Easy Summer Cocktails

Sit back, relax and sip

Make no mistake, the cocktail lives on. And what better time than patio season to try something different. Not much of a mixologist? You don’t have to be. These beauties are as easy to make as they are to sip. Enjoy responsibly!

Cherry Mojitoake

Um, yes please. This sipper starts with 8 to 10 mint leaves and a lime wedge in a tall glass. Next, add 1 tbsp of sugar, and muddle to release the oils and juices. Then add 8 pitted cherries, a second wedge of lime and muddle again. Next comes some ice, 1 generous oz of rum and a splash of seltzer. Stir, garnish and serve.

Lavender Collins

If you like a spin on a classic, this could be your cocktail. To a glass filled with ice, add 2 oz of gin, a big squeeze of lime and dash of absinthe. Top with lavender soda, and garnish with lime. Bonus points for adding lavender sprigs.

The Paloma

Grapefruit drinks were made for summertime. And this one just might be a little too easy to make. Fill a tumbler with ice and add 1 1/2 to 2 oz of your favourite tequila. Top with grapefruit pop and a squeeze of lime. Sip slowly.

The Bramble

It’s time to bring back the Bramble— especially now that blackberries are in season. This one starts with a highball glass. To it add 9 or 10 blackberries and the juice of half a lemon. Gently muddle to crush the berries, and then top with ice. Pour in a generous oz of your favourite dry gin and a scant oz of crème de mûre. Stir, garnish with lemons and enjoy.

Pimm’s

For a classic English drink, it’s got to be a Pimm’s. This one starts with a few sprigs of mint in a tall glass. To it, add 6 or 7 shaved slices of cucumber and a splash of sparkling lemonade. Then gently muddle. Next comes the Pimm’s, about 1 1/2 to 2 oz. Add a handful of ice, a splash of elderflower liqueur, and top with more lemonade. For a classic garnish, add a strawberry or a long curl of cucumber peel.

Dark ’N’ Stormy

If you like a Moscow Mule, you’ll love a Dark ’N’ Stormy. Making one couldn’t be easier. Add ice and a generous oz of your favourite dark rum to a tall glass. Slowly pour in a zingy ginger beer, and add a squeeze of lime juice. An instant classic.

Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade

Oh yeah, this one’s got punch. In a cocktail shaker,
muddle 10 blackberries with 3 mint leaves and a ribbon of lemon zest. Add 1 tbsp of squeezed lemon and 1 tbsp simple syrup. Next comes the bourbon whiskey, about 1 1/2 oz. Stir to combine, and strain into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with whole blackberries and a simple slice of lemon. n

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