Delectable Drink Recipes for the Spring!

It's official!  Spring has sprung and the weather has been absolutely beautiful! The sun is shining and the temperature has been hovering around 70 degrees.  Not what you would expect for the middle of March in NY, but we've been loving it.  Spring fever has sprung early and Cafe Mojo is ready!

The long wait for warm weather is over and people have been making the most of it. The window of our restaurant looks out on Main St. in West Islip and we have been watching as the number of people out walking or bike riding has grown.  Of course, we welcome them into Cafe Mojo for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink and that inspired us to share some Springtime Drink recipes with you!

Nothing says warm weather on Long Island better than a perfect Long Island Iced Tea! 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz triple sec
• 1/2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz light rum
• 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz tequila
• 1 oz sour mix
• cola
• lemon wedge for garnish

Preparation:

1. Pour the spirits and sour mix into a collins glass with ice.
2. Stir well or shake.
3. Top the glass off with cola.
4. Garnish with the lemon wedge.

 Tax time = stress time for most people.  Take the edge off with an Income Tax Cocktail!

• 2 oz gin
• 1/4 oz sweet vermouth
• 1/4 oz dry vermouth
• 1 oz orange juice
• Angostura Bitters to taste
• orange twist for garnish

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with the orange twist.

While the children enjoy their Easter baskets, the adults can enjoy this Easter Egg!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz blue curaçao
• 1 oz white crème de cacao
• half-and-half

Preparation:

1. Pour the blue curaçao and crème de cacao over ice cubes in an old fashioned glass.
2. Float the half-and-half on top to taste.

Everybody needs some chocolate on Easter! Satisfy your sweet tooth with this Easter Bunny! 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz dark crème de cacao
• 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 tsp chocolate syrup
• 1 tsp cherry brandy

Preparation:

1. Pour the creme de cacao and vodka into a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into an old fashioned glass with ice cubes.
4. Float chocolate syrup and cherry brandy on top.

Warm weather has us craving fresh fruit and tropical flavors which you will find in this Rabbit Punch! 

• 1 whole orange, plus 1 orange cut into thin slices for garnish
• 1 lemon
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 (750 milliliter) bottle bourbon, at least 100 proof
• 1 cup Champagne or sparkling wine
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from 1 orange and the lemon. Transfer to a large punch bowl and add the sugar. Muddle to release the citrus oils, then let stand 1 to 2 hours. Add the lemon and pineapple juices and the bourbon, and stir to combine. Just before serving, stir in 3 to 4 cups of ice, then top with Champagne or sparkling wine and garnish with the orange slices and pineapple chunks.

Cheers!  Enjoy the warm weather!