Whether you’re a drinker or not, with the month of May we’ve just had, I think it’s safe to say we all need something cold to sip on this summer. I’ve compiled a list of new and old favourites that can be made both with alcohol and without. I made sure to include sweet options, tart options and even an option for my beer lovers out there.
Continue reading to learn how to make your new drink of the summer.
Corona Sunrise/Mickey Mouse
Okay, so I can’t take credit for either of these. The first went viral on the popular social media app TikTok, and the second is a variation on the first that one of my closest friends introduced me to. What I have done, however, is put them both to the test and I can safely say both the cocktail and mocktail versions of this drink leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the heat.
For the Corona Sunrise you will need:
Corona Extra beer (in the bottle is better – I’m not sure why but trust me on it.)
Tequila
Orange juice
Grenadine
Fresh lime
A bottle opener
Directions:
Open your Corona and take a sip, until the beer arrives at the top of the label. If you’re like me and not the biggest fan of beer, poor the first few sips down the drain.
Add the tiniest amount of tequila and grenadine. These can be adjusted to taste, but I generally use around 1 teaspoon of tequila and ½ a teaspoon of grenadine.
Fill the rest of the space in the bottle up with orange juice but leave just enough space for a squeeze of lime.
Prep your lime slice and run it around the rim before dropping it into the bottle.
Plug the bottle with your finger or thumb to combine all ingredients. Be careful taking your finger out; the beer is carbonated and can splash if you're not careful so do this last part over the sink!
As I mentioned previously, I am NOT a beer drinker. But prepped this way, the grainy notes of the beer combined with the acidity of the orange juice and the sweetness of the grenadine complement one another perfectly and create an entirely new and rich blend of flavours.
For the alcohol-free Mickey Mouse version:
This recipe gets its name from my good friend Sarah, who remembers having a version of this drink when she went to Walt Disney World when she was younger.
Everything remains the same as above except we remove the Corona and the tequila out of the equation.
In a tall glass filled with ice, add a base of sparkling water, or sprite for a sweeter option. Top with orange juice, a splash of grenadine and a lime slice and you’re all set. I tried this for the first time on a day when the weather was hot and humid, and it did such a good job of keeping me refreshed and cool. I didn’t even miss the alcohol.
French 75
This cocktail is a sure-fire way to make you feel way fancy and high-class. My partner and I
did a cocktail competition, where the winner got to pick the movie we watched that night. This was the recipe I won with. The cocktail version of this drink is pretty alcohol-focused so you don’t need to sip a lot of them before reaping the benefits.
For the cocktail version you will need:
1 oz. of your favourite gin. I really like Ungava (and it’s even made in Quebec!)
½ oz. – 1oz. lemon juice, depending on how tart you like things
½ oz. simple syrup – This is just equal parts water and sugar combined, brought to a boil and then allowed to cool.
3 oz. champagne or any sparkling wine of your choosing
Slice of lemon to garnish (optional)
A shaker and lots of ice
Directions:
Add your gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and ice to your shaker and mix until frothy and cold.
Add your mixture to any glass of your choosing
Top with champagne and a slice of lemon and you’re all set
SOURCE: liquor.com
For the mocktail version:
For the alcohol-free alternative to this drink, we’re simply going to take out the gin, and swap the champagne for tonic water.
On evenings where I’m wanting to relax but not necessarily wanting to wake up with a headache the next morning, this is the drink I turn to. It’s light, it’s refreshing and it’s so versatile.
Seared Lemonade
Yes, you heard that right. Can you tell I like lemon? This recipe combines the tartness of lemon with the bold smoky flavour that the grill or pan brings to the table. Grilling your lemon wedges first actually brings out some of the sweeter notes creating a more balanced and complex drinking experience.
With the summer months approaching and barbecue season in full swing, this recipe is the perfect way to kick up a simple recipe a few notches.
For the classic version, you will need:
5 medium lemons
1 additional lemon, sliced into rings
1 cup white sugar, plus additional for coating
4 cups water
4 cups of ice
Directions:
On a cutting board, halve the lemons and coat the cut sides with a thin layer of sugar.
Place the lemons on a pan or on the grill cut side down and cook them over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, until caramelized.
Remove lemons from the griddle and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
Juice lemons over a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher.
Once all the lemons are juiced, add the white sugar, lemon rings, water, and ice (see note). Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
NOTE: Do not add the ice if preparing ahead of time. Add the ice immediately before serving.
For the spiked version:
The alcoholic version of this drink is super versatile. Spruce it up with whatever liquor you usually pair alongside lemonade. My go-to’s are vodka, spiced rum and honey whiskey. Top this one off with a sprig of mint and you’ve got yourself a sweet, smoky light and refreshing mix.
Let us know which recipe you end up trying in the comments! We love to hear from you.
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