The summer is filled with backyard bashes, barbeques, and all kinds of outdoor holiday celebrations. Along with plenty of treats to eat, your picnic-style parties and other outdoor affairs need something to quench your guests’ thirst.
Obviously, you’ll need to provide your friends and family with the standard summer drinks, such as fresh water, sparkling sodas, and maybe even a light lemonade. But, this isn’t where the summer party beverage list ends.
Whether you’re having a Fourth of July party, marking Memorial Day, or just having a Sunday “Funday” afternoon with friends, take a look at the adult beverages (meaning alcohol-infused drinks) that will refresh your guests on a sweltering summer day.
Magical Mojito
The Cuban cocktail is an oldie, but a goodie when it comes to adult beverages. Believed to date back to the times of Sir Francis Drake, it’s thought that an associate of his created the first mojito using aguardiente (rum), lime, mint, and sugar. You might be more familiar with other tales of the mojito — including its creation by African slaves who were forced to work in Cuba’s sugar fields.
Despite its murky origin story, the mojito remains a popular rum-based drink to this day. In addition, one of the benefits of this summertime singer is that you can create your own version, based on the standard lime juice, sugar, and mint version.
The easiest way to dress up a mojito is to add a splash of another tart fruit juice (it can replace the lime or go along with it). Grapefruit, orange, or lemon seltzers are all tasty options. Along with these zest-getters, a splash of chili-infused juice can turn up the spice factor and give the drink an unexpected kick.
If you want to sweeten the drink, playing up the sugar side of the mojito, then add in fresh fruit or fruit juices such as blueberry, strawberry, or pomegranate. Don’t forget to accent the drink with a wedge of fruit (watermelon is a refreshing summer juice) and sprigs of fresh mint.
Sparkling Champagne
Sweeten a sunny summertime brunch bash with a sparkling champagne recipe. Even though a flute of bubbly is certainly celebratory on its own, creating a cocktail that is champagne-infused is extra-festive.
You could go with an old-school mimosa (orange juice and champagne) or you can take your mixology magic a step farther. For example, you could mix champagne with watermelon juice, lemonade, blueberries, strawberries, or pomegranate juice.
Alternatively, you could cool down with a dreamy popsicle inspired drink, creating a creamsicle in a cup. Blend champagne with vanilla vodka, orange juice, and ice to make a chilly summer treat.
Marvelous Margaritas
What says summer like a margarita? Whether you’re into a slushy blended version or you prefer your beverage on the rocks, this summer sipper is the perfect way to refresh your guests. Margaritas are another drink you can customize, thanks to its basic recipe. This means you have the complete ability to design drinks based on your party theme.
Are you having a red, white and blue bash for Memorial Day or July Fourth? Try a layered frozen margarita (you need to freeze it if you want to properly layer the drink without having it mix together immediately) made from strawberries, coconut, and blueberries.
Alternatively, you could go with separate margaritas, making a brilliant blue by mixing the tequila with Triple Sec and blue curacao or a red version with deep ruby red grapefruit juice.
Do you need spirits to add to your summer party menu? Contact our experts at Holiday Wine Cellar to learn more about your options.
