Instead of the standard picnic or barbecue, make your next summer gathering a tapas party. Tapas are like hors d'oeuvres--tasty, bite-sized finger foods. The guests can nibble all evening while enjoying cocktails or wine. Choose an array of drinks to complement the menu, best offered by the pitcher so that guests can serve themselves and you're free to enjoy the party.
Instructions
1. Make a pitcher of sparkling, refreshing mojitos. Quarter 3 limes and squeeze the juice into a sturdy bowl. Add 6 teaspoons of sugar and 3 cups of mint leaves and crush all together with a wood spoon, pestle or the end of a rolling pin. Pour into a large glass pitcher. Add 9 oz. of light rum and the lime wedges. Chill until party time and then add 24 oz. of club soda. Serve in tall, chilled glasses over ice.
2. Serve sherry--a light, sweet wine--chilled. Use wine glasses, not cordial glasses.
3. Offer summer tea sangria. Combine in a 4-quart pitcher the zest of one lemon, 2 sliced lemons and 2 sliced oranges, one can of sliced peaches (drained) and a 1/2 cup of pitted cherries. Brew one cup of tea and pour it over the fruit. Add 24 oz. of a fruity Spanish red wine and refrigerate. Add two trays of ice and finish with club soda to add some sparkle. Serve in wine glasses with a citrus wedge on each rim.
4. Set out a cool pitcher of non-alcoholic sangria of grape juice and sparkling water. Add thin slices of unpeeled Granny Smith apples, slices peaches, a few strawberries and a tray of ice. Serve in tall glasses rimmed in sugar and cinnamon.
5. Round up a selection of Mexican and Spanish beers for guests to sample. Talk to the expert at the party store and purchase a representative few of each. Offer them on ice in a small galvanized tub with a bottle opener nearby.
Tags: club soda, Serve tall, wine glasses