When the nights get longer and the weather warmer, thoughts of refreshing cocktails designed to complement a menu, a theme, or a whim are perfect party starters. Here are some of our faves including a new take on the basic Vodka Martini for something a little different.
Here are 6, count ‘em six summer inspired cocktails to kick start any summer shindig!
Newport Cooler
1 1/2 oz. Gin
1/2 oz. Brandy
1/2 oz. Peach Liqueur
1 teaspoon Lime Juice
Ginger Ale
Pour gin, brandy, peach liqueur and lime juice in a collins glass filled with ice, top with ginger ale and stir gently.
Beach Street Cooler
1 1/2 oz. Brandy
1/2 oz. Curacao
1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
Cola
Combine the brandy, curacao and lemon juice in a shaker filled with ice, shake and pour into a chilled collins glass. Fill with cold cola and stir well.
Tropical Itch
1oz. Light Rum
1/2 oz. Orange Curacao or Grand Marnier
3 – 4 oz. Passion Fruit Juice
Combine in a shaker with a cup of ice. Pour, with ice into a double old fashion or Collins glass. Top with additional passion fruit juice if needed.
Pina Martinique
1 1/2 oz. White Rum
1/2 oz. Cointreau
1/2 oz. Coconut Cream
2 tbsp. Strawberries (crushed)
2 tbsp. Pineapple (crushed)
1 cup Crushed Ice
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Mix at high speed for 45 seconds. Pour into a Collins glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or strawberry.
Pineapple Martini
2 oz Vodka
1/4 cup crushed pineapple with juice
1/4 oz simple syrup
In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine the vodka, pineapple and simple syrup. Shake hard and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a slice of pineapple if you have it.
Nude Beach
1 oz. Gold Rum
2 oz. Pineapple Juice
2 oz. Orange Juice
1/2 oz. Grenadine
Dash Lime Juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Mix well and strain into a chilled collins glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with a lime squeeze.
