Easy Summer Cocktail Recipes
Sun’s Shining, Drink's Shaking
To celebrate the beginning of summer, we’ve compiled a list of easy, delicious and refreshing beverages.
With the summer coming in hot we turn our attention to sun bathing, patios, outdoor jaunts and long balmy nights. As the sun is shining our giddy sides come out. The feeling of the freedom associated with summer break still prevails. Summer camp may be a relic of the past, but the joys of a good drink in the sun is our new summer break activity.
With the reality of this summer being new to all of us, an increased amount of time at home will most likely prevail. This doesn't mean you are stuck with wine, beer and a canned vodka soda. Instead bring the cocktail bar to your backyard.
These drinks are easy to make and have a limited amount of ingredients. The spirits included will help you build your bar cart but won't feel overwhelming to buy, the beauty in these recipes is their simplicity. These are not fussy and meant to be thrown together and enjoyed.
Turn your attention away from sourdough bread folks, it's cocktail hour!
Aperol Spiritz
This drink is incredibly refreshing, fun, seems impressive and is super easy. You'll feel like you're basking by the Mediterranean sea or sitting in a palazzo in no time!
Ingredients:
Prosecco, or a sparkling wine you are a fan of
Aperol
Sparkling water
Ice
Orange
Instructions:
Take a big wine glass and fill with ice. Add equal parts sparkling wine and Aperol, add a splash of soda and garnish with a nice big orange wedge.
You are done! Now go sit with a friend in the sun, close your eyes and take a big gulp! Italy, is that you?
Classic Margarita
Who doesn't love margaritas? This classic margarita is all about its simplicity. This version is simplified in regards to not using Cointreau, instead we use a simple syrup to add a little sweetness. Since this drink is more spirit forward do get a nicer tequila, aim for 100% agave.
So throw together some guacamole, pico de gallo to go along with it and you'll have a fiesta in no time.
Ingredients:
Tequila, resposado or blanco
Limes, many many limes
Simple syrup
Salt
Instructions:
Before you start you are going to need to create a simple syrup. This is very easy, boil some water and add equal parts sugar. Wait for the sugar to be dissolved and let cool completely. There you have it!
In a shaker, or a large jar if you do not have a shaker, see not fussy, add 2 ounces of tequila, ¾ once lime juice (about half a lime) and ¾ once simple syrup. Shake, shake, shake until very cold. Now pour some salt onto a plate, take a lime wedge and go around the top of the glass to wet then dip in salt. Add ice to glass and strain margarita into glass, garnish with a nice big lime wheel. Cheers!
Paloma
Now, what are you going to do with that remaining bottle of tequila? Enter the Paloma! This is another classic Mexican drink and is lovely in the sun. It is refreshing, a bit tart and oh so pink.
Ingredients:
Tequila, resposado or blanco
Fresh grapefruit juice
Limes
Simple syrup
Sparkling water
Salt
Instructions:
First off, it is important you do not use grapefruit juice, but instead fresh grapefruits. Grapefruit juice will have a bunch of sugar and not have the fresh, juicy lust of a real grapefruit to achieve your Paloma dreams. Trust me.
Pour some salt on a plate, rub half a tall glass with a grapefruit wedge and dip in salt. Then add 2 ounces grapefruit juice, 2 ounces tequila, a splash of simple syrup (this can be in regards to how sweet you prefer a drink), then squeeze half a lime. Stir this together and add 2 ounces of sparkling water and lots of ice. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Elevated Gin and Soda
Now, this may seem very obvious however a gin soda can be elevated in a snap. If you are a true gin fan treat yourself to a nice bottle. Or if you wanna get a bit creative dive into the world of simple syrups!
These syrups will last for about 3 months in the fridge. These can be used in multiple drinks, such as sparkling water or other cocktails, and add a fun twist!
Instructions:
Boil water with equal parts sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved, about 1-3 minutes, remove from heat and add in your infusion. Let it cool completely and strain into a cute jar. There you have it!
The options on what to infuse are endless! Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Mint:
Infuse a sprig of mint and keep a couple leaves for the bottle, this is a refreshing syrup in your gin and soda but can also be used in a bourbon ice tea!
Berry:
Add a cup or fresh or frozen berries. This is fab in a gin soda and feels incredibly summer-y, you can also add this syrup to multiple punches or even a rose sangria!
Rosemary:
Add a spring of rosemary and a couple leaves. This allows for a more savoury gin and soda and pairs gorgeously with lemon.
The Daybreaker
The beauty of this cocktail is it's completely crushable and combines a selection of your leftover alcohol. This drink is delicious and perfect in the heat!
Ingredients:
Aperol
Gin
White wine, preferably Sauvignon Blanc or something crisp
Fresh grapefruit
Soda water
Grapefruit bitters, only if you have them and tasty without
Grapefruit for garnish
Instructions:
Shake Aperol, gin, wine and bitters if using. Take a tall glass or wine glass and fill with ice. Strain into glass and top with soda water. Garnish with a wedge of grapefruit. Cheers!
If you make one of these at home, use the hastag #GirlsJustWannaHaveFaun for a repost!