By Kris James

Happy Wednesday Stylers! I don’t know about you all, but with everything going on in the world I know we can all agree on one thing, DRINKS! A cocktail in the summertime has a singular goal to make us feel cool. Cool, like soft breezes, salty ocean spray, and the crisp air from AC units. These classic summer cocktail recipes, which range from simple to more intensive concoctions, are ideal for hot weather drinking.

 

Rosemary Gin Fizz

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP

1 c. water,1 c. granulated sugar, 3 sprigs fresh rosemary

FOR THE DRINK

2 oz. gin

1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice,1 oz. rosemary simple syrup,1 large egg white, Ice, 2 oz. seltzer, Lemon round, for garnish Rosemary, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Make rosemary simple syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, and rosemary. Bring to a boil and stir until all sugar is dissolved, pressing rosemary against the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release its oils. Let cool to room temperature, then strain into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Make drink: Combine gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 10 to 15 seconds to combine all ingredients. Fill shaker with ice and shake 10 to 15 seconds more, or until chilled.

Strain into serving glass, top with seltzer, and garnish with lemon and rosemary.

Rainbow Sangria

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 bottles Moscato, chilled, 1/2 c. triple sec, juice of 3 limes,1/4 c. granulated sugar,3 c. blackberries,3 c. blueberries,6 kiwis, peeled and sliced,2 c. diced pineapple,2 c. diced mango,2 c. halved strawberries

DIRECTIONS

In a large pitcher, stir together white wine, triple sec, lime juice, and sugar until combined.

In tall glasses, layer blackberries, blueberries, kiwis, pineapple, mango, and strawberries.

Pour wine mixture over fruit and serve.

Rum & Coke

INGREDIENTS

Ice, 5 oz. Cocoa-Cola, 2 oz. white rum,1/2 oz. lime juice (optional), Lime wedge, for serving

DIRECTIONS

Fill a glass with ice, then add Coca-Cola and rum and stir to combine. Add lime juice if using and garnish with a lime wedge.

Mimosa Margaritas

INGREDIENTS:

2 c. orange juice, 1/2 c. tequila, 1/4 c. lime juice, Lime wedge, for rimming glasses, Coarse salt, for rimming glasses, 1 bottle champagne or prosecco, Orange and lime slices for serving

DIRECTIONS

In a pitcher, combine orange juice, tequila, and lime juice and stir to combine.

Rim glass rims with lime and dip in salt. Pour in orange juice mixture and top off with champagne.

Add sliced oranges and limes to glasses and serve.