No back yard to hold the summer party? We big city types are not fazed in the least. Sure, we can take our picnics to the park but since New Yorkers spend so much time vertically, we love holding our parties up high.
My mother's apartment building features a stunning rooftop terrace on the 30th floor, complete with tables, couches, grills, wet bars and even refrigerators. So...um...mom gets lots of people visiting her in the summer but daughters and their friends come first!
Easy entertaining always includes a cheeseboard, crackers and some fruit. I usually choose three types - a soft and creamy cheese (I went with triple creme brie), a firm cheese (extra sharp New York style cheddar is my favorite) and a strong blue (I love Roquefort). And I always include some honey for the blue cheese because the combination is heavenly.
The other must-have, no matter where the party is held, is dips and stuff to dip into them. I'm a hummus girl and, happily so are all my friends. I've been loading up on the Sabra hummus for years and lately I've been including their line of yogurt dips and the new veggie guacamole fusions. Because...guacamole! Yes, I include some pita chips but a good selection of vegetables means I can eat more hummus without the guilt.
That taco inspired hummus was dreamy but I always load up on a bunch of flavors so that everyone can find their favorite. I may or may not have hidden the taco one away for myself, though.
Nothing beats the New York skyline but to be able to enjoy it from the roof top, far away from the street noise, is just blissful. Bonus points for no mosquitoes.
Dessert is definitely not optional if I'm planning the party. Fruit pies are my favorite summer treat and cherries are my favorite summer fruit so this one was a no brainer. Check out my recipe for the cherry and goat cheese pie here.
Naturally, a good cocktail is the backbone of any gathering. I like the idea of making a big batch and just being able to have people shake off their own. But this time I created a bit of a DIY station. I pureed the fresh peaches ahead of time and each bottle contains one of the ingredients for the drink. That way people could customize it to their taste or even leave out the bourbon if they've had enough. Cheers!
Yield: 2 Servings
Bourbon Peach Fizz Cocktails
Prep time: 7 MinTotal time: 7 Min
Recipe for a bourbon cocktail with lime and fresh peach.
Ingredients
- 1 Ripe peach, pitted
- 4 oz. Bourbon
- 1 oz. Lime juice
- 1 oz. Simple syrup
- 2 Mint leaves
- 8 oz. Club soda
Instructions
- Add the pitted peach, bourbon, lime juice, simple syrup and mint leaves to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Pour into two chilled cocktail glasses and top with equal amounts of the club soda. Garnish with additional sprigs of mint, if desired.
Special thanks to the sponsors of this party. Sabra Dipping Co. with whom I have the pleasure of partnering this year, Save-on-Crafts for the trays, bottles and decorations and The Monterey for the gorgeous venue.
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