The scorching August heat means finding central air wherever you can and enjoying the last days of summer with a cocktail in hand. Refreshing, cool drinks and even some frozen options should be at the top of the list as you take those last trips or hit those rooftop hangouts with your girls. If you’re really looking to enjoy those summer days, and mix things up on your palate, whether you’re on the beach or just daydreaming of a vacay, a rum-based option is sure to get the party started. But there are plenty of refreshing spirits out there to help you try something new.

As we dive into Leo season, here are the drinks you should sip based on your zodiac.

For a bit of childhood nostalgia, but with an adult twist, try a Dirty Shirley. It’s just a Shirley Temple but spiked with a shot (or two!) of vodka.

Dearest Pisces, you’re probably overthinking everything, including your drink order. Unwind with a lemon drop and let those worries slip away. But go easy on these, otherwise you might end up sending an emo text to an ex.

All things pickles continue to trend, so the bold and ever so slightly chaotic Aries might want to give a pickletini a shot. Similar to the classic martini, this just ups the brine factor and is a fun, trendy drink, sure to be a pleaser for anyone who typically loves dirty martinis.

A good, strong drink can absolutely help a Taurus take a second to unwind and stop being so stubborn. Whether on a rooftop, day drinking at brunch, or entertaining at home, a rosé sangria is a fun drink for the last full month of summer.

A spritz is probably on the list of every chatty Gemini. But for this sweltering summer month, give a frozen Hugo spritz a go. Refreshing and fun, just like you.

“I’m a Cancer, and we’re known for being reliable and traditional,” says Brian Jupiter, owner and executive chef of Frontier Chicago. An equally reliable drink is the old fashioned, which Jupiter describes as having comforting flavors and a rich history.

Leos never need to be told to lighten up and live a little, so a rum-heavy cocktail like a hurricane is a winner. “It’s a drink that’s perfect for a Leo who loves to make a statement and enjoy life to the fullest,” Jupiter says.

We get it, Virgo. You don’t exactly like change and want to keep all things in life fairly practical and fuss-free. You might already be a fan of a Negroni, but this month, embrace cherries before they’re out of season. You’re still keeping it classic, but with a slightly sweet kick.

Alicia Perry, beverage director of CH Projects, recommends a Livorno punch for her fellow balance-seeking Libras. “It’s balanced and warm,” she says. The Italian drink includes rum, sugar, espresso, and a hint of lemon.

“Scorpios are intense, mysterious, and passionate,” Jupiter says. A classic dark and stormy (dark rum and ginger beer) reflects that powerful, enigmatic personality.

Sags are always down for an adventure and keep it light and unbothered. “The frozen strawberry daiquiri captures their love for excitement and new experiences. It’s a fun and refreshing drink that fits their adventurous spirit,” Jupiter says.

Perry is excited to see some low-ABV cocktails emerging and a tea-infused vermouth should certainly be on an ambitious, level-headed Capricorn’s sipping list.

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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Savory cocktails are having a moment. Last year saw an uptick with them in the hipster communities of New York City, Los Angeles and even DC. The super sweet staples like Cosmopolitans are still popular, so don’t worry…but drinkers are expanding their palate past sugary flavored beverages. The Bloody Mary has been the poster child for savory drinks with its tomato goodness. The dirty martini is another popular order at bars. And summer brings the bitter Aperol Spritz. But these recipes add another whole taste profile, are you open to try one of the savory cocktails?

RELATED: The Best Hydrating Cocktails For A Hot Weekend

Some could call the Bullshot a cousin of the Bloody Mary. This cocktail’s origin story starts in Detroit, the Motor City. The drink emerged around 1952 with the help of John Hurley, a regular at the newly opened steakhouse, the Caucus Club (still a city favorite). John Hurley, a regular at the steakhouse, was an advertising executive and had a new client Campbell’s Soup. They were launching canned bouillon and Hurley needed to sell a lot of cans, and the Bullshot is one of the marketing ideas which became a bar staple.

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The everything bagel has spawned an entire mini-industry. Some cooking influencers have said they only use the “everything bagel” spice and Pringles has come out with an everything bagel chip. The super savory cocktail almost acts like an appetizer.

