Cocktails to Beat the Southern Summer Heat
Written by Rebekah McCubbins
Summer is here, and for many of us here in the Carolinas, that means it’s time to find a cool, refreshing cocktail to help us beat the heat. We’re bringing you 3 cocktails to sip on all summer long!
From beach days to backyard barbecues, you can’t help but get out in the sun when summertime hits. So why not find the perfect cocktail to help you stay cool?
A good summer cocktail is cold and fresh. It highlights bright flavors like citrus, florals, fruits, and fresh herbs. If it happens to be simple and easy to scale up for a gathering, even better!
Gin and Tonic
If you enjoy the spicy, floral flavor of gin, you can’t go wrong with a gin and tonic. It’s refreshing, adaptable, and so simple. You can customize your gin and tonic with flavored simple syrups, fruit juice, or some muddled fruit or herbs.
Ingredients
2 oz. gin
4 oz. tonic water
Lime or lemon wedge for garnish
Squeeze of lime or lemon juice (optional)
Pour gin over ice. Add lime or lemon juice (optional). Add tonic water and gently stir. Garnish with a lime or lemon wedge and enjoy!
Aperol Spritz
Aperol is an Italian apéritif that tastes like rhubarb and citrus. It’s a little bit bitter, a little bit sweet, and full of summery flavor. The Aperol Spritz makes a perfect light and bubbly summer beverage.
Ingredients
2 oz. Aperol
3 oz. Prosecco
1 oz. soda water
Orange slice for garnish
Pour Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water over ice. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy!
Mimosa
An ever-popular brunch beverage, the mimosa is the easiest cocktail you’ll ever make. It’s made with equal parts of the two ingredients, meaning you can effortlessly make an individual glass or a whole pitcher. If simplicity is your priority, this will become your go-to cocktail throughout the summer.
Ingredients
Orange Juice
Prosecco or Champagne
Add equal parts orange juice and your sparkling wine of choice to your glass or pitcher. Gently stir and enjoy!
Tips to Mix Your Perfect Cocktail
At the end of the day, your perfect summer cocktail is the one mixed with your own preferences in mind. You don’t have to follow the rules. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add some honey or a simple syrup. If you like a cocktail with a heavier taste of alcohol, change the ratio of your ingredients. If the recipe calls for lime but you prefer lemon, swap your citruses. Give yourself permission to make a summer beverage you’ll love!