Lay back, drench yourself in the sun’s rays, and slowly sip one of these crisp, cold cocktails that burst with color and bracing flavors. These refreshing summer cocktails are the perfect way to stay cool as you host the next backyard barbecue party!
Classic Tequila Sunrise
"Just gazing at this concoction feels like a warm, restful summer evening. The Grand Marnier adds a richer, deeper spirit of orange."
¾ cup orange juice
1 ½ ounces silver tequila
½ ounce Grand Marnier
½ ounce grenadine
Fill a shaker with ice and pour in everything but the grenadine. Shake the bejesus out of it for about 30 seconds, then pour into a tall glass of ice. To make that beautiful layered look, slowly pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass so it sinks to the bottom. Garnish with a slice of orange or the vibrant red orb of a cherry.
Apricot & Mint Cocktail
"The refreshing bite of mint heightens the smooth sweetness of real apricots in this richly-colored elixir."
3 small ripe apricots, cut in half, pits removed
4 mint leaves
½ ounce lemon juice
½ ounce simple syrup
1 ½ ounces gin (such as Hendrick’)
1 mint sprig, to garnish
If you want the apricots easier to muddle, remove their skin first, but it’s not necessary. Pour the muddled fruit into a shaker and muddle (but don’t pulverize) the mint into the apricots.
Fill the shaker with ice and pour in the lemon juice, simple syrup and gin. Shake for as long as it takes to say “I’m so thirsty” five times.
Strain into a glass (you might need a mini mesh strainer too, depending on your muddling technique), and garnish with mint.
Raspberry Russian
"An all-natural liqueur, Chambord is made with raspberries and blackberries in a base of cognac and French spirits."
3 fresh raspberries
1 ounce heavy cream
1 ounce Chambord
1 ounce vodka
In a glass meant to sit next to your hammock, muddle the raspberries. Fill with some ice and pour in the cream, Chambord and vodka. Stir until well mixed. Sip slowly.