Summer seems to have come early to Portland – and in other parts of the country, it’s already nice and warm on the regular! Usually we have to wait until July for the weather to truly turn warm. Last weekend, that seemed most evident to me – we had a few friends over for my husband’s birthday, we sat in camp chairs in the backyard, we drank cold drinks and ate tacos. It was just about perfect.

By the way, like last time, this post is part of my sponsored partnership with Pendleton Whisky. My opinions are my own! 

It got me thinking about all the great warm weather drinks I want to mix up – after that party, of course. I needed some time to prepare. And test. For science.

One of my favorite mental images of whisky involves being inside, sipping it neat or mixed into a cocktail with a book in front of a fire or a great view (or both). But even though the spirit easily lends itself to warm coziness, there’s no reason it can’t make a great summer drink as well! Here’s my thoughts:

– Fruit + spicy = happiness. Ok, but seriously. The combination of fruit and spices is everywhere. Pies. Smoothies. Why not cocktails as well? The same spices that play nicely with sweet, warm flavors will play great with sweet, cold flavors, perfect for summer. Pendleton Midnight has the spicy flavors on lockdown – and I think it goes great with strawberries!

– Fruit + bitter = intriguing. Study after study has shown that while complimentary flavors in food are great, contrasting flavors are *amazing.* Putting sweet summery fruits in cocktails opposite the bitter notes of whisky are basically nirvana for your taste buds and brain. (Here’s my reference http://www.iflscience.com/chemistry/scientists-discover-secret-why-indian-food-tastes-so-divine)

– Fruit + more fruit = summer refreshment. We talked about contrast- let’s talk about compliments! Most whiskies, especially when they are aged in brandy barrels like Pendleton Midnight, have a significant fruity nose. The aroma is an important part of a cocktail, and adding some fruity aroma to your beverage will only make it better.

I’ve got the perfect example for you right here! Pendleton Midnight is featured in my recipe below for a Strawberry Whisky Smash, a tart, refreshing summer sipper you can make with just about any fresh summer berry.

Pendleton is actually running a recipe contest on their Instagram using the new Pendleton Midnight. Check it out here (link) – every month, a winner will be drawn. All you have to do is post your photo on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #MidnightCocktailChallenge. The last day to enter is June 30, so get on it!!

Strawberry Whisky Smash featuring Pendleton Midnight

Ingredients

• 1/4 fresh lemon
• 4-5 very ripe strawberries
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• mint leaves
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz. Pendleton Midnight Whisky
• crushed ice

Instructions

1. In a mixing glass, muddle the fruits, syrup, mint leaves, lemon juice and Pendleton Midnight Whisky in a mixing glass. Then, add a couple of handlfuls of ice and mix until very cold.
2. Use crushed ice to fill a rocks glass most of the way full, then strain the cocktail over the crushed ice and garnish with fresh mint and more strawberries.