Summer is a fantastic time to host a party. The weather is delightful, and everyone is in high spirits. And when it comes to cocktails, the possibilities are endless. Summer cocktails are all about refreshing flavors and vibrant colors that perfectly complement the season. So, if you’re planning to impress your guests at your next summer gathering or housewarming party, we have five cocktail recipes that will surely be a hit.
Which Botanicals are Best for Summer Cocktails?
Plenty of edible botanicals can elevate your summer cocktails and give them that extra touch of sophistication. Some popular options include herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary, or vibrant flowers like lavender and lilacs. Infusing these botanicals into a simple syrup is a simple and effective way to add their flavors to your cocktails.
To make a simple syrup, combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan, along with your favorite botanical. Heat the mixture on low to medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. For a longer-lasting syrup, try a rich simple syrup made with two parts sugar to one part water.
You can also use botanicals as garnishes. Just make sure they are visually appealing and enhance the aroma of your cocktail. The closer the garnish is to the rim of the glass, the more it will enhance the overall experience.
Rosemary Gold Rush
The Gold Rush is a popular bourbon-based cocktail that boasts refreshing floral notes from honey. In this summer twist, we add a sprig of rosemary to introduce additional piney flavors. It’s like sipping on the essence of a summer camping trip.
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce honey syrup
- One sprig of rosemary for garnish
To make the honey syrup, simply combine equal parts honey and water in a sealed container and shake until well mixed. For the cocktail, add bourbon, lemon juice, honey syrup, and ice to a shaker. Shake until chilled, then strain over a large ice cube into a rocks glass. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Elderflower Cocktail (Chamomile Garnish)
Elderflower liqueur is often referred to as the “bartender’s ketchup” due to its delightful and versatile flavor. The Elderflower Cocktail is a simple and refreshing summer cooler that pairs perfectly with your housewarming party.
- 1 1/2 ounces elderflower liqueur
- 2 ounces champagne or dry sparkling wine
- 2 ounces club soda
- Garnish with a few chamomile flower heads
In a tall Collins glass, combine the elderflower liqueur and wine, and stir with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with chamomile flower heads.
Lilac Cocktail
Lilacs are not only stunning flowers but also entirely edible. This Lilac Cocktail features gin as its base, capturing all the botanical notes that make for a perfect summer drink. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a refreshing twist. For those seeking a creamy texture, you can add an egg white to create a fluffy bed for a lilac garnish. However, the drink is equally delightful without it.
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce Lilac syrup
- 1 egg white
- Garnish with a lilac petals
To make the lilac syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, along with a few lilac petals. Heat on medium-low until the sugar dissolves completely. For the cocktail, add gin, lemon juice, lilac syrup, and egg white (if using) to a shaker. Dry shake without ice for ten seconds, then add ice
Gin Basil Smash
If you enjoy a refreshing Mojito, you’ll love the Gin Basil Smash. This modern classic is a variation of the traditional Whiskey Smash but takes it up a notch with the addition of muddled basil, perfect for summer parties or housewarming celebrations. The basil adds an herbaceous kick that perfectly complements the season.
- 2 ounces gin
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 10-12 basil leaves
To make the Gin Basil Smash, add the lemon juice and basil leaves to the bottom of a shaker and muddle the leaves thoroughly. Add gin, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker and shake until chilled. Double strain the cocktail (using an additional fine mesh strainer) into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a sprig of basil leaves.
Honey in the Clouds
- 1.5 oz Ketel One Citroen
- .75 oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao (Cointreau as sub)
- .75 oz Honey Lavender Syrup
- 1 oz Fresh squeezed Lemon juice
- 2 egg whites
- Lavender sprig
- Oven-dried lemon slice
Add all ingredients to a shaker tin with about half tin filled with ice and shake vigorously til tin is frosty. Strain and pour. Towards the end, tap the shaker against the tea strainer so the egg white falls through the strainer. Garnish with a fresh sprig of Lavender with flowers across the edge of the glass and the lemon chip to float on top of egg white.
Aviation
The Aviation is a classic gin cocktail that’s perfect for summer. With its deep purple color from the floral crème de violette, it resembles the cloudy sky on a rainy summer afternoon. In our version, we swap the traditional maraschino cherry garnish for a sprig of lavender to give it that extra touch of summertime charm. This drink has experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past decade, and one sip will make you understand why.
- 2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 ounce creme de violette
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Sprig of lavender
Add gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette and lemon juice into an ice-filled shaker and shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lavender sprig.