I had plans to write about barbeque this week, but given the environmental situation, decided to take a look at what cocktails to drink to cool down.

Or, cocktail-adjacent ideas to combat the heat. Pinterest is a good resource for summer-inspired libations, where I found a few of these ideas.

Let鈥檚 start with gin. Locally, stop by near Oliver for their Noteworthy Gin, a hit at a recent market in downtown Penticton, where gin and tonics (small ones) were served to great appreciation. has its Legacy Gin, and in Naramata has Black Moon Gin and Doctor鈥檚 Orders gin. All are hand-crafted and unique. Worth a little gin tour around the South Okanagan, with designated driver, to discover your favourite.

A stickler for a classic, my go to gin and tonic is just that, with a couple of lime wedges 鈥� maybe lemon and lime for a change every now and then. I found a recipe for a cranberry gin and tonic, with a sprig of rosemary and a cucumber slice. Sounded great until the garnish: a small round of bocconcini cheese. Not for me.

Gin and bubbly creates a refreshing French 75 cocktail. A splash of fruit juice or muddled raspberries would be tasty as well. Try a bottle of sparkling from a local producer such as , , a new one from , or .

What else pairs well with bubbly? Fruit popsicles. Not the sugary store bought stuff, just Google 鈥渇resh popsicle,鈥� try to avoid those with a lot of dairy or too many additions (spices and multiple springs of things). Keep it simple. Find some deep round bowls or glasses, fill about one third with bubbly and gently place a popsicle in the wine. Dip and enjoy, and when it all melts 鈥� champagne slushies.

Speaking of slushy things, how about a frozen ros茅? This is possibly the trendiest drink of the summer. There are a number of recipes out there, and several wineries offering their version on their bistro patios. My favourite version: freeze some strawberries. Throw them in a blender with a touch of water, add sugar or lemon juice if you wish. Top with ros茅 wine, or quite frankly, almost any unoaked, lighter style white, blend till it鈥檚 the consistency you wish. Drink.

Save the Date

July 16, Naramata Bench: returns with a number of artisans, live music, food trucks, and wines by the glass.

July 18, online: Join the Kitchen Chat webinar hosted by to talk all things barbecue, including recipes and wine pairings.

July 19, Naramata: The Slocan Ramblers play the Vanilla Pod at , $15 cover charge, dinner reservations required. Call 250.493.9463 and press 3 to book your reservation directly with the Vanilla Pod Restaurant, or email vanillapod@shaw.ca.

July 20, Oliver: and Backyard Farm host the first in a series of three cooking workshops (also August 17 and October 5), guests help prepare a three-course dinner (or choose dinner only).

July 22, West 琉璃神社: hosts Midsummer Night Magic with Opera 琉璃神社 and guest chef Quang Dang of Vancouver鈥檚 famed West Restaurant.

July 27, Summerland: hosts Sam Spades as part of its Live at Crush Pad Music Series.

July 30, Oliver: celebrates 10 years with an afternoon event featuring live music, paella, and live music.

Sundays, Keremeos: On select Sundays through to mid-October, head to the historic for its Sunday Dinner series, with themed menus.

Wednesdays, Naramata Bench: features Tiki Night beginning at 7pm every Wednesday this summer, with local songstress Yanti, and the cuisine of Ambrosia by Chef Victor Bongo.

Allison Markin is the food and libations columnist for the Penticton Western News. She can be reached at Allison@AllSheWrote.ca and on .