Our Favorite Summer Refreshers

Longer days, warmer nights, more beach days – there are so many things to love about summer. But if there’s one thing we love, it’s sipping a tasty summer drink with our toes in the sand! No matter your preference, there’s so many varieties for everyone to enjoy. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite refreshers for you to try this summer, with everything from fruity delights to minty mojitos.

WATERMELON-CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

Source: Cooking Channel

• 4 1/2 cups seedless watermelon cubes
• 1/4 cup vanilla-infused vodka, such as Absolut Vanilla, chilled
• 1/8 cup triple sec
• 1 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• Champagne, for topping off the drinks

This refreshing cocktail only takes 30 minutes to make. Blend your watermelon cubes on high until smooth. Strain out 2 cups of watermelon juice to a pitcher and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Add your vodka, triple sec, lime juice and stir well. For an added bonus, top off each drink with a small amount of champagne.

MOJITO LIMEADE

Source: Food Network

• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, plus sprigs for garnis
• 2 limes, cut into wedges, plus more for garnish
• 2 cups crushed ice, plus more for serving
• 1 cup simple syrup (add additional lime zest and mint if desired)
• 1 liter white rum
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• Club soda

While this twist on a classic mojito takes about 3 hours to make, it is definitely worth the wait. Muddle your mint leaves and lime wedges along with 2 cups of crushed ice in a large pitcher. Add your rum, lime juice and some more ice. Top with club soda to your liking and serve over ice. You may also add a lime wedge garnish to your glass and mint sprigs.

LEMON BLUEBERRY SWEET TEA

• 2 (16-oz.) package frozen blueberries
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 gallon any sweet tea recipe

Bring frozen blueberries and fresh lemon juice to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and pour through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl, using back of a spoon to squeeze out juice. Discard solids. Add to standard sweet tea recipe. Pour into a pitcher; cover and chill 1 hour.

PAUL BOWLES

Source: Town and Country Magazine

• 4 fresh blackberries
• .5 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz Milagro Reposado Tequila
• .75 oz Ancho Reyes
• .75 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 leaves fresh basil

This cocktail gets its name from author Paul Bowles. Muddle your blackberries along with simple syrup. Add in all other ingredients and shake well. Pour over ice and serve with a lime wheel. Quick and easy!

Beat the heat this summer and cool off with a delicious cocktail in your favorite flavors. So, tell us, which of these summer cocktails will you try this season? And for those who prefer wine, we also have our picks for the best wine shops in Los Angeles. Enjoy!