Best Summertime Cocktail Recipes

Learn which cocktails and beers are the most refreshing when wading through those warm weather days. Warm weather brings rising thirst, and what better way to quench that craving than with a refreshing cocktail or beer. Once you master a few of these popular summertime cocktail recipes, you'll feel more confident to create a signature drink or two of your own. So read more and become a master of the summertime cocktail!

Best Summertime Cocktail Recipes

Mint Julep

Mint Julep is as much a summertime tradition as watching the Kentucky Derby. Garnished with a sprig of mint, this strong cocktail can be enjoyed throughout the warm months. Made famous at Kentucky’s Church Hill Downs, the Mint Julep combines bourbon, sugar, water, and mint.

To make a Mint Julep, you will need:

     1 shot of Bourbon      1 tsp of fine-grain sugar      1 tsp of water      Crushed Ice      3 sprigs of fresh mint      Collins Glass      Muddler

Instructions for making a Mint Julep:

1. The first step in creating a Mint Julep is to muddle two sprigs of mint with sugar and water. Muddling involves smashing the dry ingredients in the bottom of the glass with a bar tool called a muddler. This tool can look like the bottom of a baseball bat. Once ingredients are well combined, add water. 2. Add the desired amount of crushed ice, and pour bourbon on top. 3. Garnish the glass with a mint sprig.

Pilsner

Served at a cooler temperature than most beer, the Pilsner is an excellent choice when seeking out summertime beer. This beer’s pale straw color provides a refreshing and drinkable option when hosting an outdoor party or a crawfish boil. Sam Adams Noble Pils is a good example of this beer style. A citrus undertone combines with a crisp finish, making this brew a refreshing treat on a hot summer day.

Find the perfect pilsner glasses here.

American Pale Ale

Pale Ale provides a light hoppy flavor that is best served cold. This beer is more flavorful than a Pilsner. A prominent floral aroma makes this beverage ideal for the spring and summer seasons. Anchor Liberty Ale by Anchor Brewing Company is an excellent example of an American Pale Ale.

Need an ale glass? Try these.

Long Island Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea has been served as a summer cocktail since the 70s. This highball drink combines four different kinds of liquor with triple sec, sour mix, and coke. Because the Long Island Iced Tea contains five shots of alcohol in one serving, this is best consumed conservatively, especially on a hot day.

To make a Long Island Iced Tea, you will need:

     Ice      1 shot of vodka      1 shot of gin      1 shot of rum      1 shot of tequila      Splash of Triple Sec      Splash of sour mix      Splash of Cola      Cocktail Shaker

Instructions for making a Long Island Iced Tea:

1. Combine ice, liquor, Triple Sec and sour mix in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. 2. Pour contents in glasses and add cola on top.

Looking for more cocktail recipes? Try these!

How to make the best rum and coke 25 Delicious Mojito recipes How to make the Perfect Bloody Mary How to host the perfect cocktail party {at home or virtually} with recipes!

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