The best way to celebrate summer is with a nice cool beverage. In the interest of keeping everyone refreshed, Frank Frey met with other local bartenders to see what keeps them cool in the heat of summer. Here’s a cocktail for every level of DIY bartender.
Frozen Paloma
Degree of Difficulty: Beginner
Margaritas get all the love in the U.S., but the paloma just might be more popular in Mexico., I [Frank] like a twist on the traditional grapefruit soda and tequila by serving it frozen. The slushy frozen mix is perfect for summer.
Freeze grapefruit soda in a shallow pan ahead of time.
2 ice cream scoops of frozen grapefruit soda
1 1/2 ounce silver tequila
1/2 ounce lime juice
Mix all ingredients until slushy, and beware brain freeze!
Blackberry Sage Gimlet
Degree of Difficulty: Intermediate
“I love this cocktail for summer because it’s so refreshing!” says Rebecca Moon of Shame and Regret. “The fresh sage and blackberries add an earthy, garden twist to a classic gimlet.”
Muddle 3 blackberries and a sprig of sage
2 ounces gin
3/4 ounce simple syrup
3/4 ounce fresh lime
Shake, strain and sip.
The Chartreuse Swizzle
Degree of Difficulty: Advanced
Shayne Baldwin of the Archives calls this a drinking man’s summer delight. “With seemingly odd ingredients, this drink is the perfect combatant against a hot summer afternoon,” he says. “I love this beverage for its alpine herbs and clove beginning and middle, followed by a citrusy fresh finish.”
1 1/4 ounce Green Chartreuse liqueur
1 ounce pineapple juice
3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce Velvet falernum liqueur
Build in a Collins glass. Add crushed ice and mix.
Garnish with fresh mint and grated nutmeg.
Cheers!
