It may be hard to believe, but the scorching days of summer are just around the corner. With this in mind, it might be a good idea for you to start thinking about your summer cocktail menu. It’s hard to beat a classic margarita or a mint julep when it comes to these warm months, but if you’re looking for something new and refreshing that takes a little less work, then you’ll want to check out some of the recipes below.
To make your life easier, we’ve included links to each recipe so you can find them quickly and easily. Take a look at these five delicious cocktails that will help you cool off during the dog days of summer.
1. The Ginger Mojito
If you love the taste of ginger ale, then you’ll definitely love this mojito recipe from MyRecipes.com . Fresh ginger is blended into lime juice with muddled mint leaves and sugar before being shaken with club soda and rum. With just four ingredients, this cocktail couldn’t be easier to prepare. 2. The Citrus Cooler
This vodka cocktail comes together in minutes with just three ingredients: vodka, lemon-lime soda and fresh lemon juice from TasteOfHome . You can serve this drink in a pitcher over
Summer is in full swing and you need a cool drink that will quench your thirst. Here are some of the best summer cocktails recipes to keep you cool as temperatures rise.
1. The Summer Shandy
The Summer Shandy is a lesser-known beer cocktail that is perfect for warm weather. The brewski and lemonade are mixed in a shaker with ice, then poured into a pint glass and garnished with fresh mint. This one is sure to keep you refreshed on the hottest days!
2. Blueberry Beergaritas
You don’t have to be a sweet tooth to enjoy these beergaritas, which are made with blueberry pomegranate juice instead of the traditional margarita mix. This one will cool you down and give you that extra boost of Vitamin C you need during summertime!
3. Watermelon Martini
Don’t let the simplicity of this drink fool you – it’s packed full of flavor! All you need is watermelon-flavored vodka, watermelon juice and ice chips to make this easy-to-make cocktail. Garnish it with mint leaves if desired.
4. Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail
This strawberry lemonade cocktail recipe calls for just four ingredients: fresh strawberries, lemon juice, simple syrup and vodka. It’s an easy version of strawberry lemonade that tastes great on its own or as a mixer in a pitcherful of ice!
5. Marg
The cucumber, mint and star anise cocktail is a delicious drink to have in the summer. The cucumber adds a nice cooling effect with some nice freshness while the star anise adds a bit of spice and also helps control your appetite.
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of water, 1 cucumber sliced, 2 mint leaves and 2 slices of star anise. You can also add a few ice cubes if you want to make this drink even better.
The first step is to infuse the water with the star anise for about 15 minutes. After that, you can then add the cucumbers and mint leaves so that they can soak in the water for about 15 more minutes.
After that, strain out all of the ingredients from the water so that you are left with just the infused water. You can now use this to make your cucumber, mint and star anise cocktail by adding two tablespoons of sugar or honey and three ounces of vodka into it.
If you want a refreshing and cool beverage to serve your guests on a hot summer day, consider this star anise cocktail. Star anise is used in several Asian cuisines and is part of the anise family of herbs. It has a licorice-like flavor and aroma with hints of clove and cinnamon.
Toss out that old bottle of store-bought lemonade and replace it with this homemade version! With just four ingredients, you’ll have more than enough for the whole family to enjoy.
Star Anise Lemonade Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
Mix the lemon juice, water, sugar, star anise, and salt in a small bowl until sugar dissolves. Chill in refrigerator for at least three hours. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices.
This simple fruit punch recipe can be made with or without alcohol depending on your tastes. One 12 ounce can of frozen lemonade concentrate is mixed with one 750 ml bottle or two fifths of vodka (or other liquor). The punch is then placed in the freezer overnight to allow the flavors to blend together. Place into individual serving glasses garnished with lemon slices just before serving.”
5. Star Anise-Infused Vodka:
In a jar with an airtight lid, combine 4 cups vodka and 1 star anise pod, preferably one that is still in its pod. Let steep for two to four hours, then strain out the pods using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
Taste the infusion, and if you’d like it to be stronger, add more pods and steep for another hour. Strain again. The resulting infusion can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. Serve chilled over ice or in a highball glass filled with ice, topped off with club soda or seltzer water.
1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
1/2 cup sugar syrup (see note)
Note: To make sugar syrup, combine 1 part water and 1 part sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool before using as directed above.
For a nonalcoholic version of this drink, substitute sparkling water for the vodka and fruit juice for the soda water.
A Star Anise is a type of spice that comes from an evergreen tree native to the Chinese province of Fujian. The tree itself is very slow-growing and rarely exceeds the height of 10 feet. However, its fruit can grow up to 2 inches in diameter.
Taste: Star anise can be used whole, or ground into powder form. The taste is sweet and licorice-like with a pungent aroma.
Uses: This spice has been used for centuries in Asia for many different types of dishes. It is also known to help with digestion issues as well as reducing nausea and inflammation. It is also used as a medicinal herb and has been shown to have anti-fungal properties.
Colors: The star anise fruit can be yellowish brown or reddish-brown in color, with a 5-pointed star shape on the outside of the fruit.
Allergy Info: People who are allergic to any member of the magnolia family should avoid using this product due to its relation to other members of the family.
