Sippin' Pretty: 3 Refreshing Summer Cocktails
Summer is far from over! Whether you're hosting a family barbecue or simply want to sip and enjoy the breeze on your patio, there are many refreshing recipes to explore before the season ends. Break out your cocktail shaker and keep reading for 3 cooling recipes you don't want to miss!
WHITE PEACH SANGRIA
To start, make sure you have a 32oz jar or container for your drink.
For your ingredients, use:
- 1½ cups of your favorite Sauvignon Blanc (recommended: Kim Crawford's award-winning vino)
- 1 oz St. Remy VSOP French Brandy
- 1 oz Grand Marnier (Cent Cinquantenaire or Regular)
- ¾ cups of Martinelli's Sparkling Cider
- 4 oz Jumex Peach Nectar
- 1 peach (sliced)
- 1 mango (sliced)
- 1 apple (sliced)
- 1 lemon (cut in half)
Now, let's get to mixing!
First, fill half of your jar or container with your peach, mango and apple slices. Be sure to leave some for garnish and to taste. Next, add Sauvignon Blanc, Brandy, Grand Marnier and the peach nectar. Squeeze the juice of your lemon halves into the jar. Put the lid on your container, then secure tightly. Shake your sangria to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed. Place your cocktail in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, add leftover peach, mango and apple slices to a glass. Pour and enjoy!
SPICY JALAPEÑO MARGARITA
Inspired by National Margarita Day, this cocktail is sure to spice up your life! Let's get into it.
You'll need:
- 2 oz 100% pure agave tequila (recommended: Hornito's Reposado)
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- 1 Serrano pepper
- Tajín seasoning (optional)
- 3 limes
- ½ of an orange
- 1 cup of ice
Start by cutting your limes in half. Next, slice the whole Serrano pepper and half of the jalapeño. Add half a cup of ice to a shaker, then add your tequila and Cointreau. Drop your Serrano pepper slices into the shaker and squeeze the juice of your limes and half orange in, as well. Shake it all up! Slice a wedge from the other half of your orange and moisten the rim of a glass. Salt the rim with Tajín. Pour your cocktail into the glass, garnish with a slice of lime and a few jalapeños, and serve. YUM!
LAVENDER LEMON FRENCH 75
When it comes to cocktails, House of Haute founder, Toni, prefers an occasional whiskey. If you're familiar with French 75s, get ready for a quick and easy modern twist on this classic beverage borrowed from the Cocktail Contessa.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon (recommended: Elijah Craig's signature Small Batch)
- ¾ cup lemon juice
- ¾ cup sugar
- 12 drops of Scrappy's lavender bitters
- lemon peels
- lavender sprigs
- ice
First you'll start by making a lemon simple syrup. Combine ¾ cup of lemon juice and sugar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is at a low simmer. Add your lemon peels, stir and let your mix sit for about 5 minutes on low heat. Turn your stove burner off and let the mix steep for 45 minutes. Strain out the lemon peels, bottle and refrigerate your simple syrup.
Pro Tip: Your scratch simple syrup will last for about 2 weeks. Add vodka to extend its shelf life.
Next, you're ready to create your French 75. Combine bourbon, lavender bitters and ½ oz of simple syrup in a mixing glass. Fill your glass with ice. Stir for about 30 seconds or until your glass is cold to the touch. Strain this mix into a separate glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon peel and lavender sprig, then sip away!