Easy, ready to drink ideas for our oh-so-short summer
We have approximately one month left until the kids are back in school. One month, give or take a few weeks, until that first frost.
Article content
Summer is short. We have to take advantage of every moment. Sometimes those moments should be about being outside with friends, not making a complicated drink.
Article content
Article content
I'm all for complicated drinks — don't get me wrong — but when the weather is good, don't waste time fussing. Just get outside and soak up the summery vibes.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
If you like Aperol Spritz, you'll enjoy this variation. Made with an Italian aperitif wine called Cocchi Americano, it is slightly spicy, citrussy, and just as easy to make as the Aperol edition.
Article content
The history of the spritz goes back to the 19th century in Italy. Austrian soldiers travelling in the Veneto found Italian wines too strong, says Mark Bata, a partner with Bonvida Wines, an import agency in Calgary.
Article content
'So they would ask for them to be diluted, giving the wine a spritz, which means to water them down.' (Spritz is the German word for splash.)
Article content
Make your own, or sip one at the swanky new Mille Restaurant and Cafe, where all the cocktails are Italian-inspired. 'We believe cocktails should be an experience — rooted in tradition but elevated with creativity,' says owner Jenna Bazzana.
Article content
Article content
Cocchi (pronounced ko-key) Americano is roughly $50 a bottle at Vine Arts – 5 Vines Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits, Highlander Wine & Spirits, Bin 905 and Zyn. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Article content
3 parts Prosecco
Article content
Article content
Jorge Ramos, Fladgate Partnership's sales and marketing director, was recently in Calgary. During an event at Cavernus, he mentioned one of his favourite summer cocktails involves just two ingredients: Croft Pink Port and cold jasmine tea. I haven't stopped thinking of it.
Article content
Launched in 2008, Croft Pink Port was the world's first rosé Port. Light and flavourful, it is ideal for cocktails or poured over ice. It is roughly $20 a bottle at CSN Wine & Spirits, Cork Fine Wine, Liquor & Ale, and Calgary Co-op Wine Spirits Beer in Kensington. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Style Blueprint
a day ago
- Style Blueprint
17 Nashville FINDS for Late Summer: Jewelry, Decor & More
Share with your friends! 284 SHARES 21 Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit As we soak up the last golden days of summer, now's the perfect time to refresh your style and home with unique FINDS from local boutiques and small businesses. From stylish accessories for your furry friend to game-day essentials that'll have you ready for football season, these handpicked treasures cover it all. FOR THE KITCHEN Linen napkin set Inspired by sun-soaked gardens and vine-ripened tomatoes, these vibrant napkins bring a playful, summery touch to your table. Made from heirloom-quality flax linen, each napkin is dyed with earth-friendly pigment and screen-printed with water-based inks. We're partial to this tomato pattern, though — available just in time for East Nashville's Tomato Art Fest. Find a set for $38 at Gift Horse. Pin Martini glass Add a splash of color and elegance to your bar with these one-of-a-kind martini glasses. Each piece, available at White's Mercantile for $45, features subtle variations in hue, making every glass truly unique. Inspired by the iconic arches of Venice's Rialto Bridge, this bespoke collection brings a touch of Italian charm to your gatherings. Pin Candle tapers Another great addition to your homeware collection is these glossy taper candles. Available in a variety of colors, you could easily mix and match a few sets to best match your home's aesthetic. Pick up a set of three for $14 at Department. Pin Coffee beans Enjoy a cup that gives back with this bird-friendly, 100% organic coffee from Finca Hungaria, El Salvador. Grown sustainably to protect wildlife and fight climate change, it supports local conservation efforts with Friends of Shelby Park & Bottoms. This Bourbon variety offers notes of grape, jam, and strawberry. Grab a bag at Flora + Fauna for $20. Pin Fox dishstand Charming and functional, this brass-gold metal stand features a fox in a whimsical yet elegant design. Whether used to hold treats, trinkets, or serve as a decorative centerpiece, it's a statement with personality to spare. Find the dishstand for $70 at Hester & Cook. Pin Wooden dice game Made from durable, high-quality Acacia wood with natural grain variations, this game set features a magnetic closure and six wooden dice. Elegant, functional, and perfect for display, it's a timeless addition to any tabletop. It's available for $18 at Hostess & Home, where you'll also find a matching playing card set. Pin Tablecloth Brighten your table with the festive tablecloth, available at Epergne for $82. Hand-block printed in India, it features a bold color combo and striped, scalloped trim that adds instant personality to any meal. It's a sustainable choice that supports traditional craftsmanship in Jaipur. Pin FOR DOGS Dog travel backpack Just in time for National Dog Month, this sleek, TSA-approved backpack is packed with essentials: insulated food containers, stainless steel bowls, reusable bags, a supplement case, and a water bottle. With a slip-on strap for your suitcase and easy-access compartments, it's made for smooth getaways with your furry best friend. It's available at The Modern Dog Company for $156. Pin Dog travel water bottle Keep your pup hydrated anywhere with this innovative, leak-proof water bottle featuring a built-in foldable silicone bowl. Compact and lightweight, it fits most cup holders and clips easily to backpacks or leashes with the included carabiner — perfect for hikes, beach trips, road trips, or daily walks. Find it for $28 at R Dog Shop. Pin FOR GAME DAY Collegiate coffee sleeve Show your Vandy pride with this officially licensed, reusable neoprene coffee sleeve featuring hand-illustrated designs of the university's most iconic landmarks. It's the perfect campus companion — great for gifting, dorm life, or game day caffeine runs. Also available for other schools, find this coffee sleeve for $15 at Hot Pink. Pin BEAUTY Everything Oil Simplify your skincare with this all-in-one oil designed for face, eyes, lips, neck, and décolletage. Made with 100% USDA-certified organic prickly pear seed oil and Carter + Jane's proprietary A3 Concentrate™, it