The wonderful weather has me thinking about lazy rooftop barbecues like the kind Miss M and I used to have.  Simple cocktails, shrimp on the grill and fruity desserts.  And what does a lady wear to a casual barbecue?  A jersey maxi-dress, of course.

James Perse Striped Cotton Dress (Net-a-Porter, $175)

I think the drinks at a backyard or rooftop barbecue should be simple.  The fewer ingredients the more of them that you can make, and the more of them that you can drink.  This is a good, but dangerous, thing.

So how about a cocktail with just two ingredients?

Cherry Beer

Two bottles of Pale Ale

(I like Dogfish Head Shelter Pale Ale.)

1.5 cups sour cherry nectar 

(You can use Tamek, or Knudsen’s Just Tart Cherry Juice.  If you use the juice, you may need to add a bit more.)

Fill a large pitcher with ice.  I follow Martha’s directions and layer in lemon slices.  Pour in both bottles of beer, then add cherry juice.  Stir with a long spoon.  Serve in tall glasses.