Santa Cruz Sour
Santa Cruz Sour Recipe - A Refreshing Cocktail with Lemon, Rum and Seltzer
Introduction
The Santa Cruz Sour is a refreshing cocktail that combines the flavors of rum, lemon juice, and sugar with a hint of fizz from Seltzer or Apollinaris water. This drink is perfect for a hot summer day or as a festive addition to any holiday gathering.
History
The Santa Cruz Sour has roots in the classic sour cocktail, which typically includes a spirit, citrus juice, and sweetener. This particular variation adds a touch of rum for a tropical twist. The cocktail is named after the city of Santa Cruz, known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe.
Ingredients
- shaved ice
- 1 large teaspoon of white sugar dissolved
- in a little Seltzer or Apollinaris water
- 3 dashes of lemon juice
- 1 wine glass of Santa Cruz rum
Garnish
- seasonal berries
How to prepare
- Fill the glass with shaved ice, shake it up, and strain it into a claret glass. Decorate with orange slices and seasonal berries.
Variations
- Try using different types of rum for a unique flavor profile.
- Experiment with different citrus juices such as lime or grapefruit.
- Add a splash of grenadine for a touch of sweetness and color.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are properly mixed.
- Garnish with seasonal berries for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Santa Cruz Sour in a claret glass garnished with orange slices and seasonal berries for a festive touch.
Cooking Techniques
Shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are properly mixed and chilled.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use simple syrup instead of sugar for a smoother texture.
- Substitute club soda for Seltzer or Apollinaris water.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the sugar syrup and lemon juice mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Santa Cruz Sour in a chilled glass with a colorful garnish of orange slices and seasonal berries.
Pairing Recommendations
This cocktail pairs well with light appetizers such as shrimp cocktail or bruschetta.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
The Santa Cruz Sour is best enjoyed fresh and should be consumed shortly after preparation.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A serving of Santa Cruz Sour typically contains around 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
The Santa Cruz Sour is relatively low in carbohydrates, with most of the carbs coming from the sugar used to sweeten the drink.
Fats
This cocktail is fat-free.
Proteins
The Santa Cruz Sour does not contain any significant amount of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This cocktail provides a small amount of vitamin C from the lemon juice.
Alergens
This recipe may contain allergens such as alcohol and citrus.
Summary
The Santa Cruz Sour is a relatively low-calorie cocktail that is best enjoyed in moderation.
Summary
The Santa Cruz Sour is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. With its tropical flavors and fizzy finish, this drink is sure to be a hit with your guests.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day in Santa Cruz, the coastal town where I spent many of my younger years. I was walking along the boardwalk, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling seaside town. As I strolled past the local market, a sweet aroma caught my attention.
I followed the scent to a small stall where a kind elderly woman was selling an array of spices and herbs. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with her and soon discovered that she was a renowned cook in the area, known for her exotic and flavorful dishes.
As we chatted, she told me about a special drink that she had concocted, a refreshing blend of citrus and spice that she called the Santa Cruz Sour. She described the drink in such vivid detail that I could almost taste it on my tongue.
Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. To my delight, she agreed, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, mixing and measuring ingredients until we had perfected the recipe.
The key to the Santa Cruz Sour, she explained, was the combination of fresh-squeezed citrus juices with a hint of cinnamon and cloves. She showed me how to infuse the flavors together, creating a drink that was both tart and sweet, with a subtle warmth that lingered on the palate.
I left her kitchen that day with a handwritten recipe card in hand, feeling like I had been given a precious gift. From that moment on, the Santa Cruz Sour became a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of that special day in Santa Cruz.
Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family, each time adding my own twist to the mix. Some have added a splash of rum or tequila for an extra kick, while others have experimented with different citrus fruits and spices.
But no matter how it is prepared, the Santa Cruz Sour always brings back memories of that sunny day in Santa Cruz, and the kind woman who shared her recipe with me. It is a drink that never fails to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth, a taste of the seaside town that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
As I sit here now, sipping on a glass of Santa Cruz Sour, I am filled with gratitude for the chance encounter that led me to this recipe. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, and to the people and places that have shaped us into who we are today. And for that, I will always be thankful.