5 special summer cocktails
When the bright sun warms your face and balmy breezes tousle your hair, that’s peak summer. The only thing that can make a hot summer’s day even more appealing? When you have a frosty cocktail in your hand. In honor of the season, these five cocktails feature seasonal fruits (and veggies), most of which you can pick up at the local farmers’ market this summer.
- Coconut Margarita [Foodie Crush]
The crisp taste of tequila pairs perfectly with warmer weather, especially when it’s mixed into a margarita. This unique version of the margarita adds a tropical twist thanks to an ounce of coconut cream and another of coconut milk. Together with cointreau, lime juice, half-and-half, simple syrup, and your favorite tequila, the creamy base creates a cocktail that’s almost a cross between a pina colada, a White Russian, and a margarita. You won’t be disappointed. - Tomato Mojito [The Chic Site]
You probably never thought to add a tomato to your cocktail (unless it’s a bloody mary, of course). That’s what makes this slightly savory version of the mojito so complex and delicious. It includes the classic ingredients you’d expect to see in a mojito, like tequila, sparkling water, mint, and simple syrup, but adds a blend of yellow and red grape tomatoes, lime wedges, and lemon, culminating in a cute and refreshing cocktail. - Strawberry-Basil Lemonade [A Beautiful Mess]
Nothing says summer quite like a chilled glass of lemonade. This is the grown-up version of the childhood favorite. Start with a base of lemonade, then add a healthy splash of vodka or gin, a few leaves of fresh basil, and slices of lemon and strawberry. The result is a tart, sweet beverage that will quench your thirst even on the hottest of summer days. Make a big pitcher of the strawberry-basil lemonade and pour a round for your friends instead of going out for happy hour. - Blueberry Mint Julep [How Sweet Eats]
There’s a very small window during the year when blueberries flourish, so while they’re in-season, take full advantage. Pick your own blueberries at a nearby farm or grab a pint at the closet farmers’ market to create this sweet, chic cocktail. Start by crafting your own mint-infused simple syrup, then blend it with fresh blueberries to create a puree. Finally, add bourbon and crushed ice to an ounce each of mint simple syrup and mint-blueberry puree, then top the summery concoction with a few fresh mint leaves for a bit of extra flair. - Cucumber Cooler Cocktails [Minimalist Baker]
The crunch of someone chomping into a cucumber is basically synonymous with summer. After you slurp down the last of this Cucumber Cooler, feel free to tear into the cucumber slices that serve as garnish. But first, piece together the cocktail with gin, tonic water, and a dash of sugar. You muddle the mint, lime, gin, and sugar first, then toss in the cucumber slices and top the creation with tonic water. Stir everything up and sip on this quintessential summer beverage.