Cropped shot of an unidentifiable bartender pouring a cocktail behind the bar
You want something to cool off in August. These cocktails are perfect for anyone looking to make the transition to fall with dark spirits or to get rid of summer’s last fruits.
Boat House Punch
This bright and bubbly punch is a result of Julie Reiner’s work at the Brooklyn bars Clover Club, and Leyenda. It was first published in her book Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks For Every Occasion. This recipe is perfect for any occasion. The large-batch recipe makes it easy to make enough for everyone in your party.
Plain Killer
This cocktail is a twist on the Tiki classic Painkiller. It’s created by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tory Miller and is darker, richer and more delicious than its predecessor. This recipe uses El Dorado 15 year-old rum instead of the traditional Pusser’s rum. It has a deeper flavor and notes of oak, coffee, chocolate. To make it even more satisfying, add a little coconut cream to the juices.
Gin Buck
This concoction was a popular summer cooler back in the 1920s and deserves to be revived. Combine gin, lemon juice or lime juice in one Collins glass. Add ginger ale to the glass and garnish with a citrus wedge. This is a great summer drink to enjoy under the sun.
Undead Gentleman
Donn Beach, the father of all things Tiki is responsible for many famous cocktails including the Zombie which was first created in 1934 at Don the Beachcomber’s Hollywood bar. This updated version is a simplified version of the original, thanks to Martin Cate, Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco. This cocktail is a mixture of rums and grapefruit juices, as well as cinnamon syrup and velvet falernum. It’s served in an absinthe-rinsed cup.
Calafia
Drink your tequila in a refreshing and herbaceous cocktail this month, instead of sweet Margaritas. Anthony Parks, a San Francisco bartender, created the recipe. He combined blanco tequila with mezcal, fennel juices, agave syrup and club soda to create a refreshing, tequila-forward highball. It’s richly layered and very refreshing. Although fennel juice is a laborious process, the drink’s vegetal flavors are well worth it.
Summer Rye
This refreshing whiskey drink will bring rye whiskey to your summer drinking. Willy Shine mixes Sazerac rye with St-Germain, easy syrup and lemon and Fuji juices to bring out its bold, spicy flavors and moderate alcohol content. Any type of apple juice can be used, although fresh-pressed juice is the best. No matter what type of juice you use, make sure to add a splash of champagne.
Michelada
This classic can be used to spice up cold beer without making it too hot. The refreshing base of Mexican Lager is lime juice, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper. Celery salt is added. Top with a lime wedge and salt in a glass.
Sparkling Rose Margarita
This large-format cocktail is a combination of two summer’s most popular drinks, the rose and Margaritas. It’s perfect for summer parties. Strawberry-basil-infused blanco tequila is easy to make and adds a juicy brightness (and touch of homemade flair) to the mix of lime juice, agave syrup, and sparkling rose. You can make it extra special by serving it in a punchbow with floating strawberries and slices of lime. Rose salt-rimmed glasses are also available for your guests to enjoy their own portions.
