5 Best Beach Cocktails
Summer is finally in full swing, heatwave and all! For those people lucky enough to be next to a large body of water it’s time to hit the beach or lake to cool off and grab a drink. For those of us who are landlocked and are bracing for the hottest few months of summer: grab a drink. While the summer holds a unique place for most of us, from childhood vacations breaks from school, spending a ridiculous number of hours at the local pool or maybe even working for your dad’s landscaping company; the summer was a special time for us all. As we get older, it can be a bit harder for us to get into the summer mood. However, these five beach cocktail recipes are sure to get you in the summer spirit even if you don’t have your toes in the water and A#$ in the sand.
5. Madame Pele
First served at a resort in Hualalai Hawaii this drink will have you feeling the cool summer vibes in no time. The only downside is it takes a bit of time and effort to mix the fantastic cocktail, but it will drop jaws at your next cookout or block party. The drink features a unique and exciting take on traditional summer cocktails by adding a bit of spice to the usually very fruity menu of summer. This drink is perfect if you want to sip on something extremely fresh but aren’t a massive fan of sweet and fruity flavors.
Ingredients:
- Chili peppers
- Ocean Vodka
- Dolin Blac Vermouth
- Hibiscus syrup
- Sage syrup
- Ice
- Salt
Directions:
First, and this is the most essential part, add six chili peppers to a liter of Ocean Vodka and let it sit for two days.
After two days add a 1.5oz of the infused ocean vodka, .75oz sage syrup, and .75oz of vermouth to a shaker over ice. After a heartily shaking the mixture fill a glass with ice and strain the mixture in the shaker into the glass and top the cocktail with a garnish of sage.
4. The Classic Margarita
Classics are classics for a reason and its usually because they are extremely good and the classic Marg is no exception. A sweet, sour and refreshing drink that hits the spot on the hottest of summer days and its simplicity makes it easy to whip up a few margaritas on a whim, sit on the porch, and enjoy.
Ingredients:
- Silver tequila
- Tripple sec
- Lime juice
- Simple Syrup
- Salt
- Ice
Directions:
Combine a 1.5oz of tequila and 1oz of Tripple sec .5oz of lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup into a shaker over ice. Vigorously shake the mixture serve over ice and garnish with a lime wedge (a little umbrella is optional but does wonders)
3. Pina Colada
Although I am not a huge fan of getting caught in the rain, I can still stand behind a great Pina colada. The refreshing drink has the beautiful ability to turn an average summer day into a great one whether you are sitting at the beach enjoying the sunshine or just got back from the office after a long day. The Pina Colada is a great way to sit back relax and enjoy a fruity concoction.
Ingredients:
- Pineapple juice
- Coconut cream
- White rum
- Dark rum
- Ice
Directions:
Add 2oz pineapple juice, 2oz coconut cream, 1.5oz white rum, and 1oz dark rum into a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain the mixture into a large glass(somedays call for more giant glasses than others) garnish with a pineapple slice and enjoy watching the sunset over the beach or from the living room window.
2. Rum sunset
While we are on the topic of rum and Pina Coladas, another great rum inspired cocktail is the Rum Sunset. A little spin-off of the tequila sunset the Rum sunset is a bit sweeter and goes down a lot easier. This cocktail is super simple and makes a great punch drink for your next big summer get together. This recipe makes drinks for two, or two drinks for one depending on how you look at it.
Ingredients:
- Orange juice
- White rum
- Grenadine
- Limes
Directions:
Combine 12oz of orange juice and 3oz of white rum. Pour about 2/3 of the drink into two glasses. Then take the remains third and add 2tsb of grenadine and very slowly add the grenadine mixture to the two glasses which will create a cascade of color, thus the name rum sunset.
1. Watermelon Sangria
In my childhood, there was nothing better than sitting on the front steps and eating a fresh slice of watermelon on a hot summer day. Not much has changed as time has gone on. This watermelon sangria recipe brings a wonderful reminder of childhood along with a fantastic combination of rum and Moscato that leaves you feeling a bit more energized and ready for whatever the night will bring
Ingredients
- Watermelon
- Moscato
- Rum
- Lime juice
- Lime
- Sugar
Directions:
Add about four cups of sliced watermelon, one 750ml bottle of Moscato, a cup of rum and a few ounces of lime juice, a tsp of sugar into a blender. Blend the mixture until it has a very smooth texture and refrigerate until the mixture is chilled. Then serve in glasses garnished with a slice of lime. Remember to start with a small amount of lime juice, and you can always add more later if you like a bit more of a sour taste.
With any luck, your summer is already off to a great start, and you have been able to get your fill of sunshine and good times. These cocktail recipes are a guaranteed hit at the next big family get together, barbeque, or block party. With a bit of practice and patience, you will have these beach cocktail recipes perfected in no time. Sipping on these drinks no matter if you are sitting resort side in California or contemplating whether to mow the lawn after a glass or two of these great summer cocktails you are guaranteed to feel a bit more in the mood for the summer!