Summer is not a season to rush through — it’s a time to linger, to savour, and to raise a glass to golden afternoons and balmy evenings. Whether it’s the gentle bitterness of a Campari Spritz, the crisp coolness of a frozen margarita, or the layered warmth of a Mai Tai, these cocktails capture the spirit of summer with effortless elegance.
Campari Spritz
Aperol can step aside as the Campari spritz is ready to take center stage. With its vibrant hue, refined bitterness, and effervescent charm, this cocktail is made for unhurried
afternoons and golden-hour gatherings. Just five minutes and five simple ingredients stand between you and a glass of summer in hand.
INGREDIENTS
• Grapefruit: A splash of fresh juice adds tart, fruity brightness. For extra flavor, use ½ oz per cocktail.
• Campari: The bitter red classic found in Negronis, Americanos, and more niche drinks.
• Bubbles: Top with club soda, grapefruit seltzer, or grapefruit soda (like Ting) for a light, refreshing finish without more alcohol.
INSTRUCTIONS
• Squeeze grapefruit wedges into a measuring cup, extracting as much juice as possible.
• Add Campari and stir well to combine.
• Divide the mixture into glasses.
• Top with Prosecco — add more if you like it sweeter.
• Finish with club soda or grapefruit seltzer.
• Garnish with a thin grapefruit slice and fill with ice.
Frozen Margarita
Few cocktails capture summer quite like the classic margarita, and its frozen version brings a cool, irresistible twist. No need for pre-made mixes — just five ingredients, some ice, and a blender are all it takes. Here’s how to turn this sunshine staple into a frosty delight.
INGREDIENTS
• Silver Tequila: Stick with a classic silver tequila or swap in mezcal for a smoky twist.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must for the brightest flavor.
• Triple Sec: Use classic triple sec or sub in Cointreau — even OJ for a lighter touch.
• Simple Syrup: Adds balance; agave works beautifully too.
INSTRUCTIONS
• Rub lime juice around the rims of your glasses, dip in salt, and set aside.
• In a blender, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice. Blend until smooth and slushy.
• Pour into prepared glasses, garnish with lime rounds, and serve immediately.
Mai Tai
One sip of a fruity, refreshing Mai Tai, and it’s as if summer arrives in an instant — complete with sunshine and sea breeze. Like any great tiki cocktail, it’s bold yet deceptively smooth, making it the perfect pick for a backyard gathering, a leisurely brunch, or simply unwinding after a long day. Whatever the occasion, this classic drink delivers the carefree spirit of summer in every glass.
INGREDIENTS
• Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens the cocktail; one lime usually does the trick.
• Rum: A mix of Jamaican and French rums offers depth and balance.
• Orange Liqueur: Dry Curaçao is ideal, but Cointreau or triple sec work too.
• Orgeat Syrup: Adds subtle sweetness and nuttiness; amaretto can substitute.
• Garnish: Mint, lime, and cherry are classics; dress it up with pineapple or flowers.
INSTRUCTIONS
• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add fresh lime juice, rum, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup.
• Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, until the outside is frosty.
• Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
• Garnish with mint, a lime wheel, and a cherry—or dress it up with pineapple or flowers.