As the swelter of deep summer surrounded me I dreamt of a cocktail to lure me from my heat induced coma.  A refreshing elixir that uses all the summer vegetables in my imaginary garden.  With the heat suppressing my appetite,  I craved flavors that would satisfy both my drown hunger and my impending thirst; a salad of sorts but in a cool revitalizing form.

Thus the Summer Garden Cocktail was crafted, using savory red bell peppers, crunchy cucumbers, jalapeño, basil, fresh lime juice and just a squeeze on tangerine juice for brightness.  This healthy libation will satisfy your parched indifference and allow you to revel in your acute lethargy.

Ingredients

2 slices red bell pepper - 1 slice for cocktail, 1 slice for garnish

2 slices cucumber -1 slice for cocktail, 1 slice for garnish

2 slices jalapeño - 1 slice for cocktail, 1 slice for garnish

2 basil leaves

1 oz fresh lime juice

.5 oz fresh tangerine juice

.75 oz agave nectar

1.5 oz Hanson's organic vodka

Hanson of Sonoma Organic Vodka is a small batch vodka distilled in Northern California from organic grapes

Directions

• Add veggies, and juice to shaker tin and muddle.

• Add agave, vodka, ice and shake well

• Strain over large glass full of ice

• Garnish with red bell pepper, cucumber, jalapeno and fresh basil leaf