6 Seasonal Spirits

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Recently we wrote about summer parties. But, let’s face it, the best part was the signature drinks. From a summer shandy to a fruity daiquiri, summer gives us the perfect excuse to drink the sugary cocktails we truly want year-round.  If you think fun, fruity cocktails are “too girly,” get over it. Everyone can use one of these alcoholic refreshments.

 

1.     Blue Moon Shandy ~ One of my personal favorites, and a nice summer option for beer lovers and non-beer drinkers alike. Though Blue Moon is traditionally served with orange slices, adding lemonade (Simply Lemonade is my preference) still complements the beer’s flavor. Of course, a lemon or orange slice is a nice touch.

2.     Mike’s Hard Lemonade ~ This is the easiest beverage of all, because all you have to do is buy it! With flavors like peach lemonade, black cherry, blood orange, and margarita and at 5% ABV you can have a few, that is if you are not worried about your blood sugar.

3.     Piña Colada ~ I don’t like getting caught in the rain all too much, but I do appreciate a good Piña Colada.  Pretend you're beachside in your own backyard by adding a slice of pineapple and umbrella to your rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice blend. Here is an excellent recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cup ice
  • 1/2 cup diced pineapple, frozen
  • 2 ounces pineapple juice
  • 2 ounces Coco Lopez coconut cream
  • Blend until smooth and enjoy

4. Frozen Strawberry Daquiri ~ A daiquiri is a fruity way to beat the heat. This recipe is for 8, so invite some friends over to relax. Make smoothies for the kids so they can enjoy a summer drink, as well.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups ice 
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 4 ounces frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup rum
  • 1/4 cup lemon/lime flavored carbonated beverage
  • Blend the ice, sugar, and strawberries first
  • Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons superfine sugar
  • Garnish your glass with a fresh strawberry

5.   Strawberry Basil Lemonade ~ Looking for a fruity cocktail on the rocks? Look no further. The basil adds fresh flavor to the sweet strawberry and lemonade. This recipe has few ingredients, but a bit more preparation. I think it’s worth it. 

  Ingredients:

  • 1 large strawberry
  • 3 basil leaves
  • 1 ounce Bulldog gin
  • 2 ounces lemonade
  • club soda
  • Muddle the strawberry and basil in a glass
  • In a shaker, mix the gin and lemonade with ice
  • Strain into your prepared glass
  • Garnish with a strawberry and basil leaf

 

6. Watermelon Punch ~ Watermelon is a classic summer favorite, making appearances at BBQs, the beach, and now in cocktails. While garnishing with flowers may be a bit too fancy for a Saturday afternoon cocktail, this recipe is worth trying.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups seeded watermelon, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups white vermouth
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons superfine sugar
  • 3 cups crushed ice
  • Blend watermelon, vermouth, and sugar until watermelon has liquefied
  • Add ice and blend for about 3 more seconds
  • Garnish with pansies

 

 

 

                                          

Cheers!