I've just returned home to Minnesota from a week-long vacation on a warm (85°F everyday) and sunny island. Tonight our temperature is supposed to go down to -12°F tonight. That's a 97°F. difference!
Just in case you were wondering, the highlights of my week were: eating every meal outside, renting a scooter to drive around the island and stopping for great photo opportunities everywhere, seeing wild donkeys, wild goats and giant cactus plants along the roads, snorkeling in the mangrove forest, taking lots of photos of lizards and iguanas, snorkeling at several different sites around the island, seeing flamingos all over the island, the sound of the surf, sandy beaches, great food and the beach bars.
I tasted my first Caipiroska at a beach bar. The drink is a wonderful concoction of mashed fresh limes, a little sugar and some vodka in a low-ball glass filled with ice cubes. The original version, made with Brazilan rum instead of the vodka, is called a Caipirinha and is considered the national cocktail of Brazil.
I found lots of versions of this drink after doing a web search. After some experimentation last night home, I came up with the one that I like the best.
Andi's Best Caipiroska
1/4 fresh lime, cut into little pieces
2 teaspoons sugar
Ice cubes or crushed ice
2 ounces vodka
In an old-fashioned glass, place lime and sugar; mash together using a wooden spoon. Fill the glass with ice cubes or crushed ice. Pour the vodka over the top. Stir to blend. Have a sip and pretend that you are sitting at the beach bar on a warm island, listening to the surf.