Easy Summer Cocktails

Sit back, relax and sip

Make no mistake, the cocktail lives on. And what better time than patio season to try something different. Not much of a mixologist? You don’t have to be. These beauties are as easy to make as they are to sip. Enjoy responsibly!

Cherry Mojitoake

Um, yes please. This sipper starts with 8 to 10 mint leaves and a lime wedge in a tall glass. Next, add 1 tbsp of sugar, and muddle to release the oils and juices. Then add 8 pitted cherries, a second wedge of lime and muddle again. Next comes some ice, 1 generous oz of rum and a splash of seltzer. Stir, garnish and serve.

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Lavender Collins

If you like a spin on a classic, this could be your cocktail. To a glass filled with ice, add 2 oz of gin, a big squeeze of lime and dash of absinthe. Top with lavender soda, and garnish with lime. Bonus points for adding lavender sprigs.

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The Paloma

Grapefruit drinks were made for summertime. And this one just might be a little too easy to make. Fill a tumbler with ice and add 1 1/2 to 2 oz of your favourite tequila. Top with grapefruit pop and a squeeze of lime. Sip slowly.

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The Bramble

It’s time to bring back the Bramble— especially now that blackberries are in season. This one starts with a highball glass. To it add 9 or 10 blackberries and the juice of half a lemon. Gently muddle to crush the berries, and then top with ice. Pour in a generous oz of your favourite dry gin and a scant oz of crème de mûre. Stir, garnish with lemons and enjoy.

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Pimm’s

For a classic English drink, it’s got to be a Pimm’s. This one starts with a few sprigs of mint in a tall glass. To it, add 6 or 7 shaved slices of cucumber and a splash of sparkling lemonade. Then gently muddle. Next comes the Pimm’s, about 1 1/2 to 2 oz. Add a handful of ice, a splash of elderflower liqueur, and top with more lemonade. For a classic garnish, add a strawberry or a long curl of cucumber peel.

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Dark ’N’ Stormy

If you like a Moscow Mule, you’ll love a Dark ’N’ Stormy. Making one couldn’t be easier. Add ice and a generous oz of your favourite dark rum to a tall glass. Slowly pour in a zingy ginger beer, and add a squeeze of lime juice. An instant classic.

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Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade

Oh yeah, this one’s got punch. In a cocktail shaker,
muddle 10 blackberries with 3 mint leaves and a ribbon of lemon zest. Add 1 tbsp of squeezed lemon and 1 tbsp simple syrup. Next comes the bourbon whiskey, about 1 1/2 oz. Stir to combine, and strain into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with whole blackberries and a simple slice of lemon. n

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