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This drink makes the most of trips to the Farmer’s Market. First made at Dukes, the produce forward eatery in Healdsburg, California. It is almost like a club version of a smoothie!

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Why not cut the sweetness of an old friend? The classic mint julep can be refreshing – but what about giving it a deeper, richer flavor by muddling a jalapeño into it and cutting some of the sugar?

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After exploring these recipes, are you interested in trying one of the savory cocktails?

The barman pours alcohol into a glass. Close-up.

Scotch whisky, tracing its roots back to 1494, remains a symbol of Scottish heritage and craftsmanship. In recent years, Scotch has gained renewed popularity, especially in the U.S. market, driven by evolving consumer trends.

According to the IWSR, a leading authority on data and intelligence for the global beverage alcohol market, Scotch whisky is experiencing notable growth in the U.S. Millennials are increasingly gravitating towards premium whiskies, fueled by rising financial confidence. This shift is driving higher sales of premium spirits in bars and restaurants. The IWSR report also highlights a growing interest in no-alcohol alternatives, reflecting a broader trend towards mindful drinking. Despite overall moderation in alcohol consumption, the demand for quality Scotch remains strong, driven by changing consumer preferences and a focus on health and wellness.

While Scotch can be thoroughly enjoyed on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with other spirits and flavors to create easy, sipping cocktails. Here are 10 cocktail options that showcase Scotch’s versatility:

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Experience the vibrant and zesty flavors of The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow with this refreshing cocktail.

Ingredients:

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake well. Serve over a block of ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with dehydrated lime and nutmeg.

Bold flavors of Lagavulin 16 Year Old Scotch.

A fiery twist on the classic margarita, featuring the bold flavors of Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Ingredients:

Instructions: Muddle jalapeno slices in a shaker, then add remaining ingredients. Shake well and double strain over ice into a rocks glass with a Tajin rim. Garnish with a lime slice.

Rock and roll glamour with Wolfie’s Whisky by Sir Rod Stewart.

A glamorous cocktail that brings a touch of rock and roll to your glass with Wolfie’s Whisky, a brand by Sir Rod Stewart.

Ingredients:

Instructions: Shake whisky, passion fruit liqueur, vanilla syrup, and lime juice with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and top with a splash of champagne.

Smooth elegance with The Glenlivet 12 Year Old.

A timeless classic, the Whisky Sour is elevated with The Glenlivet’s smooth profile.

Ingredients:

Instructions: Dry shake all ingredients, then add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with bitters.

Double Cask 18 Years Old, vermouth, and Campari.

An elegant and bitter cocktail that balances the richness of Double Cask 18 Years Old with sweet vermouth and Campari.

Ingredients:

Instructions: Stir all ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled martini or rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

Rich espresso meets The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow.

Perfect for coffee lovers, this sophisticated martini combines the richness of The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow with espresso.

Ingredients:

Instructions: Shake all ingredients and strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with toasted coconut and coffee bean dust.

Modern sophistication with Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie.

A modern cocktail with a nod to tradition, featuring Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Scotch.

Ingredients:

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

Celebratory blend with The Glenlivet 14 Year Old and champagne.

A luxurious blend of The Glenlivet 14 Year Old and champagne for a celebratory touch.

Ingredients:

Instructions: Pour whisky, lemon juice, and honey water into a chilled flute. Top with champagne, stir, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Talisker 10 Year Old and aromatic Earl Grey tea.

A refined cocktail that marries the depth of Talisker 10 Year Old with the aromatic qualities of Earl Grey tea.

Ingredients:

Instructions: Prepare the syrup by steeping tea bags in boiling water, then adding sugar. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lemon twist.

Tropical twist featuring Aberfeldy Scotch by D’Arel Miller, Director of Food + Beverage at Broken Shaker.

A tropical twist on a classic cocktail with the added depth of Aberfeldy Scotch by D’Arel Miller, Director of Food + Beverage at Broken Shaker at Freehand New York.

Ingredients:

Instructions: Freeze an ice tray with Vita Coco Coconut water. At home, blend the ingredients together, then place in the freezer for five minutes to replicate a slushy consistency.

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