As the days get warmer and the sun shines longer, get out and enjoy the summer season with a crisp, refreshing cocktail paired with some fruity snacks.

A Whiskey Peach Smash is the perfect picnic cocktail. Muddle together some peach slices, fresh mint, simple syrup, a splash of water, some fresh lemon juice, and then add Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select. Mix them together in mason jars for ultimate portability. Once you get to your picnic destination open your mason jar, add some ice, shake it up, and add a straw.

Peaches not only make for the perfect summer cocktail, but also make for the perfect summer appetizer. Decorate some juicy peach slices with salty blue cheese, toasted almond slices, and a little basil wrapped in prosciutto. Use toothpicks to help keep the delicious layers together.

Top off your afternoon picnic with a bite sized twist to an ice cream sandwich. Start with toasted mini waffles and drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil. Then top each mini waffle with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkling of sea salt.

Get out and enjoy the outdoors with a picnic in your neighborhood park, on the beach, or just in your backyard. Bring the tradition of picnics from childhood into adulthood with some sweet and savory snacks and a cool and refreshing cocktail.

 

 

Whiskey Peach Smash

1 serving

Ingredients:

½ ripe peach, cut into thick slices

3 or 4 fresh mint leaves, extra for garnish

1 lemon wedge

1 ounce water

1/2 ounce simple syrup

2 ounces Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select whiskey

ice

1 thin peach slice for garnish

Directions:

In a mason jar, muddle peach, mint and lemon in mason jar. Stir in water, simple syrup, whiskey. Fill with ice cubes. Garnish with a peach slice and mint sprig.

Peaches and Prosciutto

Makes 20-24 pieces

Ingredients:

4 ounces crumbled soft blue cheese

4 ounces walnuts, finely chopped

4 ounces almonds, finely chopped

4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced into wedges (about 6-8 wedges per peach)

8 thinly sliced Prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise

freshly ground black pepper

basil leaves for garnish

toothpick or small bamboo skewer

Directions:

In a bowl, use a wooden spoon to soften the blue cheese. Combine the chopped almonds and walnuts together on a plate and put aside. Press the cheese onto the peaches with a knife. Then dip the cheese into the chopped nuts. Wrap peach slice in a piece of Prosciutto and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Skewer each peach and garnish with basil sprig. Serve chilled.

 

Mini Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients:

mini waffles (earth’s best brand) – toasted

1 pint of vanilla ice cream, slightly thawed

extra Virgin Olive Oil

Maldon sea salt

Directions:

Toast the waffles then break into individual pieces. Place 8-10 waffles on a platter.

Place one scoop ice cream on half of the waffles. Place another waffle on top.

Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with Maldon Sea salt. Serve immediately.