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Cocktails

The Best Cocktails for June Patio Parties Here on the Suncoast

| Angela Naff |

As the temperature rises and the days get longer, we gather to have some fun and try to stay cool. Wonderful cocktails in the shadow of the sun, or the amazing sunsets that we are privileged to have here on the Suncoast can make these long days just a bit tastier. We have compiled some of the most refreshing and tantalizing cocktails to liven up your taste buds and summer memories this June. Which have you tried, and which ones are going to make the 2023 lineup for amazing summer memories?”

Yerba Buena Cocktails

Mojitos are a natural fit for cocktails in warmer months of the year. After all, it’s hard to beat the refreshing mix of rum, club soda, and lime. This spin modernizes the drink with a few key twists. First, reposado tequila is swapped in for the rum. Second, ginger beer steps in for club soda, giving the whole mix a spicy-sweet kick that’s a perfect match for the traditional mint and lime.

Cocktails
Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

INGREDIENTS

  • 8 mint leaves
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 ounce agave nectar
  • 2 ounces reposado tequila
  • Ginger beer, chilled, to top
  • Garnish: mint sprig
  • Garnish: lime wheel

DIRECTIONS

  • In a highball glass, muddle the mint, lime juice, and agave nectar.
  • Add the tequila and fill with ice.
  • Top with the ginger beer and stir gently and briefly to combine.
  • Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel.

Strawberry Basil Smash

Strawberries are a staple of the summer here on the Suncoast. Mix this sweet fruit with fresh basil, a cool summer offering. Try this refreshing option to your summer cocktail lineup for a refreshing twist on traditional drinks.

Strawberry
Courtesy of Aberfeldy

INGREDIENTS

  • 1.5 oz Aberfeldy 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey
  • 3-5 strawberries
  • 3 basil leaves
  • .75 oz lemon juice
  • .5 oz simple syrup

DIRECTIONS

  • Shake all ingredients, and pour over fresh ice.
  • Garnish with a strawberry and basil leaf.

Bushwacker Cocktails

There is nothing quite like this boozy milkshake, a celebrated summer tradition across our region. Made with dark rum, coffee liqueur, and vanilla ice cream, this drink is a grown-up dessert that will help cool you down in the summer.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup ice
  • 1 ounce dark rum
  • 1 ounce coffee liqueur
  • 1 ounce dark crème de cacao liqueur
  • 2 ounces cream of coconut
  • 2 ounces milk

DIRECTIONS

  • Gather the ingredients
  • In a blender, add the ice, rum, coffee liqueur, creme de cacao, cream of coconut, and milk.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Pour into a chilled glass.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Bryant Park Spritz

The Summer is a time to sit out by a pool and sip on a delicious spritz. This riff on an Aperol spritz is refreshing and bright. It’s a quick and simple drink to make at home or for a group of friends. 

Cocktails
Photo Courtesy of Chilled

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 oz. Fords Gin
  • 1 oz. Aperol
  • 3/4 oz. Thyme Syrup*
  • 3/4 oz. Lemon Juice
  • Prosecco (to Top)
  • Thyme Leaf (for Garnish)

DIRECTIONS

  • Serve in a wine glass with ice.
  • Top with Prosecco.
  • Garnish with thyme leaf.

Tequila Sunrise

Here’s a drink that screams summer cocktail: the tequila sunrise! It’s beautiful and vibrant, with layered colors of a summer sunset. Even better: it’s so easy to make! All you need is three ingredients: and no special techniques or equipment. The flavor is refreshingly sweet, with just a hint of tequila.

Tequila Sunrise
Photo Courtesy of A Couple Cooks

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) tequila
  • 4 ounces (½ cup) orange juice
  • ¾ ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) grenadine syrup (purchased or homemade)
  • Ice
  • For the garnish: Cocktail cherry, orange slice

DIRECTION

  • Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in the tequila and orange juice and stir.
  • Pour the grenadine into the center of the drink, and it will sink to the bottom.
  • Stir gently for a sunrise gradient effect.
  • Garnish with an orange slice and cocktail cherry.

Did we find a recipe you hadn’t thought of before? With fresh ingredients and unique combinations, this drink list is sure to be a party pleaser – whether it be a party of one or a group of friends that go long into the night. Find your refreshment, an amazing patio and a view of these gorgeous sights here on the Suncoast this June, and be grateful to have a hot reason to imbibe in these amazing drinks.

Happy June, Suncoast!

Feature Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos

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