Written by The Strategy

Sure, the warmth and the sun and the social gatherings of summer are great. But a highlight of summer that only adds to the excitement is the impact of a nice refreshing drink. Be it a night in or a get-together with friends, the importance of a good cocktail should never be over looked. What’s a summer night without a summer drink, right? 

We scouted and tested out a few different recipes that we’re sure you and your party guests would love. From a fresh citrus spritz to a lazy-day iced tea, we’ve got you covered.

The White Sangria

– sauvignon blanc, chilled
– 1 cucumber
– 2 limes
– 1 cup green grapes
– mint leaves
– 1 litre tonic water

Thinly slice the cucumber and limes, and halve the grapes longwise. Add cucumber, lime, and grapes to a large pitcher. Pour in your sauvignon blanc, topping off with the tonic water. Add in the mint leaves, and stir. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

French 75

– 25 ml gin
– champagne
– 1/2 lemon
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar

In a champagne flute (or a glass serving bottle) add 25 ml of gin. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon, and stir in half a teaspoon of sugar for sweetness. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour in the champagne, give it another stir, and you’re good to go.

Spiked Arnold Palmer

– 2 cups black tea
– 1/2 cup bourbon
– 1 orange
– 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons honey

Over ice, mix together the black tea, bourbon, and the juice of the orange and lemon. Add honey to taste, though we like ours a little sweeter. Mix well and enjoy!

Sex on the Not-So-Tropical Beach

– 1/3 cup coconut rum
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup cranberry juice

The coconut rum is the best little twist on this classic summer cocktail. Stir all three ingredients until well combined. Pour over ice, and be swept away to the tropical island of your choice. 

Gimlet

– 60 ml gin
– 30 ml apple juice
– 1/2 cup ginger ale
– mint leaves

Another classic, but this time with apple juice instead of the traditional lime. Combine all indigents in a shaker with ice. Pour into a nice sturdy glass, and garnish with mint leaves. Alternatively, combine the same measures of gin and ginger ale with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Written by Katrina Garofalo