For all my summer lovers who would kill for a thirst quenching and refreshing summer cocktail, I have just that for you. I don’t know what it is, but when you think of summer, you instantly think – BBQ’s with the family and friends, boating and beers with the guys or Lushy picnics with the ladies! At least I do. Down below I have some my favorite cocktails i made this summer. Summer isn’t over just yet, so there is still time to enjoy some of recipes below. I promise, there is something for everyone.
First Up,
An Italian Bramble
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen blackberries
- 3/4 cup of Gin
- 10 juniper berries (you can get them from most whole foods, Walmart’s and Giant’s)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 lemons, juiced
- 1 small sprig of rosemary
- 6-8 cups of ice
- Sparkling water
- 1 small apple sliced and blackberries as garnish
PRO TIP:
If you cant find juniper berries, you can also use Junipero Gin. I have seen this at total wine and most liquor stores here in the DMV area.
Instructions:
- Place glasses in the freezer. Leave them there to frost.
- Put the frozen blackberries, juniper berries, and sugar in a pot with a tiny splash of water, bring it to a simmer.
- Smash the fruit with a whisk until it breaks down. Let Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat.
- Let cool for a few minutes the place in a blender until pureed and smooth.
- Strain and place in fridge to cool down.
- In a blender, add lemon juice and rosemary sprig. Blend for 20 seconds. Strain juice into a cup and set aside
- Pro Tip: If you are like me and the ice maker on your fridge makes CRAPPY CRUSHED ICE…Place the regular ice in the blender and break it down in batches. Just pulse it a few times. You want it to be chunky.
- Take the frosted glasses out of the freezer, fill half way through with crushed ice
- Pour equal amounts of the lemon/rosemary mix into each glass.
- Add shot of 1/4 cup of gin to each glass
- add a splash of sparkling water and top each glass with ice all the way to the top.
- Finally pour about 2 shots of blackberry reduction in each glass.
- Garnish with apple slices and a blackberry and serve.
Next,
Kentucky Buck Peach Tea
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup lemonade
- 1/4 cup iced tea
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 1 ounce bourbon
- 2 dashes of bitters
- 1/4 cup ginger beer
- 1/2 shot peach liqueur
- 1/2 of 1 peach- sliced
- 1 mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- Add all liquid ingredients to shake with ice. Shake until chilled.
- Strain mixture over whiskey ball, rocks or large ice in Collins glass or tall glass.
- garnish with peach slice and mint sprig
And then,
Pineapple Mule
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 cup ginger beer
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice ( i love fresh pineapple juice that i make in my juicer so its more sharp but any is fine.)
- Fresh pineapple wedges, lime wedges and fresh mint sprigs for garnish (Optional but recommended)
Instructions:
- In a mug (or highball glass) fill with ice and pour over vodka, pineapple juice, ginger beer and lime juice.
- Gentle Stir until combined
- Garnish with fresh pineapple wedges, lime wedges and/or fresh mint sprigs, if desired ( but once again…highly recommended)
Next to make an Appearance,
Coconut Mezcal Margaritas
Ingredients:
- 2 oz mezcal (I used Vida by Del Maguey)
- 1 oz orgeat ( this is pretty much an almond flavored simple syrup)
- 1/2 oz lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 oz canned coconut milk
- 1 Serrano pepper sliced (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour all of the ingredients except for the slices of serrano pepper into a cocktail shaker.
- Shake until chilled.
- Double strain into a short glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a slice of serrano pepper and serve immediately. (Optional or you can dust over cayenne pepper and coconut flakes)
Finally,
Rose’ Raspberry Sorbet Mimosa
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Rosé Champagne/sparkling wine
- 1 pint raspberry sorbet
- fresh herbs for garnish such as rosemary or mint (optional but if you already have the mint from the other cocktail..i mean HELL..WHY NOT)
Instructions:
- Place one scoop of Raspberry Sorbert in champagne flute.
- Top with Rosé
- Garnish with herbs
In Conclusion,
I do hope you all enjoy some of my favorite yet refreshing summer cocktails. Not only are these summer cocktails easy to make but they will steal the show at any or all your events. Please don’t forget to tag me on social media if you make any of these! I would love to see and share your photos.