It’s been a hot summer here in Charlotte, so as requested, here is our HSM-Approved Cocktail Roundup. Wow your guests at your next party or keep these recipes all to yourself! But most importantly, cut the added sugars and the post-cocktail hangover with these refreshing, summery drinks!
To ensure you’ll be feeling 100% the day after drinking, have a glass of water between each cocktail, glass of wine or beer!
Liz + Clary’s Tried-and-True Tequila Soda
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. of Tequila Blanco
- An entire fresh lime’s worth of juice
- Unflavored Sparkling Water, chilled
Directions: Combine, add ice + enjoy!
Spicy Ginger Kombucha Mixer, courtesy of HSM Family member Abby Kingston
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. of Tequila
- Gingerade Kombucha
- Muddled lime, jalapeno and fresh ginger
Directions: Combine, add ice + enjoy!
Refreshing Vodka Soda
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. of vodka
- Unflavored Sparkling Water, chilled
- 4 basil leaves, muddled
- 4 slices of Cucumber, muddled
- 2 Strawberries, muddled
Directions: Combine, add ice + enjoy!
Watermelon Mojito (from Peanut Butter and Peppers)
Ingredients:
- 1 c. Watermelon, seeded and roughly chopped
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 4 mint leaves, muddled
- 2 oz. of White Rum
- Unflavored Sparkling Water, chilled
Directions: Blend watermelon in a blender until liquefied. Combine ingredients, add ice + enjoy.
To really up your cocktail game, try this Sparkling Raspberry Peach Rosécicle!
Sparkling Raspberry Peach Rosésicle
Makes 6 popsicles
Ingredients:
- 1 c. Lemon sparkling water (we love Spindrift brand — no added natural flavors)
- 1/4 bottle of your favorite Rosé
- 1 Organic White Peach
- 1 1/2 c. Organic Raspberries
Directions: In a blender, puree the peach and raspberries. Add the rosé and sparkling water and stir well. Pour into silicone popsicle molds and freeze for at least 3 hours. Enjoy in popsicle form or place them in a wine glass with more rosé.
Honorable Mention
If you’re more of a beer person, try to stick to German beers. Most of these are brewed according to “Reinheitsgebot,” or German Purity Law, which means their ingredient list consists of only water, hops, yeast, malted barley or wheat — none of those sneaky additives many other beers contain. Look for “Reinheitsgebot” on the label!