Here are 5 quick and refreshing summer cocktails you can prepare for you and your guests while you enjoy some quality leisure time (and still stay productive in the process):
1. The Colbert Bump
Created by Esquire’s David Wondrich and named after Stephen Colbert (political satirist extraordinaire), this is a refreshing summer cocktail that isn’t just quick to make, but is bound to please everyone’s palate (via DrinkNation). Ingredients: 1 oz. Cherry Heering 1 1/2 oz. Gin 2 splashes Carbonated Water/Club Soda 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice Mixing Instructions: Put four ice cubes in a highball glass. Pour 1 oz. of cherry brandy, followed by 1.5 oz. Gin, then 0.5 oz. lemon juice. Add soda water and stir.
2. Canadian Summer Vacation
Another recipe courtesy of Drinknation. As a resident of this fine nation, I enjoy this quick drink when we do get our short (but sweet) hot weather on the “wet coast” of Canada. While not everyone will be able to get their hands on one of the primary ingredients (Yukon Jack), if you can find some then having it at the ready for this drink is well worth it. Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps 1 1/2 oz. Yukon Jack 1 1/2 oz. Pineapple Juice Mixing Instructions: Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Strain into old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
3. Merry’s Midsummer Night Lemonade
Another gin-based cocktail (and another recipe from Drinknation), this drink is easy to make and requires very little. And it is recommended you serve it in a mason jar – another great reason to indulge! Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz. Gin 1 splash Lime Cordial (Rose’s) 5 oz. Sprite 1 wedge Lemon 1 wedge Lime Mixing Instructions: Add the gin over ice in a mason jar. Then add the sprite. Top off with the splash of lime juice. Garnish with the lemon and lime wedges. Stir.
4. Snakebite
Also known as a “shandy”, this potent cocktail should be enjoyed very slowly and in moderation as it can knock you back on your hammock for the long haul if you down it too fast or down too many. But there’s not too many cocktails that are easy to make thn this one. Ingredients: 1/2 pint of lager 1/2 pint of dry cider Mixing Instructions: Pour ingredients into a pint glass. Drink away. (But in moderation, remember?)
5. Bourbon Smash
I’m a big fan of bourbon, so when I came across Tom Macy’s post over at The Huffington Post I couldn’t pass up sharing it with you. Here’s what Macy had to say about it: Ingredients: 2 ounces Bourbon .75 ounce Simple Syrup .25 ounce Lemon Juice 3 Lemon Wedges Pinch of Mint (10–12 leaves) Mixing Instructions: In a cocktail shaker muddle the lemon wedges and mint in simple syrup. Add remaining ingredients. Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a mint sprig. (Photo credit: Alcohol Margarite Drinks via Shutterstock)
