Summer! A time for playing outdoors, grilling and summer cocktails.
I am usually a red wine girl but as we mark the beginning of summer with Memorial Day, I start getting excited about refreshing summer cocktails. These cocktails keep me and my guests happy and refreshed throughout the whole summer.
Mojito
What better way to celebrate US and Cuba’s improved relations than whipping up a few of these on a hot summer day? This drink is fruity and refreshing and the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
10 fresh mint leaves – I have 2 mint plants in a container on my deck just for this purpose
½ lime, cut into 4 wedges
2 tablespoons of white sugar or 2 tablespoons of simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
1 cup ice cubes
1 ½ fluid ounces white rum
½ cup club soda or seltzer
Directions:
- Place the mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a Muddler to crush the mint and lime – This process will release the mint oil and juice the lime wedge
- Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar (or simple syrup) and continue muddling
- Fill glass with ice and pour rum over the ice
- Fill the glass with club soda or seltzer and garnish with the last lime wedge
Sangria
There are hundreds of variations of sangria online from simple to complicated. My simple rule is to mix fruit, wine and seltzer. Chill and drink.
This is the perfect drink to make in a large pitcher for an outdoor party or event as it is tasty, refreshing and beautiful. It is also a super versatile drink as it can be made with red or white wine and any fruit that you have on hand.
Beer Margarita
This cocktail is perfect for a summer bbq or outdoor party since the recipe makes a big batch and can be made ahead of time and frozen if you want a slushy margarita.
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
1 (12 oz) can of frozen limeade concentrate
12 ounces tequila
12 ounces water
1 bottle corona
Ice
1 lime cut into wedges
Directions:
Mix limeade, water, tequila in a large pitcher until the limeade has melted. Add beer and mix. Add lots of ice and use the lime as garnish.
Screwdriver
A high quality vodka really makes a difference in this classic and simple drink.
Ingredients:
1.5 ounces vodka
6 ounces pulp free orange juice
Ice
Directions:
Mix vodka and orange juice and pour over a glass of ice.
Watermelon Mimosa
A colorful, refreshing twist on the classic mimosa, watermelon Mimosas are perfect for a summer brunch, graduation party or simply celebrating a sunny day.
Makes 2-3 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup watermelon juice – Strained
½ cup champagne
Directions
Divide watermelon juice among 2-3 champagne flutes
Fill flutes with champagne
[…] flavor, tart but tasty. This is a yummy summer drink. I enjoyed it so much I pulled out my cocktail glassware to experiment. I recommend it with vodka for grown-up patio […]