Hot Summer, Cold Cocktails

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Tiffany Cohen has been cooking since she was 12 years old. Everything she does revolves around family, friends, food and fun. She has a blog called Whatcha Cooking Good Looking, which showcases her love for food and creating great memories with family and friends. When not working at her corporate job, she’s enjoying life with her husband and two little boys. Contact her at whatchacookinggoodlooking@gmail.com.

    I don’t know about you, but whenever I daydream about myself doing anything in the summer, I have a cocktail in my hand.  Sitting by the pool…Pina Colada; laying on the beach…Malibu Bay Breeze; dinner al fresco…Cosmo. Summertime and cocktails just go hand-in-hand and lately, I’ve been shaking up a lot of fun drinks for these hot days. Easy ingredients and cute glasses are all I need to turn those daydreams into reality.  
    My favorite drink right now is a Pineapple Strawberry Martini. They are light, easy, and impressive (you will be infusing your own vodka!). I keep this pineapple infused vodka in my fridge at all times. It’s the easiest thing to make and so absolutely delicious. After a few days of soaking, what you will get is, pineappley goodness that will have you wondering whether there’s vodka in it. Yes, it’s all vodka, so take it easy!  I mix this up with Simply Lemonade with Strawberry and that’s it! A delicious cocktail with very little ingredients. So, let’s get shakin’!

Pineapple Infused Vodka
2 pineapples, outside removed, cut into big wedges
1 bottle of your favorite vodka 
   (You may not need the full bottle, but it's better to 
   have more than enough than not enough)

In a large container, stack the pineapple in a staggered fashion, not one on top of the other.  Pour the vodka over the pineapple making sure to cover all pieces of pineapple.  Put the top on the container, pressing the air out and let it sit in a dark, cool spot for at least 1 day (but no more than 5 days.) When the pineapple is done soaking, discard the pineapple and pour the vodka over a fine sieve to get rid of all the junk that's floating in there.  Store in the fridge until you are ready to use.

Pineapple Strawberry Martini
1.5 – 2 oz. pineapple infused vodka
2 oz. (or more depending on the glass size) 
   Simply Lemonade with Strawberry
Thinly sliced lemons for garnish

Fill a shaker with ice.  Add the vodka and strawberry lemonade and shake it baby!  Pour into a martini glass and add a lemon slice floater.  Cheers!

    For more cocktail and food recipes or a step by step-by-guide to this recipe, visit my blog Whatcha Cooking Good Looking? at www.whatchacookinggoodlooking.com.