Popular Craft Cocktails to Prepare for Summer

Summertime is quickly approaching, and many of us are already starting to think about what beverages will top our summer cocktail menus. One thing that we certainly aren’t short on is options. Whether it’s from a box, a can, a bottle, or something we can shake up at home, there are a lot of ways to go when it comes to summer drinks and plenty of ways to tweak the classics to our tastes. Here, we’ve amassed a short list of some classic summer cocktails to prepare you for the upcoming season, as well as a few ways you can experiment with them!

The Paloma

The Paloma (“The Dove”) is the most popular tequila cocktail in Mexico (yes, even more popular than the margarita!) and is gaining steam in the US as well. The cocktail includes tequila along with grapefruit soda is a perfect drink for summer get togethers, balancing sweet and sour flavors for a refreshing taste. Our Paloma has all of the great flavors of the traditional classic cocktail along with a twist of lime. Whether your Paloma cocktail is readymade or poured at home, the flavor profile also leaves room for experimenting — especially if you have additions lying around that can mix things up. A splash of infused simple syrup such as strawberry can give the cocktail an extra note that pairs perfectly with the summer heat. Our teammate Jen also had some success with adding a bit of jalapeño simple syrup inspired by our Spicy Margarita! In a glass with a light dusting of kosher salt on the rim, any take on the Paloma deserves a top spot on any cocktail enthusiast’s summer drink menu.

Margarita

The margarita is the most popular cocktail in the United States —and for a good reason! The combination of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur makes for a perfect taste of Mexico. One of the strengths of the margarita is that it can be customized to incorporate a variety of different flavors to elevate its flavor profile. Our Smoky Margarita is a popular choice among our summer cocktails, gaining its unique taste from the blend of Traditional Oaxaca Mezcal and Premium Blanco Tequila. Our Spicy Margarita plays with flavor as well with the addition of jalapeño for a spicier, yet balanced, take on a traditional margarita recipe.

The customizability of margaritas can be played with at home when mixing cocktails as well! Popular takes include mango, strawberry, and pineapple. A trick some of our friends use is to small splash of fresh orange juice to your customized margarita for extra brightness. No matter your preference, margaritas stand out as one of the most refreshing cocktails out there and are a great pairing for summer events.

Daiquiri

Rum cocktails hold a special place on many of our summer cocktail lists, and the daiquiri is no exception. The blend of lime juice, rum, and simple syrup is a classic recipe that pairs with the summer sun extremely well. As expected for one of the oldest cocktails, we have figured out a variety of interesting spins on the classic daiquiri over the years. Popular variations such as the strawberry daiquiri are blended with frozen strawberries to make for an even more refreshing cocktail. Our Pineapple Daiquiri is a spin-off the traditional daiquiri that uses Plantation Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple Rum, their 5 Years Barbados Aged Rum, and angostura for a flavor profile perfect for summer. If you’re in the mood to dress it up, blending ice to create a frozen cocktail a festive cup choice can go a long way towards making our Pineapple Daiquiri even better pairing for the summer weather.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow mule is a cocktail that is made with ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka, and this simple mix of flavors makes for one of the most cooling cocktails we can think of. Our Moscow Mule cocktail is created with high-quality ingredients that take it to the next level, making it perfect for sitting around the pool or enjoying a get together with friends. A Moscow mule is perfectly paired with a chilled copper mug, which keeps the cocktail nice and cold in even the most serious heat. Like many other popular summer cocktails, there are plenty of ways to play with flavors to get a Moscow mule even more tuned to your tastes. When making your own, it is important to remember that there are many different variations of the mule that can be made by switching the liquor used in the cocktail. For example, swapping the vodka for bourbon makes a Kentucky mule while tequila makes for a Mexican mule. Moscow mules can also be dressed up with flavors fit for summer including watermelon, blueberry, blackberry, or strawberry. Add fresh sprig of mint, a lime wedge, or cucumber slice and you’re good to go!

Finding Your Perfect Cocktails for the Summertime

We all have different tastes and preferences, but rest assured that there is a perfect option out there for anyone in search of their ideal summer cocktail. Never before have we had so many ready to drink, bottled cocktails to choose from in addition to the many simple recipes that we can make at home. As mixologists, we also recognize how adding small tweaks to even the most classic cocktail recipes can create drinks even more uniquely suited for the summer season. With some festive cups, carefully chosen garnishes, and great company, you’ll be well on your way towards finding your cocktail match for the summertime!