Long Island Lemonade Cocktail

The Lemonade Stand. Everyone has probably dabbled in this sidewalk small business venture at least once in their lifetime. The temperature is creeping upward. We set up a card table in front of the steps and throw a plastic flowered table cloth over it. We write out a sign with thick black magic marker that reads “Lemonade 5 Cents.” Mom mixes a big pitcher of frosty lemonade and arms us with a supply of wax paper cups. Then, we sit outside and wait for the cash to roll in. Or, we drink the lemonade because it’s pretty hot in the afternoon sun.

Nowadays, I work in an air-conditioned office building, so I don’t have to hawk lemonade on the sidewalk in the summertime, and when the temperature climbs, I still seek relief and refreshment, usually on the privacy of my deck. Still, I haven’t lost my appreciation for local entrepreneurs.

Rich Stabile, the founder of Long Island Spirits in Baiting Hollow on the North Fork of Long Island, knows a bit about building local business. He created LiV Voda, Long Island’s first craft vodka, and now he’s introducing a new line of liqueurs he calls Sorbetta. The Sorbetta family of liqueurs is crafted in micro-batches using LiV Vodka and are available in Lemon, Orange and Strawberry. LiV Vodka is distilled from Long Island potatoes, so it’s a product that’s closely tied to the agricultural heritage and community of the North Fork. The three Sorbettas are made using hand-peeled, macerated fresh fruits. The Lemon Sorbetta tastes sleek and smooth, with just a hint of tartness.

I thought I’d celebrate the arrival of Sorbetta and summer with a special concoction which I call the “Long Island Lemonade Cocktail” using Sorbetta Lemon Liqueur. It’s sassy, tart and delicious, but it is definitely a far cry from the beverage we sold from that sidewalk lemonade stand!

Louise over at Months of Edible Celebrations, is always in the mood for some merriment, and she’s hosting her annual “Picnic Game” again this year with 26 bloggers contributing to the picnic basket. I’m game. Nothing beats eating outdoors. What could be better to bring to a picnic than a refreshing (and adult) summer cocktail? I’m going on a picnic, and I’m bringing...

A - Almond Joy Pie

B - Baked Beans

C -Chocolate Picnic Cake

D -Dutch Funnel Cake

E - Easy Blender Chicken Pie

F - Five Bean Salad

G - Granola Bars

H - Herb and Cheese Pasta Salad

I - Incredibly Fruity Raspberry Cakes

J - Jeweled Picnic Bars

K - Kaltschale (Cold Fruit Soup)
L - Long Island Lemonade Cocktail!

2 ounces LiV Vodka or citron vodka of choice
1 ounce Sorbetta Lemon Liqueur crafted from LiV Vodka
1 ounce organic lemonade

Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into martini glass. Garnish with lemon slice and lemon sugar.

©2010 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved