Summer is here, and it’s time to celebrate the arrival of long sunny days with a good cocktail or two—ideally light, refreshing, and maybe even sessionable, allowing for drinking through the afternoon well past sundown. From fruity new favorites to time-honored classics and fun takes thereon, we’ve rounded up 11 drinks for imbibers of every taste to enjoy outside in the season’s warm weather.
Grilled Pineapple Mojito
Give your Mojito even more of a summery flair with this fruity variation. If you find yourself grilling this month, throw some pineapple chunks on along with your meats and veg. The fruit will bring the classic combo of rum, fresh lime juice, and mint to a whole new level when added to the mix.
Don the Beachcomber’s Nui Nui
Prep cinnamon-infused and vanilla-infused simple syrups ahead of time so you can make this beachy drink whenever the mood strikes. They bring a hint of sweetness and spice to lime juice, orange juice, rum, allspice dram, and bitters to make an irresistibly complex tropical cocktail.
Spring Fever
If you still haven’t gotten the last of your spring fever out, make a batch of these. Rosé wine shines when shaken with elderflower syrup, fresh lemon juice, strawberries, and rhubarb bitters. Serve in a wine glass garnished with a lemon wheel, preferably outside on a sunny day.
Aperol Spritz
This classic took over the cocktail world (and Instagram) a few summers ago, and it’s back for your warm-weather enjoyment this year. The simple mix of prosecco, Aperol, and soda water is easy to throw together at a moment’s notice.
Canchánchara
Rumored to be the oldest cocktail from Cuba, this little-known refresher is about to be your new favorite. White rum, fresh lime juice, and honey are shaken together, then poured over ice and topped with soda water. For authentic presentation, be sure to serve it in a clay mug.
Re: Birth
The tartaric acid solution isn’t a common ingredient in bars or at home, but one sip of this cocktail will make the case for adding it to your regular rotation. When mixed with blackberry sage tea syrup, brandy, sake, and chamomile liqueur, you’ll get a herbaceous and perfectly balanced drink.
Lounge Chair Afternoon
Pink port’s natural sweetness is highlighted in this session-able cocktail. Mix the port with añejo tequila, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and tarragon simple syrup for a drink to sip while lounging under the sun.
Paloma
Not quite in the mood for a Margarita, but still want something that’s sweet, sour, and full of tequila? We’ve got you. This classic mix of tequila, lime juice, salt, and grapefruit soda is just what you’re looking for.
Elixir Bloody Mary
Step up your brunch game with this ultimate Bloody Mary. The combination of vodka, spices, hot sauce, lemon, and tomato juice isn’t much different from other recipes, but a dash of Elixir Juice (a mixture of olive brine, dill pickle brine, and various other pickle brine) helps to solidify this drink’s spot on your table.
Spicy Margarita
Nothing screams “summer” quite like a Spicy Margarita. And with this recipe, you’ll be drinking one in no time. Just muddle some jalapeño and then shake it with Blanco tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup, then strain over ice into a salt-rimmed glass.
Aquavit Buck
If you have a bottle of aquavit laying around, try it in this herbaceous take on a Gin Buck. The spirit melds beautifully with lime juice, ginger syrup, and homemade carrot cordial, and it’s finished with a dash of club soda for a touch of lightness.
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