Hot Summer Cocktails Right Now Served By Raise Your Spirits

(Minty Blue pictured above)

Summer Rye

The Summer Rye cocktail is adapted from a traditional rye-based drink popular in fall/winter with the addition of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur in place of Ginger Liqueur. Try both versions. The summer version has been a big hit this summer for weddings coordinated by RYS.

  • 1 oz Rye Whiskey, like Wigle or Templeton
  • 1/2 oz St. Germain Elderflower (summer) or Ginger Liqueur, like FRUITLAB or Domaine de Canton (fall/winter)
  • 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz Fresh Sugar Syrup
  • 1/2 oz Unfiltered Apple juice
  • float Dry Prosecco
  • Garnish - 4 Granny apple cubes
  • Glass - Large rocks

Prep - Add all ingredients except Prosecco to a mixing glass. Add ice. Shake well and strain into a large rocks glass with fresh ice. Drop in apple cubes and stir. Float dry Prosecoo on top.

 

Minty Blue

This concoction is part Margarita/part Mojito with some twists and turns.

  • 1.5 oz Blanco or Silver Tequila, like Avion or Siembra Azul
  • 1/2 oz Blue Curacao
  • 3/4 oz Cilantro/Mint Infused Agave syrup
  • 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz Pineapple juice
  • No Garnish
  • Glass - Highball or Collins

Prep - Add mint and cilantro to the bottom of a collins glass and ice. In a mixing tin, add all ingredients over ice and shake. Strain into the collins glass.

Cilantro-Infused Agave Syrup

Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup agave nectar in a saucepan, and bring it to a slow boil while stirring continuously until all the sugar has dissolved. Just as the mixture begins to boil, add 1 cup of fresh cilantro. Simmer for 5-10 minutes and let cool (this syrup will keep in your fridge for about a month).

 

The Hemingway

(Photo courtesy of The Kitchn)

Part Daiquiri/part Cosmo, this summery cocktail is smooth, refreshing and pretty all in one. Also, it will not break the bank.

  • 1.5 oz Silver Rum, like Flor de Cana
  • 1/2 oz Orange Liqueur, like Combier d'Orange
  • 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
  • 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed white grapefruit juice
  • Garnish - Lime wheel
  • Glass - Chilled Cocktail or coupe

Prep - Add all ingredients to a mixing tin. Add ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe. Garnish lime wheel dropped in.

 

Cherry Blossom

Pictured on the right, the Cherry Blossom is great with the use of fresh lime cordial and a myriad of flavors. Feel free to sub for orange and cherry liq.

  • 1.5 oz Square One Straight Organic Vodka
  • 1/2 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
  • 1/4 oz Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
  • 1/2 oz Homemade Lime Cordial
  • 1/4-1/2 oz Grenadine, preferably homemade or cherry puree
  • Garnish - lime
  • Glass - Cocktail

Lime Cordial

Use a citrus zester or channel knife to remove peel from 12 limes. Place peels in small bowl. Squeeze limes into a glass using a hand squeezer and fine strain the juice into a saucepan. Add 1.5 cups of granulated sugar and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes or until mixture thickens (don't caramelize sugar). Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Add the zest to saucepan and let steep for 15-20 minutes. Fine strain mixture into a clean glass jar and store refrigerated for up to two months.

Prep - Add all ingredients to a mixing tin. Shake well. Strain or fine strain (if using cherry puree) into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish lime wheel or slice.

 

 

Look for my #NationalTequilaDay post later this week celebrated on July 24.

Recipe Category: 
Spring / Summer