hydrates, brightens, and softens. Find it at Private Edition for $138. Pin CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Mule Step into effortless style with these camel-colored slip-on flats. Featuring a subtle heel, an open back, and a chic rattan pattern, they blend comfort and casual sophistication. Find a pair for $86 at Vinnie Louise. Pin Brooke earrings The Brooke earrings, available for $133 at Judith Bright, combine a touch of glam with effortless boho style. These lightweight hoops are made to shine — comfortable for everyday wear yet striking enough to elevate any look. Pin Knit vest This elongated vest, in a warm ginger hue with gold button detailing, features a flattering V-neckline, side pockets, and a timeless silhouette. It's perfect for transitioning from summer to fall with ease and style. It's available for $74 at Pin Woven crossbody bag The Loeffler Randall crossbody blends expert craftsmanship with everyday function. Featuring a distinctive green and white woven design, this chic bag boasts a magnetic flap closure, an interior card slot, and a blind-embossed leather logo patch. Find it for $250 at Oak Hall. Pin Ceramic earrings Sweet, summery, and full of charm, these hand-painted ceramic earrings feature a heart-shaped design with sterling silver posts. Each pair is handmade and one of a kind, with slight variations that make them uniquely yours. Find them for $48.99 at Bits & Pieces. Pin African basket This basket is ideal for storing magazines, going on market runs, or displaying in your home. Its proceeds support Alaffia's fair-trade mission to empower African artisan communities. The basket is available in multiple styles across Turnip Truck locations, including Charlotte, The Gulch, Midtown, and East Nashville. The one pictured here is $59.99 at The Turnip Truck Charlotte. Pin Happy August, Nashville! ********** Give your inbox the Southern makeover it deserves. Subscribe to StyleBlueprint! About the Author Kate Feinberg Kate Feinberg is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor & Sponsored Content Specialist, based in Nashville. Kate is a plant-based foodie, avid runner, and fantasy reader.
Calgary Herald
4 days ago
- Calgary Herald
Easy, ready to drink ideas for our oh-so-short summer
Article content We have approximately one month left until the kids are back in school. One month, give or take a few weeks, until that first frost. Article content Summer is short. We have to take advantage of every moment. Sometimes those moments should be about being outside with friends, not making a complicated drink. Article content Article content I'm all for complicated drinks — don't get me wrong — but when the weather is good, don't waste time fussing. Just get outside and soak up the summery vibes. Article content Article content Article content Article content If you like Aperol Spritz, you'll enjoy this variation. Made with an Italian aperitif wine called Cocchi Americano, it is slightly spicy, citrussy, and just as easy to make as the Aperol edition. Article content The history of the spritz goes back to the 19th century in Italy. Austrian soldiers travelling in the Veneto found Italian wines too strong, says Mark Bata, a partner with Bonvida Wines, an import agency in Calgary. Article content 'So they would ask for them to be diluted, giving the wine a spritz, which means to water them down.' (Spritz is the German word for splash.) Article content Make your own, or sip one at the swanky new Mille Restaurant and Cafe, where all the cocktails are Italian-inspired. 'We believe cocktails should be an experience — rooted in tradition but elevated with creativity,' says owner Jenna Bazzana. Article content Article content Cocchi (pronounced ko-key) Americano is roughly $50 a bottle at Vine Arts – 5 Vines Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits, Highlander Wine & Spirits, Bin 905 and Zyn. Call ahead to confirm availability. Article content 3 parts Prosecco Article content Article content Jorge Ramos, Fladgate Partnership's sales and marketing director, was recently in Calgary. During an event at Cavernus, he mentioned one of his favourite summer cocktails involves just two ingredients: Croft Pink Port and cold jasmine tea. I haven't stopped thinking of it. Article content Launched in 2008, Croft Pink Port was the world's first rosé Port. Light and flavourful, it is ideal for cocktails or poured over ice. It is roughly $20 a bottle at CSN Wine & Spirits, Cork Fine Wine, Liquor & Ale, and Calgary Co-op Wine Spirits Beer in Kensington. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Ottawa Citizen
5 days ago
- Ottawa Citizen
Designing a laneway house
Article content The kitchen and bathroom countertops are Italian quartz. The kitchen backsplash is a concrete-looking porcelain slab. 'I didn't want to have any grooves, so we had to get a full slab and cut it specially for our backsplash,' Bailey says. 'I am not a big fan of old school vanity backsplashes so for the bathroom on the main floor I covered the main wall in large format tile; the reason being is easy to clean and much better looking.' Article content PUSH LATCHES Article content The kitchen base cabinetry, primary bathroom and lower-level bedroom bar feature simple black linear pull hardware. The rest of the cabinetry are push latch – simply touch the door and it opens. Article content Bailey's love of ambient lighting informed her decision to add integrated LED lights on the upper cabinetry that are ideal for cooking. Pot lights are on dimmer switches so the renters can adjust the lighting to their preference. Chandeliers make the space feel 'fresh and modern,' while reading sconces attached to the beds with a set of plugs and switches mounted beside the beds create a European hotel-style feel, Bailey reports. Article content Article content 'The homeowners loved the final result,' she says. 'Even though I provided 3D renderings of the space, the clients were thrilled to see everything come together. The cabinetry, lighting, details and final décor all contributed to a truly luxurious feel. I was satisfied when I was taking pictures of the space. I don't think I would do anything different.' Article content Article content Olivia Bailey, creative director and principal of Olivia Bailey Interiors offers this advice for anyone thinking about building a laneway house: Article content 'Building a laneway house is always challenging, not to mention the complexities of designing one. The important part is to find the best contractor because without a good one, you will end up losing money,' she says.
