This month, we have a pair of refreshing summery cocktail recipes from Lead Bartender Heather Blanchard of The Pool Club at the Virgin Hotels New Orleans, on Baronne near Lafayette in the CBD.

Also, something NOLA locals & summer visitors might want to note at the bigging of the long, hot months ahead. The Pool Club Day Pass for non-hotel guests: M-Thurs $25; Friday - Sunday $50

One Night In Space

One Night in Space is an intergalactic concoction that captures the essence of refreshing melon and zesty citrus. The aloe juice contributes a pleasant and hydrating consistency. Garnished with a tangy piece of candied ginger floating above the cocktail.

Ingredients:
1.5 oz Skyy Watermelon
0.5 oz Oka Kura Yuzu liqueur
1 oz aloe vera juice
0.5 oz lemon juice
0.5 oz honeydew reduction
Garnish: candied ginger

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake & strain into a rock glass.

Garden District

Garden District is a garden-fresh cocktail intertwining notes of basil and cucumber with subtle hints of citrus and a dash of heat on the back end.

Ingredients:
1.5 oz basil-infused Hendricks gin
0.5 oz St Germain liqueur
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz lime juice
0.75 oz simple syrup
2 cucumber wheels
2 dashes Tabasco hot sauce
Garnish: Cucumber Wheel

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake & strain into a coup’s glass.