The weather this summer has been brutal. It has been hot, and we have had our expected thunderstorms that may have altered our summer plans just a bit.
In the dog days of summer, I always found respite in a good refreshing cocktail. It is an experience where the coolness of the drink pauses, refreshes, and makes you able to cope with the brutality of summer weather and rushing around.
You would be surprised how much running around you do in the summer because you want to get it all in before another school year or enjoy your week off work.
A nice refreshing cocktail will allow you to decompress. I put together a list of my top 5 summer cocktails that I think will give you cause to refreshen, decompress, sit back, and enjoy the summer.
Remember ice management is key throughout the summer, always have plenty of ice ready to go. You will be happy you made that decision, trust me.
I try to make these cocktails simple enough so that you can enjoy it.
I am not a spritz guy! That is until I started drinking these absolutely refreshing cocktails that are easy to make and taste exceptionally good. The way I make them is so that they are not too sweet, and the bitterness and sweetness of the Aperol is balanced with the Prosecco and club soda.
This is a cocktail that is a fan favorite in Italy. If you take a walk through the piazza in Rome, Italy all you see at the cafés is the pink colored glass filled with an Italian spritzer. Forced to try one I have never looked back.
I use a large wine goblet for this as it suits the drink best (if you don’t have a goblet, a pint glass works too).
I enjoy a good sangria because it complements most summer dinners and is a crowd-pleaser before dinner, at the beach, for lunch, and at summer parties. Once it’s prepared, the only thing you need for your next glass of sangria is ice, leaving you more time to relax or enjoy your summer event.
You might wonder why not stick to the standard sangria recipe with either white or red wine. The answer is that this peach sangria is more refreshing and enjoyable. I’ve had red sangria on occasions during the fall and with a good Mexican meal, but red sangria is more suited to the fall and winter than summer.
White sangria is decent, and it certainly qualifies as a summer drink, but adding peach or white nectarine takes it to another level.
I like to make the peach puree in a blender, but you could also buy fresh peach juice or puree in the store. To make it at home simply peel the skin, remove the pit and blend until smooth. Add the peach puree to a large pitcher.
Slice the other two peaches into slices and add to the pitcher. Now add everything else, the brandy, Grand Marnier, tequila, liqueur, and wine. Stir gently with a wooden or plastic spoon, do not use a metal spoon.
Chill for at least an hour; add a splash of ginger ale to each glass before serving. Enjoy.
This is a new addition to my summer regiment because I always thought that it was tougher to make than it is. The wonderful thing about this cocktail is that the espresso coffee comes in cold brew and is readily available so that you do not have to make the espresso.
One other ingredient that I found to be a good addition to this cocktail is a little chocolate syrup drizzled on top of the cocktail.
Pour all ingredients in a shaker filled halfway with ice. Shake very well. Once chilled completely, strain into a chilled martini glass (I always keep my martini glasses in the freezer) garnish with three coffee beans (odd number) and drizzle chocolate syrup if desired.
This is a great easy refreshing cocktail to make that allows you to feel a little elegant and the cocktail will take you to its origin of Florence, Italy.
For the summer you need to have a bottle of gin. If you do not have a favorite brand I recommend Gordon’s gin. It is very cost efficient, and it is not as perfumy as Bombay, Hendrick’s, or other higher end gins. Gordon’s is a dry gin and will go very well in this cocktail.
Three simple ingredients make it easy to “refresh” your drink when the time is right.
Pour in:
Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Pour into a rocks glass with ice and garnish with a slice or just the peel of an orange. Enjoy!
The summer screams a good cool margarita. A drink that you can enjoy by itself or pair with a great summer meal. It is the cocktail that keeps on giving. The trick to a good Red Ruby Margarita is the fresh-squeezed red grapefruit.
I know it is a pain, but you can do it ahead of time and leave it in the fridge till your company comes over or when you are ready to enjoy this very refreshing margarita. I like a red ruby margarita with chips and salsa and good guacamole.
Throw in small appetizers and you will be in paradise. Be careful though, these margaritas go down awfully smooth and quickly. They are so good.
Blend ingredients for about 30 – 45 seconds.
Fill pitcher halfway with ice, cubes, not crushed, add blended ingredients to ice-filled pitcher, stir well. You can salt the rims of your glasses or if you don’t like salt, you can lightly sugar the rims instead. Using a strainer, pour into chilled glasses and garnish with a slice of lime or grapefruit.
Serve immediately and often. Enjoy!
Gallery Credit: Jordan Jansson
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host Big Joe Henry. Any opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.
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