Summer Cocktails
At some point this summer, the humidity and the strong sun will need to be balanced out. Our recommendation: find a hammock in the afternoon shade and mix up one of these refreshing cocktails.
The St-Germain
Our go-to summer drink this year is made with the light, relatively new French liqueur St-Germain. Its unique qualities originate from elderflowers which are handpicked by bohemian farmers in the Alps only a few days a year. Fill a glass with ice. Add two parts brut champagne, one and a half parts St-Germain, then two parts club soda and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Caipirinha
If you can’t make it to Copacabana beach, this Brazilian creation isn’t a bad second option. Crush a fresh lime and one teaspoon of sugar in the bottom of a glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour in cachaça. The most popular alcohol in Brazil, cachaça is distilled from sugarcane. It’s similar to rum, but don’t make the mistake of substituting it for the real thing.
Traditional Pimms
Since it’s creation in the 1840s, the British have put down nearly as much Pimms in the summer months as the traditional cup of tea. Mix one part Pimms No 1 and three parts chilled lemonade with fresh mint, orange, cucumber and strawberry.
Bourbon Smash
A cousin of the Southern Mint Julep, the smash takes its name from the crushing of fruit in the drink. Muddle mint, a few raspberries and two slices lemon in the bottom of a glass with a splash of simple syrup. Add crushed ice and mix in a few ounces of Black Maple Hill bourbon.
Mai Tai
The legend goes that in 1944 Victor Bergeron (Trader Vic) came up with this drink for two Tahitian customers visiting his California restaurant. Most of today’s versions are sweeter than his original concoction, so an authentic Mai Tai should balance the sweet and sharp flavors. Shake one part light rum, one part dark rum, half part Curacao, a splash of simple syrup, lime juice, and orgeat syrup with ice. Garnish with mint and pineapple.
