The long, hot summer days are here, which means it’s time to treat your taste buds to a fruity, refreshing cocktail (or two) as the sun goes down. And, typically, that means it’s time to drink rosé.
As the unofficial drink of warmer months, rosé has become ubiquitous with beach days, BBQs and suntans. But, if you’re over this “summer water” trend, but still want to enjoy a pink-hued drink, fear not. As it turns out, there are a plethora of baby pink drinks to sip on all summer long. Check out a few of these old-school favorites and new-school concoctions that will satisfy your need for a summer drink with a twist.
Seabreeze
The Seabreeze may indeed be one of the original summer drinks. First introduced in the 1930s, the drink originally contained gin, apricot brandy, grenadine and lime juice, according to Classic Cocktails. The recipe morphed over the years to now include vodka, cranberry, and grapefruit juice, giving it that classic pink color.
1 1/2 oz vodka
3 oz cranberry juice
1 1⁄2 oz grapefruit juice
Pour in a highball glass and enjoy.
Strawberry Basil Margarita
A twist on an old favorite, the strawberry basil margarita makes for the ideal ice-cold treat on a sweltering summer day. To create this cocktail you’ll need a few tools, including a shaker and a muddler. But, it’s worth the investment.
3 medium strawberries
3 basil leaves
3⁄4 oz lime juice
3⁄4 oz simple syrup
1 1⁄2 oz tequila
1⁄2 oz Cointreau
1⁄4 oz Maraschino liqueur
In a shaker, muddle the strawberries, add ice, other ingredients and shake vigorously. Pour into a margarita glass, garnish with basil and sip.
Biciletta
When it comes to cocktails, the Italians certainly know how to do it right. So, this summer, try an Italian pink-colored favorite, the Biciletta. And truly, the recipe couldn’t be easier to follow.
Ice cubes
2 oz Campari
1 1/2 oz dry white wine
1/2 oz club soda
Lemon slice (optional)
To create, just fill a wine glass with ice, pour in ingredients, stir, garnish and enjoy.
Pink Lady
This classic cocktail dates back to the 19th century, though little is known about its exact origins. But, the name of the cocktail apparently came from the popular 1920s Broadway play of the same name, and its starring actress, Hazel Dawn, who was also known lovingly as “The Pink Lady.” Regardless of where it came from, it still makes for an excellent summer drink.
1 egg white
1 teaspoon grenadine syrup
1 teaspoon half-and-half cream
1 1/2 oz gin
Crushed ice
Mix the egg white, grenadine syrup, half-and-half, and gin in a shaker over ice. Shake away. Strain into a chilled glass to serve.
Summer Cup
Of course, there aren’t just old-school cocktails in town. As Town & Country explained, there are bartenders around the nation currently creating absolutely divine creations, too. And really, what’s more perfect for a pink summer drink list than a Summer Cup?
The drink, created by NEAT Bottle Shop & Tasting Room in Alys Beach, Florida, is utterly refreshing and will surely become an instant favorite.
1 oz King's ginger
1 oz gin
2 oz cranberry juice
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Soda to fill
Combine all the ingredients (minus the soda) in a shaker. Mix, pour into a glass, fill with soda and sip responsibly.
Bikini Martini
The bikini martini is certainly pink, but what makes this even more warm weather appropriate is the addition of coconut rum. The sweet, fruity taste will put you in a tropical mood, so maybe even save this recipe for a freezing winter day when you need to pretend that summer is just around the corner.
4 oz coconut rum
4 oz pineapple juice
2 oz vodka
Ice
1 oz grenadine
Maraschino cherries or pineapple for garnish
Combine all the ingredients in a shaker. Mix, strain into a martini glass, garnish with your fruit of choice and enjoy.
Shirley Temple
Not every summer drink needs to contain alcohol. If you’re driving, or just want to enjoy a seriously classic mix sans alcohol, ask your bartender to whip you up a Shirley Temple.
The pink drink was allegedly invented by a bartender at Chasen's, an old-Hollywood restaurant located in West Hollywood, California, for the actress herself. However, many people have claimed they too invented the drink. But, who cares, it’s delicious no matter where it came from.
1/4 cup lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1 1/2 tablespoons grenadine syrup
1 Maraschino cherry
Combine the ingredients in a highball glass, garnish with a cherry (or two) and enjoy.
