Cocktails and Art
In the prime of summer there are two great activities that always provide some relief from the heat: shopping for artwork and sipping cocktails. In honor of these two fun forms of respite we have paired some of our favorite cocktails with a few artworks that we feel emanate a similar theme.
Aperol Spritz & Kat Evans
First off we have the drink of the summer: the Aperol Spritz. While always a classic, the Aperol Spritz has been placed on a worthy pedestal this season. Consisting of Prosecco, a splash of soda water, and of course, Aperol, this drink is perfect for sipping poolside, at happy hour with friends, or in the comfort of your own home enjoying a piece of art such as this lovely gem created by master colorist Kat Evans.
Kat Evans, The Sun just Touched the Morning (60x72”)
Recipe: Aperol Spritz
Ingredients: 3 ounces prosecco, 2 ounces Aperol, 1 ounce club soda, Garnish: orange slice
Steps: Add the Prosecco, Aperol and club soda to a wine glass filled with ice and stir.
Garnish with an orange slice.
For a fun evening, go down to Campiello’s and enjoy an Aperol Spritz on 3rd Street South in Old Naples before taking a quick walk down Broad Ave S to check out The Sun just Touched the Morning in person.
Espresso MArtini & Carlos Ramirez
For our second cocktail and art inspiration combo we have the espresso martini. A perfect cocktail to pair with fresh oysters as you watch the sunset. Lazy Day by the Pool by Carlos Ramirez harnesses the colors, energy, and freshness of this cocktail pairing.
Carlos Ramirez, Lazy Day by the Pool (54x54”)
Recipe: Espresso Martini
Ingredients: 2 ounces vodka, 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur (usually Kahlúa), 1 ounce espresso, freshly brewed (or cold brew concentrate), 1/2 ounce simple syrup, Garnish: coffee beans
Steps: Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.
To experience a wonderful espresso martini and some fresh oysters before visiting the gallery stroll over to Sea Salt on Third Street South before or after perusing Lazy Day by the Pool and other works featuring organic shapes contrasted utilizing impasto and loose drawing by abstract artist Carlos Ramirez.
Gin & Tonic & Alicia Armstrong
Our third classic cocktail reminiscent of a Gardner Colby Gallery original artwork is the Gin and Tonic.
The painting that looks like the taste of this delicious cocktail is Field of Vision by abstract landscape artist Alicia Armstrong.
Alicia Armstrong, Field of Vision (60x60”)
A delicious, refreshing, and less sugary alternative to the other cocktails on this list, the gin and tonic is excellent to pair with any meal whether its a full dinner or appetizer.
Our suggestion is the gin and tonic from Ridgeways paired with one of their charcuterie boards.
Recipe: Gin & Tonic
Ingredients: 2 ounces gin, 4 ounces tonic water, Garnish: 2 lime wheels or other seasonal garnishes you may prefer
Steps: Fill a highball glass with ice, then add the gin. Top with the tonic water and gently stir. Garnish with lime wheels or seasonal garnishes
If you would like a topic covered in the new Musings blog please submit ideas to art@gardnercolbygallery.com
GARDNER COLBY GALLERY FINE ART NAPLES, FLORIDA
