It’s almost officially summer, and your deck is begging for some action. Whether you’re hosting a happy hour virtually or socially distancing in the backyard, these five elegant cocktail recipes will be sure to impress even the toughest of critics.
Amaretto Sour ~ for the sweet tooth
o 1 ½ oz. (3 tbsps.) amaretto
o ½ oz. (1 tbsps.) whiskey
o 1 oz. lemon juice
o 1 tsp. simple syrup
o Optional: maraschino cherries for garnish
Combine amaretto, whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice in a shaker. Shake well and pour into glass. Garnish with maraschino cherries.
Espresso Martini ~ for the coffee addict
o 1/2 oz. coffee simple syrup
o ½ oz. chocolate liqueur
o 1 oz. cold brew
o 1 ½ oz. gin
o Optional: coffee beans or cocoa powder for garnish
Combine coffee simple syrup, chocolate liqueur, cold brew, gin, and ice in a shaker. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with coffee beans or cocoa powder.
Paloma ~ for the marg lover
o 2 oz. tequila
o ½ oz. fresh lime juice
o 4 oz. grapefruit soda
o Optional: salt for rim
If desired, begin by rimming the glass with salt. Fill glass with ice and add tequila and lime juice. Top off with grapefruit soda.
Aperol Spritz ~ for the sophisticated
o 3 oz. prosecco
o 2 oz. Aperol
o 1 oz. soda water
o Optional: orange wheel for garnish
Combine prosecco, Aperol, soda water, and ice in a wine glass. Stir and garnish with an orange wheel.
Cucumber Lemonade Vodka ~ for the semi-health conscious
o 3-4 oz. lemonade
o 1 oz. cucumber juice*
o 1 ½ oz. cucumber vodka
o Optional: lemon and mint for garnish
Add ice to 16 oz. glass. Pour in lemonade, cucumber juice, and vodka. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.
*If you don’t have a juicer, chop off ends of cucumber and slice in half. Add to blender with a splash of water and blend until pureed. Place mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the puree through. Enough juice should be made for the recipe.