Best Summer Cocktails - Cognac cocktail

Summer may be over (that's if you're reading this after August). But it’s certainly not too late, or too chilly, to try the year’s best summer cocktails. Still thirsty? We’ve got four recipes that are sure to blow you cocktail-loving mind. They can even slide into the autumn months with you. Easy crafting, easy drinking, and easy transition!

Our cocktail enthusiasts are here with favorite classics, new finds, and their own concoctions. Give your attention to our neighbors across the pond: Mike @barflys.and.dreams, the head bartender at Bristol’s @farawaycocktailclub, and Francesco @theworldofthebar, a gentleman that Capri can be proud of.

Following them on Instagram is a must. So, yeah: you probably want to do that right now.

Best Summer Cocktails: Your New Favorites

DAIQUIRI 

When we asked Mike about his favorite summertime cocktail, he said:

“It’s gotta be something I only found out about recently. A blended nuclear daiquiri with half a banana in it. Absolutely unreal.”

Sounds awesome! Show us the magic, Mike:

Blended Nuclear Daiquiri Recipe

●       0.75 oz. Wray and Nephew Rum

●       0.5 oz. Green Chartreuse

●       0.5 oz. Velvet Falernum

●       0.25 oz. Simple Syrup

●       0.5 oz. Lime Juice

●       Half of a Ripe Banana

Blend all ingredients on high with a large scoop of crushed ice.  Pour into whatever glass you like. It’s boozy, cold, and utterly perfect for summer.

MARTINI

Francesco said his favorite cocktail was the classic martini. Make it dirty. Check out our recent article: 5 Best Martini Recipes: Alternatives to Savor and Share. There, you’ll find the classic recipe, along with some new takes and twists on this iconic, sophisticated drink.

Best Summer Cocktails - dirty martinis Cheers for those dirty martinis. [Photo cred: @theworldofthebar]

Best Summer Cocktails to Fall Right into Autumn With You

That’s right! As fall approaches, you don’t have to say goodbye to these summer cocktail wonders. Summer is bright with blue skies, sunshine, and green grass, but autumn need not be dull.  It boasts a brightness all its own! Irresistible, multi-colored foliage is complemented by vibrant cocktails that can warm you up as quickly as they cool you down.

BRINGIN’ THE BRANDY

Mike shares:

“There are definitely a lot of drinks out there that fall into this category (drinks that translate well in the colder months). I really like tiki for this.”

Mike is bringing the heat! He continues:

“I’ve got a drink that fits perfectly, one which I created last year. It’s called Passport for Cognac. And the Cognac in this drink makes the transition into fall super easy and natural.”

A Glass of Cognac cocktail Picture perfect Passport to Cognac cocktail, right? [Photo cred: @barflys.and.dreams]

 

 

Passport to Cognac Recipe

●       1.5 oz. Martell V.S.

●       0.5 oz. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum

●       0.25 oz. Lime juice

●       0.25 oz. Lemon juice

●       2 Dashes Angostura bitters

●       2 Dashes Absinthe

●       0.5 oz. Pineapple syrup

Add all the ingredients to a highball. Fill it with crushed ice, and give it a good swizzle/churn. Top with more crushed ice, and garnish with a mint sprig.

 

THE GIN GAME

Francesco says it’s sour time! So he’s giving us a beloved favorite, his "Madame Gutier” cocktail recipe--perfect for any season.

 

Best Summer Cocktails - sour kind of power It’s that sour kind of power. [Photo cred: @theworldofthebar]

 

Madame Gutier Recipe

from @antonio_marigliano93, barman @caprirooftop

●       1.75 oz. Bombay Gin

●       0.75 oz. Saint Germain

●       0.5 oz. Spring syrup

●       1 oz. Lime juice

Shake and strain into a goblet. Garnish with lemon.

 

Your Personal Best

Don’t forget to follow our enthusiasts at @barflys.and.dreams, @farawaycocktailclub, and @theworldofthebar.

And don’t leave before you shop our Prestige Decanters online store. For sure check out our whiskey glasses to take your cocktails to the next level, no matter the season.

We invite you to share your best summer cocktails in the comments below. The more the merrier!