Someone over at Amazon must know that the 4th of July long weekend is pivotal in All the Summer Girls -- the Kindle and Nook e-book is on sale for a limited time for $2.99! What better time than now to read about Kate, Vanessa, and Dani reuniting at the beach for the 4th? (I have no idea how long this sale will last...it seems to have just popped up!)
ORDER HERE (AMAZON)
ORDER HERE (BARNES AND NOBLE)
In honor of the holiday, I thought I'd share my favorite summer party drink recipe and playlist. Enjoy!
Sparkling Summer Sangria (Serves 6-8)
For a summer party, nothing beats white sangria. I like the bright pairing of lime and mint, the hint of sweetness offered by brandy-soaked peaches, and the festive bubbles in this sparkling version.
Ingredients
750 ml dry white wine, chilled (I like to use Sauvignon Blanc)
¾ cup brandy
2 cups sparkling lime-flavored water, chilled
3 peaches
1 lime
Handful of mint leaves
2 tablespoons sugar or honey (optional)
Start by cutting the peaches and limes. (I like to cut the peaches into small half-moon shaped slices, and the limes into thin rounds.) Place peaches, lime, and mint in a shallow bowl and coat with brandy. This drink is crisp and a bit tart, but if you prefer sweet sangria, add one tablespoon of sugar or honey (or to taste). Cover and set in fridge for thirty minutes. After thirty minutes, transfer the mixture to a pitcher, add wine, and top off with the sparkling lime-flavored water. You won’t need ice if your wine and sparkling water were chilled, but you can always pour over ice if necessary. Cheers!
Summer Party Playlist
Here’s a list of my favorite upbeat, summery songs from recent years. Think the Grey’s Anatomy soundtrack…if the sun broke through the Seattle drizzle and the doctors were all happy for an entire episode and decided to celebrate with a party at the beach.
When We Were Young – Lucy Schwartz
At the Beach – The Avett Brothers
One By One – The Black Seeds
Two Hearts Are Better Than One – Katie Herzig
Summer’s Life – The Shaky Hands
Piano Song – Meiko
Rock & Roll – Eric Hutchinson
Honey in the Sun – Camera Obscura
Change My Tune – Forest Sun
Mushaboom – Feist
I Will Remain – Matthew and the Atlas
At Home – Crystal Fighters
Last Wave – Bag of Toys
Up Up Up – Givers
Neon Lights – Natasha Bedingfield
You can listen to the playlist here on Spotify!
Happy 4th of July!