There's just something about summer that makes an expertly crafted cocktail even more enjoyable. Maybe it's the tropical sweetness of a Piña Colada, the light bitterness of an Aperol Spritz, or the refreshing coolness of a Mojito.
Whatever the choice, the correct drink can be the perfect accompaniment to the season. Ingredients certainly contribute, but the manner in which a cocktail is served, down to the glass and ice-can be all-important. Having a good bar tool set or shaker on hand also goes a long way in getting the balance just right, especially when you're mixing for a crowd.
1. Piña Colada
Creamy, tropical, and deeply nostalgic, the Piña Colada is a summer staple that brings the beach straight to your glass.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1.5 oz coconut cream
- 2 oz fresh pineapple juice
- Crushed Ice
- Pineapple wedge and cherry for garnish
Add rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice to a shaker filled with crushed ice. Shake until frosty and pour into a tall, curved glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
A curved hurricane-style glass highlights the drink's creamy body and vibrant color, while crushed ice melts evenly for that smooth, slushy finish. Using a well-designed shaker helps achieve the signature frothy texture that makes this cocktail a classic.
2. Aperol Spritz
Light, bittersweet, and perfect for early evenings, the Aperol Spritz is as refreshing as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz soda water
- Large ice cubes
- Orange slice for garnish
Fill a stemless wine glass with large, clear ice cubes. Pour in Prosecco, then Aperol, and top with soda water. Stir gently and garnish with a slice of orange.
The broad base of the glass allows the bubbles to rise gently, while the clarity of slow-melting ice keeps the drink crisp and undiluted. A glass with generous volume ensures all elements balance visually and in taste.
3. Watermelon Margarita
A fruit-forward twist on the classic, this version brings out the sweet, cooling essence of summer watermelon.
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh watermelon juice
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz triple sec
- Ice cubes
- Salt and lime wheel for garnish
Rim a wide margarita glass with salt. In a shaker, combine tequila, watermelon juice, lime, and triple sec with ice. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
A generously rimmed glass offers space for the salt to stick while framing the vibrant pink of the drink. Clear, uniformly shaped ice cubes from a cube mold help maintain chill without affecting the delicate sweetness of the fruit.
4. Classic Mojito
Herbaceous and citrusy, the Mojito is endlessly drinkable-especially on a sweltering day.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp sugar
- 6 mint leaves
- Soda water
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish
Muddle mint, sugar, and lime juice at the bottom of a highball glass. Add rum and fill the glass with crushed ice. Top with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with mint and lime.
The tall highball glass accommodates the layering of ingredients while allowing room for movement. Crushed ice chills the drink quickly while integrating flavors seamlessly, making each sip as fresh as the first.
5. Classic Martini
Sleek and spirit-forward, the Martini remains a cocktail of choice for those who enjoy simplicity with precision.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- Ice spheres or cubes
- Lemon twist or olive for garnish
In a mixing glass, stir gin and vermouth with ice until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish.
Spherical ice from a dedicated mold melts slowly, preventing excess dilution. The coupe glass, with its elegant bowl, enhances aroma and temperature control for a clean, crisp sip.
Proper glassware also matters, as it helps to extract the full flavor and aroma of each drink. Small things, such as a properly shaped garnish or a perfectly blended ratio, can make even the most basic cocktail stand out.
With some careful attention, summer cocktails are more than simply a means to cool off; they become an experience to enjoy.
