Anthology

Q: Now that San Diego summer is in full swing, what’s your favorite summer cocktail?

Marc Canzoneri: Margaritas are great because you can play with them – make them lighter for summer or heavier for fall. For our summer margarita, we use fresh muddled watermelon with ginger root. The ginger root is pretty powerful so we use very little. We also use silver tequila instead of a reposado or anejo because silver tequila has been aged in steel barrels and gives it a crisper taste that takes on other flavors better.

Q: What are some good ingredients that make a great summer cocktail?

Marc: Strawberries are awesome – we use them in our Strawberry Fields, which is a flavorful and fruity drink. We use strawberry puree because we found its more consistent than muddling fresh fruit. Basil adds a fresh, crisp, light touch to the drink.

Q: What cocktail ahs been the biggest seller this summer?

Marc: Definitely the Potion #9 with Chambord raspberry vodka, passion fruit puree and champagne. It’s always a crowd favorite.

Q: Do you have any suggestions for a good summer wine?

Marc: For whites, our Frostwatch Kismet Sauvignon Blanc is a favorite of the owner. The Argyle Pinot Noir is a refreshing summer red (for more on the Frostwatch Kismet and other summer reds, see our featured wines below). We also just brought on the Mission Hefeweizen, which is from a local brewery. It’s a traditional Hef with hits of banana and nutmeg.

Q: If I can’t make it to Anthology, what’s a tasty summer cocktail I can whip up at home?

Marc: Mojitos are an obvious choice, but don’t be afraid to be really creative with them. Add oranges, mandarins, strawberries or watermelon. You can also switch out the rum for vodka or use basil instead of mint. Be inventive!

Featured Red Wine:

Loring Wine Company – 2009 Pinot Noir, Gary’s Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
Serves up a rich layered array of spicy wild berry, black cherry, wilted rose and raspberry flavors that are fresh and vibrant. Full bodied gaining depth and richness on the finish. 93 Points

Featured White Wine:

Frostwatch – 2010 Kismet, Sonoma County
This is a Proprietary blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The 2010 Frostwatch Kismet is pale lemon-green with aromas of green apple, gooseberry, lemon-lime, white flowers, grass and a touch of sweet, woody spice. The palate is bone-dry with medium- plus body. There is zesty freshness and bold flavors of lime, grass, gooseberry, limestone and green apple skin. The finish is clean and tingly. Some aromatics and flavors in this wine may remind you of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, but the Kismet is riper, richer and much less pungent.

Fun Summer Drink with Infused Tequila

Day Tripper
2oz Pineapple Infused Tequila
.50oz Fresh Lime
.75oz Jalapeño Simple
Cilantro
Lime Garnish