on location: the rose garden - bocce and cocktails

THS owes credits to a darling female family member for lending us this outdoor bocce set. Sportcraft makes this durable and easy to travel with set for beginners. It was able to withstand the elements, as well as the wildlife (in our case squirrels) during our picnic in the park.

Oh lovely picnic, you would have been much improved if we had: (1) remembered a blanket (instead used re-usable grocery bags) to sit on; (2) brought a pup to chase away the relentless squirrel attacks; (3) chose a picnic spot further from the five weddings/sweet sixteens/quinceanaras entourages that came to take rose garden photos (though it added great entertaining value). Three words: hot pink ballgown. 

After all of our picnic prep, we needed a cocktail to cool down with and to hold while playing bocce (naturally). We kept it simple and light, and it turned out to be delicious.  

muddled strawberry wine cooler

a bottle of chilled white wine makes four servings

For your information and entertainment: "A muddler is a bartender's tool, used like a pestle to mash—or muddle—fruits, herbs, and/or spices in the bottom of a glass to release their flavor" (credit goes to wikipedia - hilarious). For the purposes of a summer picnic a wooden spoon will do the job just fine. 

Ingredients

* Fresh strawberries (3 per serving)

* Chilled, dry white wine (prefer Pinot Grigio)

* Seltzer (typically unflavored, but spice things up if you like)

* Limes

In your glass/keg cup of choice, muddle three strawberries. Add ice, 1/4 bottle of wine, then fill with seltzer. Add fresh lime juice or lime slices. Drink up.

Cocktails and bocce are the perfect summer combination because neither activity takes great skill. The Egyptians are credited for the origin of this primitive concept sport: throwing an item at an inactive target. Plus, bocce is perfect for any size group - individuals or teams. THS had may little friends who wanted to play with us: three squirrels. Unfortunately, their small size, high pitch squeals, and possible rabies kept THS from inviting them to stay. (Note: clapping and walking towards the squirrel may or may not scare it off.) We plan to bring the pup next time to remedy this. What are your favorite summer games?