Summer’s in full swing.
And what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing cocktail in hand? Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard BBQ, or just dreaming of a tropical getaway, we’ve got you covered with a lineup of the most delicious, colorful, and downright fun summer cocktails.
Lavender French 75
- 1.5 oz Empress Gin 1908
- .75 oz fresh lemon juice strained of pulp
- .5 oz lavender syrup
- Sparkling wine or champagne
- Lemon slices and lavender sprigs for garnish
Shake all the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker except the sparkling wine. Strain into a chilled glass. Top off cocktail with sparkling wine and garnish with lemon and lavender.
The addition of lemon juice to Empress Gin starts turning it a lovely shade of deep pink, adding to its magic.
Mocktail more your vibe?
Swap out the gin and sparkling wine with Sprite (be careful not to shake).
Pitcher Margarita
For 13 (4-ounce) servings
- 1½ cups Cointreau
- 1½ cups freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 cups Reposado Tequila
- ½ cup agave syrup
- 12 cups ice
In 2-quart pitcher, combine all ingredients, except the ice. Keep the margarita mixture refrigerated until ready to serve. When ready to serve, rim the glasses with salt (if desired) and fill each with ice.
Fill a cocktail shaker ¾ of the way with ice. Add enough prepared margarita mixture to the top of the ice. Cover tightly and shake vigorously 10-15 seconds. Pour into prepared glasses and serve immediately. Drain excess water from the shaker. Repeat for the additional servings, adding more ice as needed. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel.
Virgin Margaritas
Swap the tequila for sparkling water and the Cointreau for orange juice. Batch these mocktails without the sparkling water (it’ll cause your shaker to leak), then top them off with sparkling water just before serving.
Frozen Aperol Spritzes
(‘Fraperol Spritzes’)
- 12 ounces prosecco, plus more for serving
- 8 ounces Aperol
- 8 ounces water
- ¼ cup orange liqueur, such as Cointreau
- Orange wheels, for garnish
Whisk together prosecco, Aperol, water, and orange liqueur in a pitcher. Pour mixture into 2 to 3 standard ice cube trays. Freeze until firm, at least 8 hours but preferably overnight.
Transfer prepared ice cubes to a blender; process until smooth and frothy. Pour into 4 wine glasses and top off with more prosecco. Garnish with orange wheels and serve.
These drinks are sure to make your taste buds do a happy dance.
So grab your shades, crank up the tunes, and get ready to mix, sip, and savor the essence of summer. Cheers!