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The summer season brings with it the opportunity to enjoy refreshing adult beverages out in the sunshine.
At beach parties across the coasts and barbecues across the country, people are kicking back to relax with their favorite alcohols, and while Budweiser would like you to believe that drinking beer is the most American way to self-inebriate in the summertime, there are also plenty of liquor drinks just as capable.
Personally, I am much more proficient at the art of drinking drinks than making them, so in my experience it has always been best to keep my concoctions as simple as possible.
Thus, below, I am listing some of the best-tasting and easiest cocktails to make at your upcoming outdoor bashes; they're mostly simple and delicious combinations of citrus, liquor, and ice. There's a drink for every type of liquor, so whether you prefer whiskey or gin, there should be something here to please. And thanks to our friends at Drizly, those lucky enough to live in their coverage areas can have the necessary ingredients delivered straight to their door.
Cheers to summer living.
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Whiskey Smash
A whiskey smash comes out tasting like a whiskey sour with a smattering of mint, giving it a refreshing coolness that makes it a great way to cap off a long day in the sun. Recommending Knob Creek and Bulleit bourbon for this one, although if you prefer rye that will work just as well.
Ingredients:
2 oz whiskey
3 lemon wedges
1/2 oz simple syrup
6 mint leaves
Muddle lemon wedges, add everything else, shake well, strain and pour over crushed ice.
Knob Creek Bourbon, prices from $2.99 - $97.99, available at Drizly.
Bulleit Bourbon, prices from $1.99 - $75.99, available at Drizly.
Paloma
If you're looking for a colorful drink that deserves an umbrella to make for you and your company, a round of Palomas will do everyone some good. For the best final product, invest in a quality grapefruit soda as well — there's no point in wasting good tequila on something subpar. Spring for the Jarritos.
Ingredients:
2 oz tequila
6 oz grapefruit soda
1/2 oz lime juice
Salt for rimming
Salt Collins glass and fill with ice, add tequila and lime juice, top off with grapefruit soda.
Avion Silver, prices from $15.39 - $66.99, available at Drizly.
Espolon Blanco, prices from $17.99 - $46.09, available at Drizly.
Gimlet
Despite what any vodka drinkers try and tell you, a real gimlet is made with gin. Invented by British sailors looking for a way to get drunk while fighting off scurvy, gimlets have passed the test of time by continuing to accomplish one of those goals it was originally created for time and time again. Try Hendricks or Bombay Sapphire, depending on your preference.
Ingredients:
2 oz gin
1/2 oz lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Add all ingredients to shaker and fill with ice. Shake and serve up in a cocktail glass.
Bombay Sapphire, prices from $1.89 - $61.94, available at Drizly.
Hendrick's Gin, prices from $4.95 - $94.99, available at Drizly.
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