Summer Cocktails

 

If you’ve been searching for ideas for summer cocktails, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered several “new” recipes sure to fit your summer entertaining needs.

 

The “traditional” gin and tonic will always be a perennial summertime entertaining option, but we went in search of a few new flavors to try and discovered several new ways to up the game. To make entertaining ultra-easy, the professionals recommend mixing your guest’s beverages up “punch-style” in a pitcher to enable you to serve a crowd without spending all your time behind the bar.

 

We’ve uncovered a hidden gem in St Germain, a “perfect liqueur” according to Wine Enthusiast, and offer a few options for mixing this floral, light and delicious liqueur into a number of cocktails suitable for brunch, mid-day, pre-dinner or late night sipping.

 

What’s the newest trend in cocktails, besides the massive meal-in-a-glass Bloody Mary? It’s savory cocktails, of course. Try adding a bit of salinity to your next cocktail, along with fresh herbs, perhaps from your own herb pot?

 

And just like the summertime foods we eat, fresh seasonal ingredients make your cocktails shine too. Muddled, whole or used as a garnish, seasonal ingredients add the perfect punch to any of our summer cocktail recipes.

 

Strawberry Daiquiri

 

This is a classic, but we forego the blender and serve it on the rocks.

• 2 oz rum, we like Caliche
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar heated until the sugar is completely dissolved, cool and use)
• 2 fresh strawberries, crushed

 

Build and stir on the rocks in a glass. Or make a pitcher full. Garnish with a strawberry or lime twist.

 

 

Dill Collins

 

The savory/sweet combo is punched up with the addition of a salt solution. You must try this.

• 1.5 oz gin, we prefer Bombay Sapphire
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 1-2 slices of cucumber
• 2 sprigs of fresh dill
• 10 drops of saline solution (dissolve one tablespoon of kosher salt in two ounces of water to make the solution)

 

Build and stir on the rocks in a Collins glass. Top with club soda. Garnish with a sprig of dill, cucumber, and lemon slices.

 

The St-Germain Cocktail

 

Perfect for your next brunch in lieu of Mimosas or Bellinis. Light, refreshing and absolutely delicious.

• 2 parts Prosecco
• 1 ½ parts St-Germain artisanal French elderflower liqueur
• 2 parts Sparkling Water

 

Build with ice in a large carafe and stir. Garnish with lemon.

 

St-Rita

 

Love margaritas, but looking for something different? This one might become your new “go to”.

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz St-Germain artisanal French elderflower liqueur
• 3⁄4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

 

Build and stir on the rocks in a glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

 

Earl Grey Lemon Punch

 

Who doesn’t love iced tea with a little sugar and lemon? And gin, don’t forget the gin.

• 7.5 oz gin, we enjoy Bombay Sapphire
• 3.75 oz lemon juice
• 3 oz simple syrup
• 5 oz strong steeped earl grey tea
• 5 oz club soda

 

Build with ice in a pitcher and stir. Garnish with lemon slices.

 

Sangria Flora Sangria is a summertime staple amongst the wine-loving crowd. Try this fantastic white wine version with your favorite seasonal fruits.

• 3 cups Sauvignon Blanc or your favorite dry white wine
• ¾ cups St-Germain artisanal French elderflower liqueur
• 5 fresh Strawberries (halved)
• 5 fresh Raspberries
• 5 fresh Blackberries
• 10 fresh Grapes

 

Stir ingredients in a carafe. Let the mixture soak for 15 minutes, or longer if desired, then pour into ice-filled glasses. The fruits listed are merely suggestions. Many combinations of local, seasonal fruit will work nicely. Consider stone fruits, such as ripe peaches, when they are at peak season.