Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, a time commonly celebrated with gatherings and outdoor barbecues. As such, refreshing cocktails play a central role in these festivities. Here’s a selection of easy-to-make summer cocktails to try out during the season.
Black-Eyed Rye
A sustainable option from Maryland, this cocktail uses Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey as its base.
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Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey
- 0.5 oz. lime juice
- 1 oz. blackberry syrup*
- 3 oz. ginger beer
- Mint leaves or dehydrated lime for garnish
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Instructions:Shake whiskey, lime juice, and blackberry syrup with ice, strain into a highball glass, and top with ginger beer. Garnish with mint or lime.
*Blackberry Syrup: Combine equal parts of water, sugar, and blackberries in a pot, boil, simmer for 10 minutes, chill overnight, and strain.
The Pear-fect Hound
This cocktail from Hera The Dog Vodka supports local animal shelters.
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Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Hera The Dog Vodka
- 2 oz. pear nectar
- 0.5 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz. simple syrup
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Instructions:Shake and strain into a martini glass, garnishing with a pear slice or lemon.
Pineapple Rickey
Using Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin Brazilian Pineapple, this drink offers a tropical twist.
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Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin Brazilian Pineapple
- 0.5 oz. lime juice
- 0.75 oz. pineapple juice
- Soda water
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Instructions:Mix the ingredients in a highball glass over ice, top with soda, and garnish with pineapple.
Taffer’s Summer Punch
This punch utilizes Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon for added richness.
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Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon
- 1 oz. lime juice
- 2 oz. pineapple juice
- 2 oz. orange juice
- Splash of grenadine
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Instructions:Combine the ingredients in a shaker, strain into a rocks glass over ice, and garnish with pineapple and a cherry.
Strawberry Black Pepper Smash
This cocktail marries fresh fruit with a peppery twist.
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Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Tequila Corralejo Silver
- 2-3 fresh strawberries
- 0.5 oz. lemon juice
- 0.5 oz. agave syrup
- 2-3 cracks fresh black pepper
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Instructions:Muddle strawberries, add the remaining ingredients, shake, and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with more black pepper and a basil leaf.
Bellini Martini
A peachy cocktail that offers a delightful experience.
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Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Tito’s Vodka
- 0.5 oz. basil liqueur (or infused)
- 1 oz. peach purée
- 0.25 oz. lemon juice
- 2 oz. chilled Prosecco
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Instructions:Shake the first four ingredients and strain into a chilled glass, topping with Prosecco. Garnish with peach or basil.
Summer Send-Off Punch
Combining Bombay Sapphire with other refreshing components, this punch is made for large gatherings.
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Ingredients:
- 0.75 oz. Bombay Sapphire
- 0.25 oz. St-Germain
- 0.5 oz. white vermouth
- 4 oz. ginger ale
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Instructions:Mix the gin, St-Germain, and vermouth before topping with ginger ale. Garnish with lime and mint.
Patchwork
Inspired by the National Quilt Museum, this cocktail features a unique blend of flavors.
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Ingredients:
- 2 fresh strawberries
- 3-4 basil leaves
- 1 oz. Cognac
- 1 oz. Mezcal
- 0.75 oz. lemon juice
- 0.5 oz. Cointreau
- 0.5 oz. simple syrup
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Instructions:Muddle strawberries and basil, add other ingredients, shake, and strain over ice. Garnish with a basil leaf.
Ponche Caballero
This cocktail combines classic Mexican flavors and is perfect for summer events.
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Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Tequila Partida Blanco
- 1.5 oz. tamarind nectar
- 1.5 oz. pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz. agave nectar
- 0.5 oz. lime juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
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Instructions:Shake and strain into a glass over ice, garnishing with pineapple.
Brugal French 88
A light cocktail ideal for brunches.
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Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Brugal 1888 Rum
- 0.5 oz. elderflower liqueur
- 0.5 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz. chamomile tea syrup
- 3 oz. Prosecco or Champagne
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Instructions:Shake all but the Prosecco and strain into a glass, topping with bubbly and garnishing with a lemon twist.
These cocktails will be sure to refresh and delight guests throughout the summer season.