Summer Cocktails
I’ve been getting more into mixology lately, and I’ve found a few lesser known cocktails that are perfect for summer drinking. Here are three of my summer favorites. All you will need to make these is a glass, a muddler, and a spoon. That’s right, no shaker required, all of these can be made simply by stirring things together. I’m a lazy ass and usually can’t be bothered to make a cocktail, but these are easy enough that I muster up the energy to make one every now and again, especially during hotter summer days when cold alcohol is always appealing.
Greyhound
This is a very simple vodka drink. I think it works better than a screwdriver, as the flavors work better together, both somewhat sour. If you’re not a fan of grapefruit though, this probably isn’t the drink for you. It’s just 2 oz. vodka with 4 oz. grapefruit juice over ice. I also like the variation called “Salty Dog”, which is a greyhound rimmed with salt. This is a refreshing drink to have with a steak or anything grilled during the summer. I like it with a grapefruit twist (I run the skin around the rim too).
Mint Julep
One of my favorite cocktails for summer sipping. If you like mint and bourbon, this is your drink. It’s refreshing and satisfying, with lots of flavor contrast. Simply muddle 1 teaspoon of fine sugar with about 12 mint leaves. Once the leaves a pulverized, add 1 oz. of club soda and mix thoroughly. Fill the glass with ice and fill with 3 oz. of bourbon and club soda to fill the top. Take a sprig of mint to garnish and slap it in your hands, then rub the rim of the glass with it before garnishing it.
Juan Collins
I have to admit, I hadn’t heard of this one until just recently. It’s a tequila based play on the Tom Collins. Instead of making margaritas, I’ve been making these because they’re easier and lighter. It has just the right balance of sweet to sour. Just add 1 teaspoon of superfine sugar to the bottom of a glass with 1 oz. of lemon juice and stir. Add ice and then 2 oz. tequila (a silver tequila is best for this application) and 4 oz. of club soda. Fill the glass with ice and garnish with a wheel of lemon. I’ve even made this with lime, and it works fabulously as well.
