Summer is almost upon us, and that means evenings of frivolity. Whether your
backyard is large enough and inviting enough to entertain a group of your
friends, or you prefer an intimate affair indoors, you will be sure to delight
when you make one of these summery cocktails. We give you seven ideas that are
just as fresh as what they are made from and taste delicious on a warm summer's
day. These drinks can be made individually or in large batches out of a
pitcher. They are perfect for a steamy summer garden party.
1. A Sweet Authentic Mojito
There are so many mixers available for this Cuban favorite, but nothing can
quite compare to making one from scratch, just raw ingredients to make the
perfect drink. A good rum will give it the sweetness it needs. When mixed with
a bit of sugar and club soda, poured over ice, and garnished with some lime
wedges and sprigs of fresh mint leaves, it is sure to please everyone. This is
a great drink for a summer evening because it is fresh, it is light, and the
mint works perfectly to make it a summer staple.
2. Use Blackberry Syrup in a Bramble
As almost anyone with even a passing interest in bartending lore can tell you,
the bramble is a British cocktail that pairs a gin sour with the refreshing,
tart bite of blackberries. For a more modest and time-sensitive host or
hostess, a bramble can be made by preparing a gin sour and some blackberry syrup in a
tall glass over ice. Add another dash of lime juice for an ultra summery twist
on a modern classic.
3. Daiquiris to Use Up All the Fresh Strawberries
While it may seem like the ultimate in girly drinks, daiquiris are just plain
delicious, no matter how they appear. This drink, as a cocktail packs quite a
punch of rum, but the slush, when made with fresh
strawberries, is delicious on its own. Simply mix a cup of strawberries
(fresh is preferred) with 1/2 cups of sugar and lemon juice in the blender.
Blend it to your preferred consistency and pour it in a glass over ice with
half as much lemon-lime soda and a few ounces of rum if you like. To preserve
the beach day vibe of this drink, use light rum.
4. Use Seasonal Fruit in a Sangria
Wine does not really have a season. A fresh bottle can be opened and enjoyed at
any time in the year. However, summer calls for the fresh, light taste of fruit
to be added in the form of a sangria. Adapted from the Latin for blood, a
"sangria" is meant to be made with red wine, staining the fruit it
contains as blood can stain. With the advent of summer, you want to use the
summer fruits that are now plentiful. Things like strawberries, watermelons, or
orange slices are welcome and delicious additions. The fresh fruit in this
drink just adds to its benefits. Sangria is an excellent addition to any
gathering you throw for the relaunching of a sport
or anything else you think is worth celebrating.
5. Mix Up a Frozen Summer Slush Treat
Sometimes when the weather is warm, nothing will refresh us and cool our bodies
like a frozen slush treat. This is a sweet, flavorful slush that is very
versatile, not being tied to just one type of drink. In fact, you can change up
the drink with whatever you would like to have in it, but it is recommended
that you have this with clear liquors. Simply mix some cans of frozen orange
juice and lemonade concentrates with a few spoonfuls of sugar and some water in
a blender, add your favorite drink (gin is recommended), and serve it in a
glass with a straw. This is a drink that tastes like a dessert.
When you are entertaining your friends and family during the summer, you want
to be able to serve them something that is light and refreshing and captures
the taste of the season. Mix up a cocktail that is perfect for a warm day and
uses all the fruits around you at this time. No matter what a person's drink of
choice is, you can find something that delights them.
