3 Summer Cocktails To Level Up Your Hosting Game
Can you believe it’s officially summer? I love this time of year + I especially love hosting during the summertime. Summer entertaining has a completely different feel than any other time of year. It’s when people slow down, relax + soak up pool time. I love reflecting that ease when I plan my summer events. Whether you’re celebrating the upcoming Fourth of July festivities, or another summer soiree, having good drinks is a must. One great way to wow your guests is by serving a signature cocktail + no one knows cocktails better than our friends at LA Speakeasy! We teamed up with them to find three of the best and simplest summer cocktails you can make this summer to impress your guests!
Photo by Kayla Denae Photography
Check Out Thyme
What You’ll Need:
- 1½ ounce Ventura Spirits California Vodka
- ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ¾ ounce *thyme syrup
- 5 drop Bittermens Boston Bittahs (citrus + chamomile flavor)
- 1½ ounce club soda
- Garnish: fresh thyme + lemon
In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients except club soda. Add 3-4 medium sized pieces of ice and shake for about 10 seconds. Fill a collins or high ball glass with fresh ice. Top shaker with club soda and strain into your Collins/ highball glass. Garnish with thyme + lemon and enjoy!
* Thyme syrup: Boil 1 cup water. Remove from heat and add 10 pieces of thyme. Let chill. Strain. Add equal parts sugar (1 cup)
Cucumber-Basil Gimlet
What You’ll Need:
- 2 ounces Hendrick’s Gin
- 4 slices cucumber
- 3 basil leaves
- ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
- ¾ ounce *simple syrup
- Garnish: cucumber strip + basil leaf
In a pint glass, muddle cucumber + basil together, then add the gin, juice and syrup. Fill the pint glass halfway with ice and shake for 15 seconds (cover with a 28 ounce mixing tin). Double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with cucumber + basil and enjoy!
* Simple syrup: Combine equal parts sugar (1 cup) and water (1 cup)
Superfecta
Photo by: Kayla Denae Photography
What You’ll Need:
- 2 ounces Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- ½ ounce Giffard’s apricot liqueur
- 1 lemon wedge
- 3 mint leaves
- 1 ounce club soda
- Garnish: mint sprig
First, lightly smack the mint leaves to release oils. Then place mint inside a rocks glass and pour whiskey + apricot liqueur. Fill the glass with ice and stir for 10 seconds. Squeeze the juice from your lemon and toss it in there. Top with club soda and stir again for five seconds. Garnish with mint sprig and enjoy!
Cheers to you and to summer! For more tips on how to plan a summer party for the 4thof July, check out this postwith some red-white-and-blue inspiration!
