As the summer heat sets in, it’s the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing cocktails that brighten up sunny days and warm evenings. While classics like Gin & Tonic or Pimm’s are enjoyable, there are other iconic cocktails with intriguing backstories waiting to be explored. Whether you’re hosting friends, relaxing on a sun-soaked beach, or simply enjoying a lazy afternoon, a revitalizing cocktail can elevate any moment. Here are six delightful choices to try this summer.
The Daiquiri
This iconic cocktail originated in Cuba in the late 1800s, named after a nearby beach close to Santiago de Cuba. Local rum serves as its base, but the daiquiri truly gained fame in the 1920s with the arrival of the electric blender. Bartender Constantino Ribalaigua Vert at La Floridita in Havana popularized a frozen variation, leading to its enduring legacy.
La Floridita has become a renowned venue, with patrons like Ernest Hemingway, whose bust decorates the bar. Enjoying a daiquiri here is a must-do for cocktail enthusiasts.
How To Make: Blend a double measure of gold rum with cherry liqueur, lime juice, pink grapefruit juice, sugar syrup, and crushed ice. Pour into a coupe glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
The Highball
A refreshing Highball evolved from the classic Scotch & Soda, gaining popularity in late Victorian Britain. It’s remarkably easy to prepare: just pour your preferred spirit over ice in a tall glass, add sparkling or soda water, and garnish with a slice or zest of lemon. Whisky is a favored choice, particularly lighter blends or single grains, but feel free to enhance it with ginger liqueur or bitters.
For a delightful twist, consider using Calvados, the French apple brandy, or a good gold rum. If you’re in the mood for something Japanese, the mizuwari—a blend of light Japanese whisky topped with still water—offers a light, refreshing experience.
How To Make: Pour your spirit of choice over ice in a tall glass, then add sparkling or soda water and garnish with a slice or zest of lemon.
The Mojito
The Mojito is a summertime favorite, featuring a refreshing minty taste. Its origins date back to the early 1860s when Facundo Bacardí Masó transformed a local drink called Draque into this famous cocktail, using rum from his new Bacardi distillery. Several bars in Havana assert they were the first to craft the Mojito, with Bodeguita del Medio being a longtime claimant.
Visiting Havana? Don’t miss the chance to experience this cocktail at its legendary birthplace.
How To Make: In a tall glass, combine mint leaves, a good measure of gold rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup, then fill with crushed ice. For an intensified mint flavor, rub the mint leaves in your hands before adding them. Finish with soda water and garnish with a sprig of mint.
The Singapore Sling
Retro cocktails are experiencing a resurgence, with the Singapore Sling leading the way. This fruity and tangy concoction is a reimagining of the 19th-century gin sling. Crafted by barman Ngiam Tong Boon during the early 20th century at The Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore, it requires a handful of ingredients but delivers fantastic flavor.
How To Make: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine a generous amount of London Dry gin with half that amount of cherry brandy. Add a quarter measure of both Benedictine and Cointreau, along with pineapple juice and freshly squeezed lime juice. Incorporate a small amount of grenadine syrup and a dash of bitters. Shake, strain into a glass, and garnish with a cherry and slice of lemon.
The Spritz
Over the last decade, the Spritz has undergone a remarkable revival. Once relegated to obscurity, it has returned in numerous inventive forms. Two classic options are the Aperol Spritz and the Campari Spritz, both Italian staples that provide a delightful bitterness to refresh on hot summer days.
How To Make: In a wine glass filled with ice, pour a measure of Aperol or Campari, followed by an equal measure of Prosecco. Top off with soda or sparkling water and garnish with a slice of orange or pink grapefruit for a special touch. For a lighter twist, consider using white or rosé wine as your base.
The Tequila Sunrise
The rise of tequila and mezcal has ushered in a wave of Mexican-inspired cocktails, with the Tequila Sunrise standing out as a nostalgic classic. This cocktail was first crafted in the early 1930s at the Agua Caliente bar in Tijuana, Mexico. Its vibrant flavor pairs well with the earthy notes of quality tequila.
The modern version emerged in the early 1970s, simplified by Bobby Lozoff at The Trident bar in Sausalito, California.
How To Make: Pour grenadine and cassis over ice in a glass. Shake tequila, orange curaçao, freshly squeezed orange juice, and lime juice together, then gently pour over the red layer to create the signature sunrise effect. Garnish with a slice of lime for a delightful finish.
