As the summer sun warms your spirit, the season of al fresco dining, beach parties, and sunset gatherings calls for a refreshing cocktail menu. Here’s a curated list of top summer cocktails that pair perfectly with your summer sunny occasions.
1. The Classic Margarita: A Beach Day Staple
Nothing says beach day like a classic Margarita with its perfect sweet, sour, and salty balance. Mix freshly squeezed lime juice, a good quality tequila, and a splash of triple sec. Serve it on the rocks or blended with ice, and remember the salt rim for that authentic touch. Mix in some of your favorite summer fruits for a twist. It’s the ideal companion for a sunny day by the waves.
Ingredients:
2 oz Tequila
1 oz Lime juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 oz Triple sec (such as Cointreau)
Salt for rimming the glass
Lime wedge for garnish
Method: Rim the edge of your glass with lime and dip into salt. Shake the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice, then strain into the glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
2. Sangria Flora: Garden Parties Reimagined
For a floral twist on a traditional drink, the Sangria Flora is a delightful choice for garden parties or lazy afternoons on the patio. This wine cocktail mixes white wine or rosé with elderflower liqueur, adding slices of peach, cucumber, and a handful of fresh berries for a refreshing and visually stunning pitcher. Top it with sparkling water for a gentle fizz.
Ingredients:
1 bottle of white wine or rosé
2 oz Elderflower liqueur
Sliced peaches, cucumbers, and a handful of fresh berries
Sparkling water to top up
Method: Combine wine, elderflower liqueur, and sliced fruits in a large pitcher. Chill for at least two hours. Serve over ice and top with sparkling water.
3. Cucumber Gin Cooler: Perfect for a Summer Soirée
A Cucumber Gin Cooler brings a crisp freshness to any summer soirée, combining gin with muddled cucumber, mint, and lime juice. Sweeten with a dash of simple syrup and top with tonic water. This cocktail is light, hydrating, and incredibly easy to sip on those warm summer evenings with friends
Ingredients:
2 oz Gin
1/2 small cucumber, sliced
Fresh mint leaves
1 oz Lime juice
1/2 oz Simple syrup
Tonic water to top up
Method: Muddle cucumber, mint, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker. Add gin and ice, and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass over ice and top with tonic water. Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of mint.
4. Pineapple Rum Punch: A Tropical Getaway
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with a Pineapple Rum Punch. Blend dark rum with pineapple juice, coconut water, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve over ice with a garnish of pineapple slices and maraschino cherries. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any tropical-themed party or barbecue.
Ingredients:
2 oz Dark rum
3 oz Pineapple juice
1 oz Coconut water
1/2 oz Lime juice
Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries for garnish
Method: Mix rum, pineapple juice, coconut water, and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries.
5. Lavender Lemonade Prosecco: Brunch with a Buzz
Elevate your brunch with a sparkling Lavender Lemonade Prosecco. This cocktail mixes homemade lavender lemonade with Prosecco, creating a light, bubbly, and aromatic drink. It’s both refreshing and sophisticated, perfect for enjoying alongside a late-morning meal under the sun.
Ingredients:
4 oz Prosecco
2 oz Lavender lemonade
Lavender sprigs for garnish
Method: Pour lavender lemonade into a champagne flute and top with Prosecco. Gently stir to mix and garnish with a sprig of lavender.
Each cocktail offers a unique blend of flavors and an ideal pairing for specific summer occasions, ensuring your menu is as exciting as your summer plans. Whether you are lounging by the ocean, hosting a garden party, or simply enjoying a sunny day at home, New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet has everything you need to create a perfect summer cocktail to complement every moment.
