Although summer slipped through our grasp, we still have a bit of time to soak up one last drop. Sandra Gomez and Stefan Piccione, mixologists at Gabriele’s on Church Street, Greenwich, serve up three delightfully sunny concoctions of fruit, spirits and just a little spice to toast the final days of the season.
Corzo Tequila, organic agave, muddled fresh ginger, muddled fresh lime. Shake together, add ice and top with ginger beer.
“I think it’s a very summery drink,” Gomez says. “It has the sweetness of the organic agave, which is perfect, tang from the lime and the crispness of the ginger. You can absolutely taste all of the ingredients. It’s a good drink because of the organic agave, which has far less calories than the simple syrup. It’s perfect for people who want to take care of their bodies, who are counting calories.”
Muddle fresh watermelon and lime, a splash of 100 percent pomegranate juice, Ketel One Vodka, shake and strain.
“This is the summer cosmopolitan. It’s really fresh and fruity,” Gomez says. “Cosmopolitans usually take simple syrup—this doesn’t. The watermelon is already sweet, so, again, it’s great for people who are watching calorie intake.”
“These are light, refreshing drinks,” Piccione adds. “They pair well with light food. I love watermelon, I’ll eat it year round—it really quenches your thirst. It makes you feel like you’re on a beach.”
Corzo Reposado, Solerno (blood orange liqueur)—replacing the usual triple sec—fresh lime juice, splashes of simple syrup, sour mix and 100 percent pomegranate juice.
“Surprisingly, I get more guys than girls asking for the Red Light Margarita,” Piccione says. “It’s a really nice, light summer drink. That pomegranate juice really gives it such a nice color, too.”
While Gomez and Piccione may think these three drinks are ideal go-tos, they take pride in being adaptable to their customers. “If anybody comes in with an idea, they want to make something and they want to recreate it, we can and will do that if we have the ingredients,” Piccione says. “We have a lady who always asks for a basil lime St. Germain martini. If you want a blueberry martini, we can make that, too.”
Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse.
35 Church St., 203-622-4223, gabrielesofgreenwich.com