Cool Summer Cocktails to Take the Edge Off

Summer is a time of fads and trends, built around our fascination with pop culture. We tune our radios to hear the season's definitive song. We head to the movies to catch the must-see blockbuster.

Oh, and we sip our cocktails. And the more fashionable the drink, the better.

As cocktail culture continues to boom -- spirits revenue reached a record $18.2 billion in 2007, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States -- so does the demand for new and unusual drinks. Think of the Cosmopolitan craze prompted by Sex in the City.

So in a search for what could be this summer's "it" cocktail -- or, at the very least, to learn about some of the season's more noteworthy drinks -- we talked to leading mixologists and representatives from spirits brands (the liquor companies typically create and promote new cocktails to help drive sales). What follows are a half-dozen recipes that caught our attention. Cheers!

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	BBQ TRU Organic Cocktail

The Drink: The BVT
The Source: The makers of TRU Organic Vodka
The Inspiration: A "grilled cocktail"? That's what the creators of this vodka-based drink (which features bacon, vodka and tomato) call it. A company spokeswoman says it's designed "to perfectly complement the smoky sweetness of a classic summer cookout." And why use an organic vodka with the drink? The "clean, balanced profile" of the spirit pairs well with the tomatoes, the company notes.

The Recipe (for four drinks):
1/2 lb. ripe cherry tomatoes
2 slices grilled crispy bacon
8 oz. TRU Organic Vodka
Spices and seasonings (see below)

Grill cherry tomatoes (or other small variety). Mix with lemon juice, salt, pepper and parsley. Set aside till juices accumulate. Skewer 2-3 of the grilled cherry tomatoes on a toothpick, alternate with a piece of very crispy bacon. Make 4 skewers. Set aside. Smash remaining tomatoes lightly to release more juices. Drain through sieve and reserve liquid. Divide tomato liquid into 4 martini glasses. Shake 8 oz. vodka with ice. Top martini glasses. Stir lightly. Garnish with tomato and bacon skewers.