Those perfect, sun-drenched days are upon us, and while we soak up the rays it’s time to
celebrate with refreshing the latest in summer cocktails and mocktails.
Summer months are a time to be adventurous with beverages. With endless fruity, bubbly,
herby, icy combinations, the weather invites us to stretch ourselves to be open to new
possibilities. Or, at the very least, to try a new drink at our favorite spot by the pool! Here are a
few suggestions with and without alcohol:
Strawberry Mint Sparkler
A perfect afternoon mingling of sweet strawberries, tart lime juice and crisp mint, this vibrant
drink is a wake up call for the senses. Perfect for poolside, its bright, easy flavor and lush color
also make it a fun cocktail for an outdoor get-together.
Ingredients
2 1/2 ounces sliced fresh strawberries from approximately 5 medium berries
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed juice from 1 lime
10 mint leaves
2 ounces vodka
2 1/2 ounces club soda
Lime, mint, or strawberry for garnish
Directions
1) In a cocktail shaker, combine strawberries, simple syrup, and lime juice and muddle until
strawberries are completely dissolved. Add mint leaves and gently tap 5 times with
muddler. (Do not over-muddle mint or it will taste bitter and muddy.) Add vodka to
shaker and fill 2/3 full with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds.
2) Fill a Collins glass with ice and add club soda. Fine-strain cocktail into glass and stir
gently. Garnish with lime, mint, or strawberry, if desired.
Recipe by Niki Achitoff-Gray.
Island Mango Mezcal Breeze
This island breeze is an irresistible mix of sweet and smokey. Mezcal, the fiery relative of
tequila, is sweetened by mango juice and given a kick of heat from a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Add some chips and salsa, and you’ve got a full fiesta!
Ingredients
Salt, for the rim
1/4 cup mango juice
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Juice of 1/2 a lime
1 1/2 ounces Mezcal
1 1/2 ounces silver tequila
Pinch of chili powder, to taste
Sparkling water for topping
Directions
1) Run a lime wedge around the rim of your
glass and coat in salt.
2) Combine the mango juice, lemon juice,
lime juice, Mezcal, tequila, and chili
powder in a cocktail shaker and fill with
ice. Shake until combined and then strain
into your prepared glass. Top with sparkling water. Serve with limes. Enjoy!
Recipe by Tieghan Gerard.
Cucumber Collins Cocktail
Nothing’s quite as cool as a cucumber, which makes this the
perfect drink to sip in the summer shade. This beverage is light,
fresh, and fizzy; the gin, cucumber blending perfectly with the
subtle pear and floral notes of elderflower. Sip with sunglasses
on. And be cool.
Ingredients
1 oz London Dry Gin
2/3 oz elderflower cordial, found at gourmet markets and
liquor stores
2/3 oz lemon juice
4 thin cucumber slices
3 1/2 oz soda water
Directions
1) Pour the Gin, cordial, lemon, and half the cucumber slices into a tall glass, and gently
stir.
2) Fill the glass with ice, then top with soda water.
3) Stir gently again and garnish with final cucumber slices.
Recipe by Cam Northway.
Mocktails are super-trendy for their taste and to stay hydrated! You can simply skip alcohol in
many of the drinks, or take it a step further and make them healthier options with less sugary
ingredients.
Citrus peach cooler (non-alcoholic)
A versatile blend of invigorating citrus, this non-alcoholic cooler is perfect for everything from a
sophisticated garden party to a family friendly event. Want to make it boozy? Add a dash of
peach schnapps.
Ingredients
2 lemons, juice only
2 limes, juice only
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 lime, thinly sliced
peach nectar
lemonade
a few sliced strawberry
sparkling water
mint sprigs
Directions
1) Put the lemon juice and lime juice into a large jug. Add the sliced lemon and lime, and a
handful of ice cubes. Add peach nectar to fill about one-third of the jug and top up to fill
with lemonade.
2) Add the strawberries and top up with sparkling water and mint sprigs.
Recipe by Mary Cadogan.
This recipe is a creamy, non-alcoholic take on an absolute classic that may or may not already
have you humming a certain ‘70s tune. It uses coconut milk instead of coconut extract or cream
of coconut, giving it a smoother, slightly less sweet taste. Since it’s not cutting any alcohol, less
sweetness is needed! Enjoy a little bit of the Caribbean, steps away from your living room.
Ingredients
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup canned coconut milk {I use full fat}
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
8 cups cubed ice
Directions
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Recipe by High Heels and Grills.
Enjoy those poolside drinks while the season lasts. Have you browsed our poolside apartments
yet at www.singhapartments.com? And, if you’re looking for interesting drinks while going out
- the aged cocktails at Lucy and the Wolf in Northville and the Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini at Maverick’s Kitchen in Canton are memorable experiences!