As the summer months roll on, you may be looking for that next refreshing drink. If you are bored with the margaritas, vodka sodas, and beers that you usually find, consider one of the cocktails below to add some intrigue to your time outdoors.
Cocktail 1: Moscow Mule
This classic drink is sure to delight your taste buds. But be sure to serve it in a copper mug; it adds a certain tang that makes all the difference!
Ingredients:
- 2oz Vodka
- ½ oz Lime Juice
- 6oz Ginger Beer
How To:
In a separate cup, squeeze one whole lime. Combine with vodka and stir. Strain this mixture into your copper mug and top off with ginger beer. Stir together and garnish with a lime wedge. If vodka is not your wheelhouse, consider making a Mexican Mule with tequila, an Irish Mule with whiskey, or a Jamaican Mule with rum. Adding a little lemon juice can also help to intensify the flavors!
Cocktail 2: Blueberry Lemonade Margaritas
A twist on the boring old margarita is sure to give your summer table the splash of color it needed. Best of all, this drink is sweet and refreshing on those hot summer pool days.
Ingredients:
- Blueberry Syrup
- 2oz Tequila
- 1oz Triple Sec
- ¼ cup Lemonade
How To:
First, you will need to make or buy some blueberry syrup. Put ¼ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of water, and ½ cup of blueberries in a saucepan on medium heat. Once the berries have wilted and given the mixture a color, remove from heat and strain. Let sit for a few minutes to cool. In the meantime, salt or sugar the rim of your glass. Finally, mix tequila, triple sec, lemonade, and a little bit of syrup with ice in it, and garnish with a lemon.
While it does take some practice to get the syrup mixture down, this refreshing, juicy drink is well worth the squeeze.
Cocktail 3: Michelada
While not as popular in the States as the Bloody Mary, this cocktail is a staple of Mexican summers. For those wanting to go south of the border, consider this spicy drink.
Ingredients:
- Light, Mexican beer (like Corona or Tecate)
- Tomato Juice
- ½ Whole Lime
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Soy Sauce
- Hot Sauce
- Tajin Seasoning and Salt
How To:
Combine Tajin seasoning and salt in a bowl, and garnish your glasses’ rims with the mixture. In your glasses, combine hot sauce, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce as desired. I prefer just a splash of each (you can always add more!). Next, squeeze half a lime. To top off the glass, fill half with light beer and half with tomato juice.
Stirring here is optional! Some people prefer the beer on top, but personally, a good stir mixes everything together nicely.