Summer Drink Ideas
Summer has finally arrived, and it’s time to beat the heat by sitting outside with a refreshing glass of your favorite cold beverage. Whether you’re throwing a party or just hoping to relax with your significant other, summer time is the perfect occasion to get creative with your drinks. If you usually stick to just one kind of drink, spice things up with these delicious recipes for summer cocktails.
Lemon Drop Martini
If you’re a beginner at mixing drinks, a lemon drop martini is an excellent drink to start with. Adding vodka to drinks can liven up any party, and this classic, simple drink is delicious and pairs well with almost any menu. To make a sweet and sour martini, you’ll need one and a quarter ounces of vodka, 0.25 ounces of triple sec, and 0.25 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice. All you need to do is pour the ingredients together and mix. Most people prefer this drink with sugar on the rim, so make sure that you have some handy.
Blackberry Crush
Martha Stewart’s blackberry crush is a perfect drink for the summer. It incorporates fresh fruit, and the other ingredients like seltzer and a sprig of mint add coolness that’s ideal for sipping on warm summer nights. To prepare this drink, you’ll need four fresh blackberries, one tablespoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of simple syrup, one and a quarter ounces of vodka, seltzer, ice, and mint leaves. Before combining all of the ingredients, make sure to crush the berries. Combine all ingredients except for seltzer and the mint leaves. After everything’s been mixed, top with a splash of seltzer and mint sprigs.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a classic drink that’s especially adored in the summer. This drink has a pretty pink color that’s ideal for sipping by the pool. Like the lemon drop martini, a Cosmopolitan is easy to prepare even if you aren’t an expert at mixing drinks. If you’d like to make this drink, the ingredients include one and three quarters ounces of lemon flavored vodka, one half ounce of Cointreau, one half ounce of cranberry juice, one half ounce of lime juice, one quarter ounce of simple syrup, and a lime wedge.
White Russian
While the above drinks are fizzy and refreshing, if you’re craving something a bit more rich and creamy, try a White Russian. This dessert-like drink is ultra satisfying at the end of a long summer day. To make a Classic White Russian , you’ll need one ounce of Absolut vodka, three quarters of an ounce of Kahula , and two ounces of heavy cream. Grab an old-fashioned glass, and combine ice with vodka and Kahlua. After that’s mixed, top the drink with heavy cream and enjoy the cool and creamy indulgence just like “The Dude would make.”
Long Island Iced Tea
If you’re looking something that’s both strong and incredibly refreshing, try making Long Island Iced Tea. This classic summer drink is popular for its sweet and complex flavor. There are quite a few ingredients involved, but the recipe is still relatively simple. You’ll need one half ounce of vodka, one half ounce of rum, one half ounce of gin, one half ounce of tequila, one half ounce of triple sec, one ounce of sweet and sour mix, and one ounce of cola. Long Island Iced Teas are wonderful additions to outdoor dinner events, and they’re so well loved that it’s likely that everyone will want to grab one.
Vodka-Thyme Lemonade
For something light and crisp with a unique flavor, try Martha Stewart’s vodka-thyme lemonade. You’ll need two cups of sugar, 12 sprigs of thyme (more if you’d like to garnish the drinks), four cups of lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best), and two cups of your favorite vodka. The prep time is a bit more in depth, but still not too complicated. First, combine the sugar and thyme with two cups of water in a saucepan. Heat on high until the sugar is completely dissolved, then let the mixture cool. After that, pour the mixture through a sifter, leaving only the liquid. Dispose of the thyme that’s left after sifting. Let the liquid chill for a few hours, then add the lemon juice, vodka, and thyme garnish. When it’s time to drink up, serve over ice.
There are countless recipes to try during the summer time. Whether you’re hoping to become an expert at mixing up delicious concoctions, or you’re happy sticking with the simple, tried and true recipes, you’re sure to find a drink that you love on this list.