In the Drink

Icy Cocktails

Now that the heat is on, cool off—and quell those nerves—with an icy cocktail, virgin or otherwise. Try a refreshing slushie or smoothie while muddling through those weekend chores (they’re also a great cure for hangovers). Strawberries and cranberry juice make for a satisfying mix—and if you’ve skipped lunch, a little vanilla frozen yogurt will do the trick.

For an afternoon away from work, throw out the cranberry juice, add vodka and lemonade, and you’ll be chillin’ in no time. Or how about a frozen Bellini made with peaches, peach schnapps, dry champagne and a dash of lemon juice?

Need more inspiration? Go the copycat route and recreate the Cheesecake Factory’s pomegranate margarita—made with gold tequila, Cointreau, pomegranate and lime juice—or its mango-rita, which combines tequila with fresh, pureed mango.

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Whatever you fancy, opt for fresh fruit over frozen, and start your blender at low speed, then gradually increase. For thicker drinks, use more ice or add more fruit; to thin, add more juice. And for a killer dessert, try frozen Dirty Bananas, a Jamaican concoction made with a frozen banana, Tia Maria or Kahlua, dark rum, and half-and-half—all spun around in a blender and topped with toasted coconut flakes.
 

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