Summer is drawing to a close, so I thought I’d share one of my favorite cocktails. It’s great for lounging on a patio, enjoying the nice weather.

• 2 ounces dark rum
• ginger beer
• lime wedge

1. Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the ginger beer to taste. Garnish with lime wedge.

The Dark and Stormy is “Bermuda’s National Drink.” To be a “true” Dark and Stormy, you’re supposed to use Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and Barritt’s Ginger Beer, both of which are from Bermuda. I couldn’t find the Barritt’s, so I had to make do with Jamaican ginger beer.

I’ve seen many different listings of the correct proportions. I think it really depends on how spicy your ginger beer is–some pack quite a punch. Add some; if it’s not enough, add more.

Cheers!

A quick, refreshing drink.

• 1 small grapefruit, peeled
• 1/4 cup vanilla soymilk
• 1 cup ice
• generous squirt of agave nectar

1. Throw all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy.

(Makes small smoothies for 2 or 1 large smoothie)