Seasonal Cocktails for Summer

Summer is in full swing now and you’re gonna need a cool beverage to go with that sweet sunburn you’ve been parading around town. Much like the Springtime article, here are some delicious cocktails that you can shake up (sometimes shaking isn’t even needed because breathing in this heat is tough enough) with your toes planted firmly in that kiddie pool.

Just as spring cocktails have a mission of brightening up the palate with exciting flavors and vivid colors, summer cocktails are there to be refreshing; If you asked me what summer cocktails have in common, I’d say they have to have tons of ice and/or have bright citrus flavors, all while being incredibly easy to make.

This list of cocktails was inspired by the margarita, which in my eyes is the quintessential summertime cocktail. But that drink isn’t on this list because it’s been beaten to death and you can find a recipe for it on the back of cereal boxes. For those expecting a sweet take on a piña colada in this article, heartache awaits, since I can’t find an easy way to make one that doesn’t involve a can opener. So here is a quick list on some easy-to-make classic cocktails for this wonderful weather.

This is my favorite drink in the summer. It has many variations (you can just serve it in a rocks glass with tons of ice if you prefer) and is similar to a “smash” with its mix of spirit, mint and citrus. This one is a bit on the green side, due to the type and amount of mint used.

In your mixing tin, add about 7 mint leaves and lightly muddle them. Pour 1/2 ounce of lime juice, 1/2 ounce of lemon juice, 3/4 ounce of simple syrup and 2 ounces of gin into a shaker tin, add ice and shake it up. Double-strain into a chilled glass. If you want to jazz it up, add real grapefruit juice and swap out the soda for a sparkling water.