With summer heat comes grilling on the deck or hanging out at the beach with a drink in hand. Forget the new cocktails with names like "The Tutu" or "Stars and Stripes." Stick with the age old cures to the summer heat blues.
Pina Colada
Songs are named after it. Drink mixes have been invented to make it easier. If you order it in Mexico they know what you're talking about. And what's even better? There's a non-alcoholic version for the kids so everyone can enjoy! The Pina Colada is the pivotal summer cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Rum (light or dark)
- 4 oz. Pineapple Juice
- 1 1/2 oz Coconut Creme
- Crushed Ice
- Pineapple slice for garnish
Pour the rum, pineapple juice and coconut creme in a glass over ice. Stir until mixed well. Garnish with pineapple slice.
To make a non-alcoholic version, combine only pineapple and coconut juice. Can be blended for a more child-appealing look.
Known as a classic, refreshing drink, the Tom Collins may be the perfect drink for relaxing after a long summer day.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Gin
- 1 oz. Lemon Juice
- 3 oz. Club Soda
- 1 tsp. Superfine Sugar
- 1 Maraschino Cherry
- 1 Orange Slice
In an ice filled shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and sugar. Shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass with ice cubes. Add the club soda. Stir and garnish with the cherry and the orange slice.
Strawberry Daiquiri
The blended drink is a summer favorite, and none could be more famous than the strawberry daiquiri. A favorite among women, this drink has a cool history, but an even cooler taste.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz. Strawberry Schnapps
- 1 oz. Light Rum
- 1 oz. Lime Juice
- 1 tsp. Sugar
- 1 oz Strawberries
Add ingredients with a ice in a blender. Blend and then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with strawberry.
Daiquiri mixes are also available at your local liquor store.
Margarita
If any drink has spawned more variations than can be counted, the margarita is it. Strawberry, raspberry, melon and mango are just a few. The original is still a classic though.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. Tequila
- 1/2 oz. Triple Sec
- 1 oz. Lime Juice
- Bar Salt
Run a lime wedge along the edge of a margarita glass and dip into bar salt. In a shaker filled about half with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake well and stain into glass.
Sangria
With a Spanish history and a good amount of alcohol, this adult punch can add a nice kick to an afternoon on the beach.
Ingredients:
- 1 Bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz)
- 1 Lemon cut into wedges
- 1 Orange cut into wedges
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 oz. Brandy
- 2 cups Club Soda
Pour wine in the pitcher and squeeze the juice wedges from the lemon and orange into the wine. Toss in the fruit wedges and add sugar and brandy. Chill overnight. Add club soda immediately before serving.
Other alcohols and fruits can be added to change the taste or up the alcohol content.
No matter what drink you choose to enjoy during the summer months, it's important to remember to have fun and be safe. Know your limits, always have a designated driver and drink plenty of water.
Jessica Spengler - Jessica has been a drink writer since 2008, appearing on not only Suite101, but her own blog, Drinkmatron.com and DailyBeerReview.com
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