When temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, it’s time for refreshing summer drinks that perfectly complement long, sunny days.
Mixed drinks, also known as cocktails, offer a limitless variety of flavors and styles to make summer even sweeter. Let’s discover how you can enjoy summer in a glass with some popular and new recipes.
1. Classic: Mojito
The mojito, a Cuban classic, is synonymous with summer. Its refreshing combination of rum, fresh mint, sugar, lime juice, and soda is ideal for beating the summer heat. To make a traditional mojito, you will need:
- 50 ml light rum
- 1 lime (cut into quarters)
- 2 teaspoons cane sugar
- Handful of fresh mint
- Soda water (as needed)
- Ice
Directions: In a medium-sized glass, muddle the limes with the sugar and mint, add the rum, fill with ice, and top with soda water. Stir and garnish with a sprig of mint.
2. A tropical touch: Pina Colada
Pina Colada is another summer favorite that will transport you straight to a Caribbean beach. This creamy cocktail consists of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.
- 60 ml light rum
- 30 ml coconut cream
- 90 ml pineapple juice
- Fresh pineapple for garnish
- Ice
Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a blender with ice until smooth. Serve in a chilled glass with a slice of pineapple as a garnish.
3. Refreshing twist: Cucumber Gin Tonic
For gin lovers, Cucumber Gin Tonic adds a refreshing twist to the classic gin and tonic with the addition of cucumber syrup.
- 50 ml gin
- 100 ml tonic
- 10 ml cucumber syrup
- Slices of fresh cucumber
- Ice
Method: Add ice, gin, and cucumber syrup to a tall glass. Top with tonic water and garnish with cucumber slices.
4. Summer refreshment: Sangria
Sangria is ideal for parties and picnics. This Spanish drink combines red wine with fruit to create the perfect summer refreshment.
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 250 ml orange juice
- 50 ml brandy
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Fruit: oranges, lemons, apples
- Ice
Method: Mix the wine, orange juice, brandy and sugar in a large jug. Add the chopped fruit and leave to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Serve with ice.
5. New wave: Matcha Mule
Matcha Mule is a modern twist on the classic Moscow Mule, adding the health benefits of matcha powder.
- 50 ml vodka
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 100 ml ginger beer
- 10 ml lime juice
- Ice
Method: Mix the matcha powder with the lime juice and vodka, add ice and top up with ginger beer. Stir and serve with a slice of lime.
Conclusion
Summer drinks are a great way to cool down and refresh yourself on hot days. Whether you prefer classics like Mojito and Piña colada, or want to experiment with new flavors like Cucumber Gin Tonic or Matcha Mule, don’t be afraid to try new recipes and enjoy summer to the fullest.