Summer Cocktails :: My Favorite Recipes

Ahhh summer. The summertime feeling is really one of nostalgia. The final bell at school would ring, the crowd of students would rush out the doors and parents would swoop their kids up and off to summer camp. The good ole days.

As an adult, I spend most of my summer Fridays wishing I still had a summer break. However, one thing that I get to enjoy as an adult with a J-O-B is a summer cocktail. Front porch sits with a refreshing adult beverage after a hard day’s work feels very satisfying. If you’re craving some new cocktail flavors, you’ve come to the right place. These are some of my summer go-to’s.

- summer southern cocktail -

This cocktail is almost a fizzy version of an Arnold Palmer (which happens to be one of my favorite drinks). It’s incredibly light and refreshing - especially for a whiskey drink!

Mix …
2oz whiskey or bourbon
2oz unsweet tea
2oz cranberry-lemonade
Top with Sprite Zero

Pour over ice. Best served while sitting in the sunshine.
Cheers!

- tequila spritzer -

The Italian drink of summer is an aperol spritz … but this recipe is for the tequila lovers out there. It is light on the aperol (you could also cut it with extra sparkling water), if you’re not usually an aperol fan!

Mix …
2oz tequila
2oz aperol
2oz grapefruit juice
Top with sparkling water

Pour over ice (I like using a giant cube of ice, if you have the mold). Serve in a wine glass and with a smile. Salud!

- the mint julep -

Although this drink is mostly associate with the Kentucky Derby (which takes place the first weekend of May), I love this cocktail all summer long. The mint simple syrup is refreshing on a hot summer day!

Mix …
2-3oz bourbon
1oz mint simple syrup
Top with a splash of sparkling water and a sprig of fresh mint

Serve over crushed ice in a silver julep cup.