As summer unfolds, we welcome warm days and long evenings, encouraging us to sip on refreshing drinks. Unlike the cozy spirits we reach for in winter, the hot months call for cool, thirst-quenching concoctions. While the classic gin and tonic is a popular choice, a world of delightful options awaits us. In this article, we’ll explore six renowned brands, delve into their histories, and offer suggestions for how to enjoy them during this sun-kissed season.
Aperol
In recent years, this iconic Italian brand has made a remarkable comeback. Once struggling, Aperol revitalized its image by promoting the spritz cocktail, establishing its role as the essential bitter ingredient. Created in 1919 by Luigi and Silvio Barbieri, the name Aperol derives from the Italian slang word “apero,” meaning aperitif.
How to Drink It: Aperol Spritz
Crafting a classic Aperol Spritz is simple: fill a wine glass with ice, add equal parts Aperol and Prosecco, then top with mineral or soda water. Garnish with a slice of orange, sit back, and enjoy.
Bacardi
Bacardi is the world’s leading white rum, bringing to mind refreshing cocktails enjoyed by the pool or beachside. Founded in Cuba in the 1860s, the Bacardi family relocated to Bermuda after being ousted by Fidel Castro in the 1960s. Today, their rums are produced in Mexico and Puerto Rico, serving as the base for iconic cocktails like daiquiris, mojitos, and piña coladas.
How To Drink It: Mojito
The Mojito is a quintessential summer cocktail—sweet, citrusy, and refreshingly minty. To prepare one, muddle fresh mint leaves and sugar at the bottom of a tall glass, add lime juice and a generous pour of white rum, then fill with ice and top with mint leaves for garnish.
Campari
Originating in Italy in 1860, Campari was created by Gaspare Campari and is an essential ingredient in many classic cocktails. A complex blend of herbs, fruit, and spices, including chinotto and cascarilla, its deep red hue makes it a standout in any drink collection.
How To Drink It: Campari & Soda
While Campari shines in robust cocktails like the negroni, it thrives in lighter drinks during the summer. For a refreshing Campari and Soda, pour Campari over ice in a tall glass, top with soda water, and garnish with an orange slice or zest.
Kahlúa
The name Kahlúa evokes visions of tropical beaches. This famous coffee liqueur originates from Mexico, reflecting the rich flavors of its ingredients, including rum, sugar, and arabica coffee beans. Created by Pedro Domecq in 1936, Kahlúa now emphasizes sustainability in its coffee production.
How To Drink It: Espresso Martini
Kahlúa is often featured in cocktails like the Black Russian, but its finest presentation in the summer is undoubtedly the Espresso Martini. To craft this indulgent drink, blend equal parts Kahlúa, vodka, and freshly brewed espresso in a cocktail shaker, shake with ice, and strain into a martini glass, garnished with coffee beans.
Malibu
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2022, Malibu rum liqueur was a standout when it launched in 1982. Originally crafted on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, its popularity necessitated a move to larger facilities in Barbados. This brand has paved the way for numerous rum-flavored liqueurs since its inception.
How To Drink It: Piña Colada
Malibu is an excellent choice for crafting a Piña Colada, the beloved cocktail that originated in Puerto Rico. Combine one part Malibu, one part coconut cream or milk, and three parts pineapple juice in a blender with ice. Serve in a tall glass, garnished with a slice of pineapple or maraschino cherry—or both!
Pimm’s
Pimm’s evokes the essence of sunny days. Established by James Pimm in 1823 as a gin-based tonic at his London oyster bar, Pimm’s has become a quintessential component of British summer events, such as Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show. Infused with a secret blend of herbs and spices, its origins can be traced back to a vessel called No.1 Cup, which remains featured on the label today.
How To Drink It: By The Jug
Creating a jug of Pimm’s is refreshingly simple: pour a generous measure of Pimm’s No.1 Cup over a glass filled with plenty of ice, then add three parts lemonade. Toss in fresh strawberries, cucumber, mint, and orange, and you’re ready to enjoy this modern classic.
