Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Tasty Tuesdays: Pink Elephant Cocktails Inpired by Water for Elephants


I began reading Water for Elephants about two weeks ago with a desire to finish the book in enough time to see it at the Prytania Theatre while it was still out.  Little did I know, I needed no added pressure to finish it because it was so wonderful, I could not put it down.  I thought the story, told from both the perspective of a young man and his older self, was a combination of tragedy, compassion, rage, loyalty, and love.  I have so looked forward to seeing the characters come alive on screen.  Mark and I walked to the Prytania, our neighborhood's one screen theatre, and watched the story unfold on screen.  It was lovely and moving and just exactly as I saw it in my head.

For those of you who have read the book or seen the movie, you will appreciate the elephants and lemonade reference in this recipe.  There's something whimsical and childlike and sentimental about lemonade.  My dad would always whip up a batch of Countrytime on a hot summer day.  There's nothing quite like it. 

For the child in all of us, this grown up version sounded too good not to post.  Imagine the refreshing mixture of lime, grapefruit, and cranberry juices blended with lemonade and vodka.  I think I'd add some mint for an extra special touch.  I imagine Jacob's elephant Rosie would approve of this version as well!

Pink Elephant Cocktails
Makes 5-7 servings
16 to 20 ounces vodka
4 to 5 ounces fresh lime juice
4 to 5 ounces fresh lemonade
8 to 10 ounces grapefruit juice
2 to 2/12 ounces cranberry juice
Lime slices (cut very thin) for garnish

Directions

1.Mix all but the cranberry juice in a 2 1/2-quart pitcher. Then add the cranberry juice a little at a time until drink is the color of light-pink cotton candy. Refrigerate until serving time. To serve, pour over ice into chilled 6-ounce glasses. Garnish with thin lime slices (or pink plastic elephants).

Have you read the book or seen the movie?  What did you think?

13 comments:

  1. Wasn't the book wonderful? I finished it in about two days. So good!

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  2. Haven't read it yet, but it's on my list! Cheers to having you back in the blogging world..We've missed you!

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  3. Since I'm graduating next Saturday, I'll finally have some free time - so I think I'm going to pick this up as my first read! Can't wait to hear about your NY trip!

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  4. I just thought the book was okay. I didn't love it like most people did, but I am going to see the movie for sure! The cocktail sounds yumy!

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  5. Looking forward to see the movie! I would love to taste those drinks!!!!!!!

    x Kristin

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  6. So sooo delish! I think I would love that cocktail.

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  7. I just read the book and loved it. I can't wait to see the movie, though I don't know when I can fit it in. This drinkie poo looks delish, and I really need the added vodka right about now!! ;-)

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  8. I remember Countrytime lemonade. Brings me back, too.

    Your drink sounds so refreshing with all those fresh juices.

    I am going to go out and get the book. I want to read it before I see the movie. I've heard such wonderful things!

    Happy Tuesday, Nola Girl.

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  9. Good morning from Tokyo!

    Not only does this drink look delicious, but refreshing as well! It's on our "to make" list for upcoming gatherings. Thank you for sharing...

    Warmly,

    Elizabeth

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  10. I can't wait to finally read the book! I'm finally getting to catch up on my reading. This drink looks fabulous!

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  11. Oh, I must read the book (perhaps while sipping one of these) and see the movie very soon - I cannot wait to see what everyone is gushing about! XO

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  12. This is hysterical and looks DELISH!!! Many thanks for sharing the recipe. Xoxo-BLC

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