Creamy Frozen Nectarine Blitz

Happy almost Memorial Day weekend!  The start of summer beach days and grilling and long lazy afternoons sitting on a porch sipping a cool drink.  Yes, I know that's somewhat idealized and there's still work to be done during the week.  But we still need to savor those lazy, cool drink times because they'll be gone before we know it!

I was walking past a display of nectarines in my market and their sweet aroma drew me right in.  I wasn't sure, before that, what cool beverage should kick off summer weekends but the nectarines made up my mind for me.  As I was stocking up I kept thinking that they would make such good ice cream which led me to the conclusion that there should be ice cream in this drink as well.  Yes, this is how my mind works when it comes to cocktails.  So this sweet, perfumed drink, finished off with a touch of mint, is how I'm starting my summer.  Cheers!

Per Serving:
1 Nectarine, pitted
2 oz. Vodka
2 oz. Vanilla ice cream
1/2 oz. Triple sec
1/2 oz. Lemon juice
1/2 oz. Simple syrup

Place the fruit, vodka, ice cream, triple sec, lemon juice and simple syrup in a blender and puree until smooth.  Add a couple of ice cubes and continue pureeing until the ice has been broken up.  Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with fresh mint.