The thing I most look forward to when summer starts is the bounty of fresh seasonal foods with which to cook and make cocktails. I already have an easy garden-fresh dish in my head to share however I’ve been swacked by a virus this week that has kept me horizontal since last weekend.
Cherry Bounce: Dating back to George Washington’s era, Cherry Bounce is a liqueur created by steeping sugar, bourbon and pie/tart cherries together for a number of months. This is the perfect time of year to create a batch when pie cherries come into season to enjoy in the fall.
Summer Fruit Sangria: It is still a bit early in Colorado for our native fruit to make this luscious Sangria but it’s definitely one for the summer cocktail plan. It’s very easy to make and flexible to the fruits in season and that you enjoy. Perfect to have on hand for unexpected guest or for a party.
Strawberry Infused Vodka (with cocktails recipes to use it): Colorado’s first strawberry season is upon us, earlier than usual due to our surprising heat. This vodka is one I enjoyed all last summer. It’s simple with a beautiful strawberry flavor. Completely refreshing in a Vodka Tonic if not one of the other cocktails I share in the post.
Rhubarb Pie Cocktail: Don’t let the ‘pie’ scare you off. I too was dubious at first worried this might be a novel, sickly sweet drink. It is not and has become an early season favorite for me. Made with a homemade rhubarb puree it provides a unique, fresh tartness that can’t be beat.
Costa Rican Basil Mojito: This cocktail I discovered on a trip to Costa Rica last summer. It is a spin on a traditional mojito only made with basil instead of mint. It’s fabulous. Flavorful and refreshing. There are other cocktail recipes I rounded up on my trip included in this link as well. If you can’t travel to the tropics this summer, you can at least drink like you are in the tropics!
Farmer’s Market Gin and Tonic: I’m a ‘G & T’ girl from way back. This version was created by my friend Rob Masters the distiller for a locally distilled gin, Rob’s Mountain Gin. It’s made extra fresh by the inclusion of cucumber and rosemary.
Strawberry Key Lime Mojitos: This cocktail speaks for itself. You can imagine the flavors by the name. It’s a perfect summer quencher.
Sneaky Tiki: This too was a Costa Rican discovery from a trip a few years ago. I discovered it poolside after a morning of jungle hiking and it became my daily afternoon beach or pool side libation after a day of eco adventure. You can skip the mosquito repellent and keeping your eye out for poisonous snakes and just head straight for the cocktail.
For even more ideas, please select the ‘Booze’ tab below the blog title for links to other infusions and cocktails.
Good lord! I love this list!! Perfect for lazy, boozy summer afternoons and evenings. Thanks for sharing and feel better!
You have captured the essence of this list exactly! I hope you will have a chance to enjoy yourself this summer and thank you for the get well wishes!
Gorgeous and inspiring – I will look forward to using all these ideas soon!
I hope you will! And please report back. Thank you so much.
What an awesome drinks list! I'm totally searching for a reason to have a party now!
Cheers.
Party of 1. Never a reason to deny oneself! Thanks much for reading and commenting.
Great list! Each one looks tastier than the last, thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend!
What a great list! I recently made a pineapple infused rum from your recipe and it was amazing! I can't wait to try these drinks out too!
Every single one looks superb. I never do these kinds of drinks cuz we don't drink alcohol but I know there must be a way to sub in a non alcohol alternative. I always feel like I am missing out on such a huge part of summer. It sucks having IBS, alcohol was the biggest trigger for me. Such a big old bummer.
Oh, Toni-I'm a “gin and tonic girl”…from way back when; Let's drink to that, Cheers!
Also would love to try the strawberry key lime mojitos…in fact, would love to sample all of them (I'm not shy…LOL)
Superb cocktails, will be busy pinning them all to Pinterest!
Hugs,
Pick one, any one, they're all fantastic!!
I will take one of each please
Each one better than the last. Thanks for all of these. Cheers!