, Kansas, police officers held a barbecue. Maybe potlucks can save the world?
The Neurotic Eater's Grocery List is both amazing and overwhelming.
The Recipe!
Riesling Punch with Gin, Cucumber, and Lime
This pitcher drink is immensely refreshing and easy to make, with no citrus squeezing required. For a crowd, you can easily double or triple the quantities and serve it in a punch bowl or one of those multi-gallon drink canisters. Recipe from Modern Potluck (Clarkson Potter, 2016).
Serves 4 to 6
1 (750-ML) bottle dry Riesling
¼ cup gin
¼ cup simple syrup (see Note)
1 lime, thinly sliced
1 small cucumber (2 to 3 ounces), thinly sliced
- In a large pitcher, combine the wine, gin, simple syrup, and sliced lime and cucumber. Refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour. Add 1 cup of ice cubes and serve in ice-filled glasses.
Note: To make simple syrup, combine ¼ cup sugar and ¼ cup water in a pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool. The syrup will keep in the refrigerator for 1 month.
POTLUCK PREP. The Riesling, gin, and simple syrup can be combined and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Add the lime and cucumber within 4 hours of serving.