Lemon-Lemon Drink

This one is like classic lemonade on steroids, and it's very easy to prepare. Simply fill a tall highball glass with ice, add a shot of lemon-flavored vodka, fill with lemonade and garnish with a fresh lemon slice.

Lemon Mimosa

Classic orange juice mimosas often play starring roles in Sunday brunches, but summer fare calls for a lighter touch. Switching out orange juice for lemonade when making mimosas provides an elegant touch that's ideal for warm-weather sipping.

Lemon Blueberry Swirl

Lemon and blueberry is a natural pairing that captures the taste of summer perfectly. This drink is best served over ice in tall, chilled glasses. Add blueberry vodka to the glass of ice and follow with freshly prepared lemonade. Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a cocktail skewer loaded with blueberries.

Lemon Punch

Lemon punch is an excellent adult beverage option for celebratory occasions involving multiple participants. Mix lemon vodka, Champagne and your favorite fruit juice together in a big punch bowl. Toss a handful of fresh lemon slices into the mix and refrigerate for several hours before serving. This punch is easily customized to meet personal preferences.

Lemon Peach Martini

Strain peach juice, lemon vodka and triple sec through a cocktail shaker with ice into chilled martini glasses and garnish with fresh lemon slices for a cocktail featuring over-the-top elegance. This one's perfect for a Friday afternoon gathering with friends on the balcony or patio where you can socialize while basking in the warm rays of the summer sun.

Our apartments all feature patios and balconies that are perfect for enjoying al fresco cocktail hours. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us for more information on life in our Northridge apartment community.

The post 5 Lemon Cocktails Perfect for Summer Sipping appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

A sweating glass, a lot of ice, a little bite: Summer cocktails are something we look forward to all year long. And what better way to celebrate the season than to try something a little different? Here are a few delicious concoctions that are sure to cool you down in Northridge apartments.

1. Pomegranate Martini

If you like pomegranates, then this is a great way to honor the summer fruit. The color of the martini will instantly pair with the bright blooms outside. Plus, you can pair the flavors with practically anything if you're looking to mix things up. Throw a bit of citrus juice in the martini to sweeten it up or add flavor dimension, or try it with chocolate cake or ice cream. You can make this beverage with either vodka or gin. 

2. Watermelon-Tequila Cocktails 

If you loved watermelon on all those Fourth of July barbecues, then you may want to update the classic into something you'll really enjoy as an adult. This recipe uses seedless watermelon and combines the strained juice with blueberries, citrus, silver tequila, and syrup. It will be extra tasty when you use it to wash down a burger or a hot dog fresh off the grill. Mix up a batch of watermelon-tequila cocktails and watch them disappear at your next pool party. 

3. Strawberry Daiquiris 

Most people tend to order strawberry daiquiris only when they're out because this cocktail may seem like a difficult drink to make. But the key to a professional strawberry daiquiri isn't going to a bar, but having a good blender that can handle all that fruit. When you consider the markup on daiquiris, it's worth it to invest in a solid blender that can take the extra pressure. Try this recipe at a garden party when you want something extra refreshing. 

When the valley heat really starts to turn up, you'll be glad you have these cocktail recipes in your back pocket. It only takes one ice-cold drink paired with one red-hot sunset to make a summer memory you'll keep forever. If you're looking for a new kitchen where you can make all your favorite cocktail recipes, try touring Candlewood North to learn more about our many amenities. 

The post 3 Cocktails to Make This Summer appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Summer is the perfect time for lounging by the resort-style pool or community grilling area at your Northridge apartments at Candlewood North. However, you can also relax in the air conditioning in your Northridge apartment. Here are four refreshing summer drink recipes to help keep you cool:

1. Watermelon Cucumber Sangria

Ingredients

2 cups watermelon chunks
1 cup watermelon juice
1 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced
2 limes, thinly sliced
1/4 cup mint leaves
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup lime juice
1 1-liter bottle chilled carbonated water
1 750-ml bottle semi-dry white wine, chilled
Mint sprigs (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients except the carbonated water and mint sprigs, stirring gently. Chill for 2 hours. When ready to serve, add carbonated water. Garnish each glass with a mint sprig. Serves 6 to 8.

2. Guava Lemonade Fizz

Ingredients

6 ounces guava nectar
1/2 ounce St. Germain liqueur
1 1/2 ounces vodka
1 tablespoon fresh lemon
Sparkling water
Maraschino cherries

Directions

Combine ingredients, stirring lightly. Garnish with cherries. Makes one drink.

3. Pink Rhubarb Lemonade

Ingredients

5 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into small pieces
2 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
1 1-liter bottle lemon-lime carbonated beverage, chilled
1 can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
Fresh mint leaves and lemon slices to garnish (optional)

Directions

Heat rhubarb and water to boiling in a large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer covered for five minutes. Cool and strain; discard pulp. Add lemonade concentrate and sugar; stir until sugar is dissolved. Chill for 24 hours. To serve, combine lemon-lime mixture with rhubarb mixture, then garnish. Serves 6 to 8.

4. Pineapple-Cinnamon Margaritas

Ingredients

10 lime wedges
3 cups orange liqueur
2 1/2 cups tequila
2 cups pineapple juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cup powdered sugar
Ice cubes
Cinnamon sticks (optional)

Directions

Combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur and sugar in a pitcher until sugar is dissolved. Add pineapple juice, stir and chill. Create a cinnamon and sugar mixture on a small plate. Rub rims of glasses with lime, then dip the rims in the sugar mixture. Serve and garnish with cinnamon sticks. Serves 6 to 8.

Stay cool this summer at your Northridge apartments with these summer drink recipes. If you don’t live at Candlewood North yet, give us a call to find out about availability.

The post 4 Summer Drink Recipes You Must Try appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.