DELICIOUS SUMMER COCKTAILS

July 2015

By MARNELY MURRAY

“Here’s to alcohol, the rose colored glasses of life.”
-F. Scott Fitzgerald

Summertime on Martha’s Vineyard is unlike any other summer you’ll ever experience. There’s a trick to balancing the carefree lifestyle of the island with the endless amounts of things to do. We’re talking about beach time and plenty of it! Shopping, getting to see one of the many amazing featured musicians or bands, playtime with the kids and something we all can’t live without- drinks and dining! One thing that should be on your “to do” list is to try out some of the island’s delicious cocktails!

I’ve rounded up a list of some of the Best drinks from the down-island towns of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Every restaurant has a handful of signature drinks to offer.  Each one is well thought out, carefully crafted and tested to bring to you the ultimate drink experience. I hope you get the chance to try them all while you are here! Cheers to an incredible summer!

“Cucumber Gimlet” at The Seafood Shanty
When you need a drink that’s clean, simple and refreshing without a lot of fillers, this cocktail hits the nail right on the head! Feel relaxed and rejuvenated, almost like being at the spa, while sitting on the upper deck of The Shanty with the sunshine and a nice breeze. It’s the Perfect spot to sip on the Cucumber Gimlet made with Crop Organic Vodka. Crisp and light in flavor, the American certified organic grain used in this vodka results in a smooth and pure tasting drink! Delish!

“Holy Water” at Park Corner Bistro
The Catholic in me is obsessed with this drink at Park Corner: when you order the ‘Holy Water’ cocktail, the server first brings you a fully lit prayer candle. A sort of pre-cursor for the drink- not only is it a fun prop but it makes for a good conversation piece! Perfected over the last 14 years, this cocktail is made from green tea vodka, St. Germaine, and lemon juice. It is unlike anything else I’ve tried – refreshing, citrus-y and great on a hot summer day.

“Sputnik Sweetheart” at Atria
Named for Russia’s love of vodka and Sam Decker’s love for Japanese authors like Haruki Murakami, this cocktail not only screams summer, it’s for watermelon lovers everywhere. Made with muddled fresh watermelon, vodka, St. Germaine, lime juice and topped off with cava, it’s exactly what I’ve been craving. Head downstairs to the Brick Cellar or sit outside on the porch for a relaxed atmosphere and the perfect spots to enjoy this drink.

“Fresno Blanco” at The Port Hunter
Whenever drinks have interesting ingredients, I become slightly addicted. As a foodie, I’m all about the ingredients and this cocktail is right up my alley! The ‘Fresno Blanco’ at the Port Hunter is carefully crafted with a blend of Don Julio Silver tequila, pineapple juice, rosemary and orgeat. What’s Orgeat-pronounced or-zhat, you ask? A lusciously smooth nut and rose water syrup made in France. How’s that for a crafted cocktail?! Seriously, C’est Magnifique!

“Lemonade Stand” at The Sandbar and Grill
Whenever I’m in the town of Oak Bluffs (OB), I feel a little wilder, a little more careless. It’s the town where you can let your hair down and leave your worries at the door. Dig your toes in the sand at the Sandbar and order up the Lemonade Stand created with the ever so popular Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka, Creme de Pamplemousse Rose (grapefruit liquor), and their very own house made lemonade. This summertime drink has perfect amount of tartness. Bonus: it’s topped with a pinch of cayenne pepper to get your senses going!

“The Wok of Shame” at Copper Wok
The name alone leads me to think that not only is this cocktail dangerous (in a good way) but sinfully delicious as well. The ‘Wok of Shame’ is concocted of Sho Chiku Bai Classic Junmai Sake, pineapple, cranberry and orange juice mixed with a delicious cream made from the tender meat of sun ripened Caribbean coconuts. As I take a few sips, the song “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding comes to mind followed by the slurping sounds of an empty glass. Like I said, “Dangerous but Sinfully Delicious!”

So there you have it – Six seriously delicious drinks to indulge in while vacationing on what’s considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Play, Eat, Drink, Shop and Be Merry – you’re on Martha’s Vineyard!

Note: All photos by Marnely Rodriguez-Murray with the exception of ‘Wok of Shame’ provided by Copper Wok

Restaurant Information:
Atria
137 Main St, Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-5850
www.atriamv.com

Copper Wok
9 Main St, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
(508) 693-3416
www.copperwokmv.com

Park Corner Bistro
20 Kennebec Ave # H, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
(508) 696-9922
FB: ParkCornerMV

The Port Hunter
55 Main St, Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-7747
www.theporthunter.com

The Sandbar and Grill
6 Circuit Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
(508) 693-7111
www.mvsandbar.com

The Seafood Shanty
31 Dock St, Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-8622
www.theseafoodshanty.com