There is a lot more fun to be had with adult beverages in summer than beer commercials would lead one to believe. Here are five simple drink recipes to liven up a pool party or barbecue.
1) MINT JULEP: A long-time favorite in the southern states, this is one that goes down smooth and fresh. This recipe makes eight servings.
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup of chopped mint leaves, plush unchopped sprigs for garnish
- 32 ounces of bourbon
Combine the water, sugar and mint in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil until the sugar is dissolved, then put it aside to cool.
In a highball glass, pour in crushed ice until 3/4 full, 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup of the mint mixture. Stir, add a mint sprig and serve.
2) GIN RICKEY: This is a fine variation on either the Gin and Tonic, or Tom Collins. This again makes eight servings.
- 12 ounces of gin
- 8 limes, juiced
- Sprinkle of fine sugar each glass
- Seltzer water
- 8 slices of lime (for garnish)
In a highball glass, fill to 3/4 height with crushed ice. Add all but the seltzer water and stir.
Then top up the glass with seltzer and add the slice of lime as a garnish. A large martini glass can also be used.
3) PIMM’S NO. 1 CUP COCKTAIL
What is Pimm’s? It is a gin-based liqueur that was one of those things which built the British Empire. Most liquor stores will have it. Again, for eight cocktails:
- 2 cups Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
- 8 cups ice
- 3 cups ginger ale
- 8 lemon slices (garnish)
- 8 cucumber slices (garnish)
In a pint beer glass, pour in 1/4 cup Pimm’s, 1 cup ice and top with ginger ale. Stir and add the lemon and cucumber as garnish.
4) MARGARITA
Nothing says summer like wasting away again in Margaritaville. Here is an easy recipe for eight.
- 2 cans (6 oz. Each) of frozen limeade
- 1 1/2 cups of tequila
- 1/2 cup triple sec
- 1 blender of ice cubes
Add all the ingredients into a blender and whir until smooth. Serve. Salted rims on the
glasses are an option.
5) CAESAR
Pretty much the Canadian version of a Bloody Mary, tomato juice can be substituted for Clamato. This recipe again makes eight tall glasses.
- 1 cup vodka
- 8 cups Clamato
- 1/2 cup celery salt (as a glass rimmer)
- Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
- Hot pepper sauce (to taste)
- Ice (as needed per glass)
- 8 celery sticks (garnish)
- 8 lime wedges (garnish)
Run the lime wedge around the rim of the glass to wet it, then place the glass (rim side down) onto the celery salt which has been spread on wax paper or a saucer. This forms the rimmer.
Add the other ingredients, stir, add ice and a celery stick, then serve.
What is your favourite drink of the season?
Love a good Margarita!
I've never had a mint julep. Thanks for all the recipes. I might not even wait for the weather to heat up before I try them.
Oh yummy! Pinned. Thank you so much!
Wow I am running out now for Mint Julep mix!