Cool Down with Summer Cocktails

When the heat hits, there’s nothing better than an ice cold, refreshing drink. What’s even better is to put a fun spin on your beverages, whether it’s with a spa water station, prosecco bar with various juices and condiments, or a light specialty drink like a Strawberry Rhubarb Collins! Here are some of our favorites to get your started.

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB COLLINS

Ingredients:

1 1/2 strawberries-quartered

1 ½ oz. Ketel One

1 oz. Sweet & Sour

½ oz. strawberry simple syrup (see simple syrup recipe)

2 oz Rhubarb Dry Soda.

SHAKEN:

Put quartered strawberries in a mixing glass. Add vodka, sour, strawberry simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously. Pour into a pint glass and top with the Rhubarb Dry Soda.

Strawberry Simple Syrup:

Mix 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 ½ Cups fresh mashed strawberries in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir. Mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. When the sugar has completely dissolved, remove from heat. Let the berries cool in the hot syrup. Strain out and refrigerate until needed.

MINT JULEP

Ingredients:

2 spearmint sprigs

.75 oz simple syrup

2.5 oz bourbon over crushed ice

Place leaves of mint and simple syrup in the bottom of a pre-chilled, dry 12-ounce glass or silver beaker. Crush slightly with a muddler. Pack glass with finely cracked ice. Pour a bourbon over the ice. Stir briskly until the glass frosts. Add more ice and stir again before serving.

Simple Syrup Ingredients:

Cup of water and 1 Cup of sugar

Method:

Mix 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir. Mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. When the sugar has completely dissolved, remove from heat. Let the mixture completely cool. Place in a container and refrigerate.

PROSECCO BAR

Grab some of your favorite Prosecco or Champagne, various fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and mango, and some of your favorite juices. We love fresh grapefruit, orange, and pineapple juices.

Another easy and creative station is a Spa Water station using some fresh flavors like cucumber, strawberry, and even add some heat with a pepper, like jalapeño.

These are just a few fun and refreshing ideas to help you cool off this summer. If you don’t have the time to entertain your guests with these recipes on your own, email info@duparandcompany.com to explore all of our beverage options!