Perfect summer drinks

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - During the hot summer months, we love to hang out with friends and family, so we need that perfect summer beverage to help us get through it.  Amy Sherman is a chef at the Spartan Culinary Classroom and she shares some great drink ideas that are easy to create and can quench your thirst for fun.

Taste:
Perfect summer drinks
Chef Amy Sherman
Spartan Culinary Classroom
www.familyfare.spartanstores.com/culinary-classroom

Fresh Rosemary Lemondae

1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup sugar
2 rosemary sprigs
1/2 cup vodka (optional)
Chilled club soda or seltzer

Garnish: 8 (3-inch) rosemary sprigs

Bring lemon juice, sugar, and rosemary to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Discard rosemary sprigs.
Fill 8 (8-ounces) glasses halfway with ice. Divide syrup (about 2 tablespoons each) among glasses and add vodka (1 tablespoon each). Top off with club soda.

Dark and Stormy

1.5 oz Gosling's Black Seal Rum
5 oz ginger beer

fresh lime slices

Mix in a highball glass over ice and garnish with lime.

Howitzer's

1.5 ounces Rangpur gin
3 tablespoons lemon syrup
4 ounces champagne

Mix and serve cold or over ice

Lemon Syrup

1 cup sugar
1 cup lemon juice

Bring to a boil, stirring until all sugar dissolves. Chill and keep refrigerated until ready to use.