If your summer plans involve lounging around the pool or hosting your friends and family for BBQs, there is nothing better to sip on than a cool and refreshing cocktail (or mocktail!). Inspired by travel and international flavours, here are a few summer cocktails to serve up and enjoy under the sun.
Mojito
Originating from Cuba, the mojito is a classic cocktail made with mint leaves, lime juice, white rum, sugar and soda water. The combination of fresh mint and lime makes this a delicious summer cocktail. If you are looking to make this a mocktail, just exclude the rum!
Ingredients:
2 ounces white rum
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
8-10 fresh mint leaves
Soda water (to top off)
Ice cubes
Lime wedges and mint sprigs (as garnish)
Pimm’s Cup
Pimm’s Cup is a classic British drink frequently enjoyed in the summer. It consists of gin-based liqueur Pimm’s No.1, lemonade, an assortment of fresh fruit, cucumber and mint, served over ice. An essential for any backyard or park gathering, this mix is easy to put together and enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 ounces Pimm’s No. 1
3 ounces lemonade
Fresh fruits (such as oranges, lemons, and strawberries)
Cucumber
Fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes
Cucumber slices and mint sprigs (as garnish)
Aperol Spritz
Quickly becoming one of the most popular cocktails, Italy’s Aperol Spritz is a favourite among many. With its vibrant orange colour, it is a classic staple on patios throughout the summer. The main star, Aperol liqueur, has a bitter-orange taste and becomes a refreshing bubbly drink when combined with prosecco and a splash of soda water. All you need are a few ingredients and to pop the prosecco to enjoy!
Ingredients:
3 ounces Prosecco (or any other dry sparkling wine)
2 ounces Aperol
1-ounce soda water
Ice cubes
Orange slice (as garnish)
Piña Colada
We all know that classic catchy tune… if you like Pina Coladas, then the best time to enjoy them is in the summer! This creamy and fruity cocktail comes from Puerto Rico and is a combination of rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream. Blending the ingredients with ice gives the drink a creamy but refreshingly tropical texture and flavour.
Ingredients:
2 ounces white rum
3 ounces pineapple juice
2 ounces of coconut cream
1 cup of ice
Pineapple wedges (as garnish)
Sangria
A traditional Spanish drink, Sangria is a great cocktail to make for large groups if you are hosting an event. All that is needed is wine, fresh fruit, sugar, sweet liqueur, and ice. You can choose between red or white wine and adjust the ingredients based on your preference. Below are some suggested fruits to add but feel free to include whatever you like. Each batch will surely please all crowds!
Ingredients
1 bottle (750ml) of wine (red or white)
1/4 cup brandy
2 tablespoons orange liqueur
2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
1 apple, sliced
1 cup chopped seasonal fruits (such as berries, peaches, or grapes)
1 cup sparkling water (optional, for added fizz)
Ice cubes
These summer cocktails are a delicious way to cool off or treat your friends and family to a special drink. With only a few ingredients, we hope you take your taste buds take a trip!
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