Good Libations

Top Ten Summer Drinks to Beat the Heat

Icy blended cocktails. Refreshing pitcher drinks. Summer fruit in your glass.

While we are going through Phases – literally. Each phase getting us closer to the uncertainty of whatever the ‘new normal’ will be, but one thing is for sure: Summer is here and it is a hot one. Here are ten delicious and refreshing drinks that will help you to chill out (in all ways), and beat the heat.

1.      Blackberry & Meyer Lemon Gin & Tonics – A twist on the typical gin and tonic, blackberry and gin makes it refreshingly delicious. Add a mint garnish.

2.      Watermelon Margarita – Served blended or on the rocks, this goodie includes watermelon juice, sweetened lime juice, Tequila and Triple Sec.

3.      Boozy Frozen Lemonade - Made with vodka or rum, this summer lemonade slush is for adults only.

4.      Pineapple Rum Punch – Summer isn’t summer without a rum punch to share with others. This recipe is too simple and too good not to try. Pineapple juice and tidbits, Coconut rum, Water Wave Hawaiian Punch, and optional pineapple slices to garnish. Sweet heavens!

5.      Spiked Ice Coffee – Take your brewed iced coffee, add cream or milk, ground cinnamon, (and most importantly), hit it with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum in a glass filled with ice. Stir. Enjoy.

6.      Pimm’s Cup Pitcher – Martha Stewart’s big batch serves 8-10. This delicious, refreshing fruity cocktail is perfect for a brunch or daytime gathering. Strawberries, blood orange, lemon, cool cucumbers, and Pimm’s No. 1. Perfect.

7.      Captain & Iced Tea – What’s cooler than iced tea? A touch of the Captain, that’s what. Sweet or unsweetened.

8.      Bahama Mama – If for some reason you have never tasted this (and why not?), this drink looks and tastes like summer. Dark rum, coconut rum, banana liqueur, grenadine, pineapple juice, orange juice, lemon-lime soda. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and Maraschino cherries. Sweet and fruity; you might forget there’s rum in there unless you kick it up a notch or two.

9. Lava Flow – It looks hot, but goes down cool. Spiced rum, cream of coconut, frozen strawberries, pineapple juice, crushed ice, and fresh pineapple wedges for garnish.

10.    Strawberry Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail – The refreshing drink that has everything you want in a spiked summer beverage – a hearty pour of bourbon, a bit of fresh fruit, and just the right amount of fizz.