1) Vacations: Italy, the Caribbean, France, Spain, Hawaii, England, and Greece. Great destinations.

2) Outings: ball games, soccer games, and bangin’ house parties.

3) Hot weather: sun on the beach, rays on the balcony, shine by the pool- doesn’t matter. Get your sunscreen on!

4) … and of course, drinks to go with every fervent moment. Don’t get me wrong, I think drinks are great all year round, but I feel like there’s something refreshing (and NEW) about them in the summer. Especially when they’re made with fruits or even herbs like basil or mint. And guess what? The alcohol isn’t even mandatory! So this month I thought I’d give you a rundown of some of my favourite drinks.

Patrón Mojito

Muddle mint leaves, limes, and simple syrup in a tall glass. Add a cup of ice, tequila , and fill the rest with club soda. Shake gently and serve in a glass rimmed with sugar. Mojitos aren’t always synonymous with Cuba. They’re just as good in Mexico.

Cuba Libre

This cocktail was first sipped in Cuba in 1900, said to be the year that cola first came to Cuba, introduced to the island by American troops. But “Cuba Libre!” was the battle cry of the Cuba Liberation Army during the war of independence that ended in 1878. On my end, I’m just happy to serve white rum, cola, poured over ice with lime wedges at a good party!

Mimosa

That classic combination of champagne (or fruit flavoured sparkling water for the kids) and orange juice. Wanna flip it? Use orange/grapefruit juice or lemonade instead of OJ.

Sparkler

Half club soda and half fruit juice- always awesome. Got the bubbly of soft drinks but none of its’ syrupy sweet taste. And make a selection using different juices such as tangerine, orange, apple, grape or cranberry.

Granita

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a drink, but trust me, you’ve got to try the spiked version at least once this summer! Just make your own granita by freezing some puréed fruit such as watermelon or peach. Then just add a twist of rum and top with mint leaves. So refreshing!

“BEHIND THE BAR” TIPS

Tip #1

When garnishing a drink with mint, smack the leaves on the back of your hand to break up the cells and release more aroma.

Tip #2

Mix equal parts honey and warm water when a cocktail calls for honey. This “honey water’” will be easier to mix in a cocktail that is cold.

Tip #3

Roll lemons or limes on a table or bar to break up the fibrous cells of the fruit. This will make the fruit easier to juice or squeeze.

Tip #4

Adding a very small pinch of salt to a sweet cocktail will boost the complexity of the drink.

And there you go- BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Now how’s that for tasty options- midday or midnight?! Don’t tell me you don’t know what drinks to taste ot make this summer! But what about your favourite drink? Share your summery recipes with us!

Richard aka Mr. Bartender