Signature Summer Sippers – 7 Drinks for Warmer Weather

Signature Summer Sippers – 7 Drinks for Warmer Weather

by | Jun 23, 2017 | blog

In this most splendid of seasons, cocktails are one of the best ways to keep cool and pay homage to the summer. Craft cocktail making has really taken off in past years, which makes the art of creating them so much more interesting, and the range of options available much more diverse.

peach_melba_mimosa

Photo credit: Country Living

 

 

1. Peach Melba Mimosa
Peaches and Raspberries scream summer, as does this fruity and beautiful summer cocktail. The only alcohol involved is something bubbly (cava, prosecco, sparkling white wine – whatever you prefer!) so it’s a lighter alternative to some of the boozier summer favorites. A touch of lemon is the perfect zip to round out this refreshing drink!

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Vanilla and Fresh Cherry Bourbon Cocktail
Cherries are one of our all time favorite fruits, and they go so nicely with bourbon and vanilla in this unique and intriguing summer mix. Accompanied by a touch of lemon, a dash of sugar, and some club soda for bubbles, this one is not to be missed!

 

 

 

 

 

frose

Photo credit: Delish

 

 

3. Strawberry Frose
Rose is all the rage these days, but have you ever tried it frozen? With strawberries?! Rose lovers will go wild over this simple but flavorful mix of lemon, strawberries and vodka, paired with your favorite “pink wine.” Some ice adds the slush factor, and so much fun. Serve with a striped pink straw for extra flair.

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Food and Wine

 

4. Tabernacle Crush
This drink is for the more adventurous, featuring peaches, basil, lemon, lillet, and gin. Add a touch of simple syrup for the right balance of sweet, and a quick pour of club soda at the end for some pleasing bubbles. It’s a beautiful drink that tastes as wonderful as it looks!

 

 

 

calavera_catrina

Photo credit: Saveur

5. Calavera Catrina
Tequila lovers unite! Instead of going the traditional margarita route (which is always a good idea, especially in the summer), this drink incorporates a surprising ingredient – cantaloupe! – along with the traditional orange liqueur and lime. A splash of orgeat and super smokey mezcal are added to the mix, for a complex fruity beverage that looks simple in a glass, yet tastes anything but.

 

 

coconut_margarita

 

6. Coconut Margarita
In case you were really hoping to see a margarita on the list, we’ve included one with a tropical flair. In addition to the requisite tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice, this cocktail features coconut milk, coconut cream, a touch of simple syrup, and an indulgent splash of half and half to really push it over the top. Elevate your game for Mexican night and you’ll never go back!

 

 

 

Cucumber Lemonade Mocktail. A111206 Food & Wine March 2012

 

7. Cucumber Lemonade Mocktail
Alcohol doesn’t jive with everyone, especially on those extra hot days, so this mocktail is just the thing! Fresh lemon and lime juices meet cucumber juice, with a touch of agave for some sweetness, and club soda for carbonation. And for an unusual but awfully pleasing addition – fresh dill! It comes together to create the ultimate in refreshing summer bevvies, without the booze.

 

What’s your favorite drink to imbibe in the warm summer months?

3 Unique and Boozy Cocktails to Try This Winter

3 Unique and Boozy Cocktails to Try This Winter

by | Jan 21, 2017 | blog

Hello there, and Happy New Year! We hope the holiday season treated you well, and that 2017 is off to a great start. Here at Swank we’re gearing up for a busy year, but looking forward to each and every event we’re lucky enough to be a part of.

If you’re anything like us, you love a good cocktail, especially during the winter months when a boozy pick-me-up is welcome! But often cocktails feel more suited for summer months — cool, fruity concoctions that are refreshing more than warming. When the temperature drops outside and the snow starts to fall, it definitely feels like a little something different is in order.

Besides Irish Coffee, a steaming mug of Mulled Wine, or Spiked Cider, there are plenty of other delicious and unique cold-weather cocktails to add to your repertoire for the next time you’re looking to impress your guests! Here are just a few of our favorites.

New York Sour 
Last fall, we went to a local Southern restaurant where the cocktail menu was exclusively made up of bourbon drinks. Not being wild about bourbon, we asked the bartender to make a cocktail that wasn’t particularly bourbon-forward, and a few minutes later a New York Sour was placed in front of us. An unusual combination of red wine, bourbon, lemon, and an egg white, it seemed totally out there at first, but we fell in love. It was delicious, smooth, and completely unlike anything we’d ever tried. Plus, the presentation is stunning!

 

Good Tidings
Ever tried Allspice Dram? If you haven’t, you should! This cocktail has all the makings of a more traditional fruity cocktail — orange liqueur, lemon juice, and cranberry — but with a spoonful of allspice-flavored liqueur added to the mix, it’s transformed into something festive and spicy. This vibrant and dynamic cocktail is so delicious, and a definite crowd-pleaser.

 

 

 

 

Spiced Cappuccino Cocktail
If warm cocktails are still your preference in the winter, then this Spiced Cappuccino cocktail is a must-try. It features an intriguing mix of spirits and flavors — brewed coffee as the base, with gin, coffee liqueur, and Licor43 in the mix. Licor43 is made with citrus and fruit juices, and flavored with vanilla and a variety of herbs, so it’s got a lot going on but works nicely in so many applications. Especially in this cocktail! Everything plays nicely to create a wonderful, warming cocktail for those extra chilly nights… or an indulgent Sunday brunch!

 

What’s your favorite winter cocktail?

Cheers,
The Swank Team