She Strengthens

Summer Sipping Made Easy: Refreshing Beach Cocktails to Enjoy

As the sun shines bright, it’s time to soak up the fun with friends and family by the ocean. Before you head out, remember to check local rules on alcohol and opt for unbreakable cups and containers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Simple yet Delicious: The Key to a Great Beach Cocktail

According to beach-side bartenders, the secret to a fantastic beach cocktail lies in its simplicity. You don’t want to be lugging around a plethora of ingredients, and the drink should evoke a fun-in-the-sun taste. The ingredients in the drinks below fit perfectly into small tote-able containers, making them ideal for seaside sipping.

Orange Crush: A Refreshing Classic

Nikki Grillo, a bartender at Dogfish Head Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, recommends an Orange Crush. This revitalizing drink is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Ice
• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 1/2 oz triple sec
• Sprite, to taste
• Fresh orange juice, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place ice in a cocktail glass.
2. Pour in vodka and triple sec, then stir in Sprite and fresh orange juice, to taste.

Blood Orange Cosmo: A Sunset Stunner

Grillo also suggests a Blood Orange Cosmo, a slightly more complex drink that requires some prep work. However, the end result is well worth the effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 blood orange
• 2 c. vodka
• 1 c. fresh lime juice
• 1 c. cranberry juice
• Triple sec
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Slice blood orange and let it sit in a container of vodka in the refrigerator for about 1 week.
2. In a separate container, mix fresh lime juice and cranberry juice.
3. Transfer both mixtures to a cooler.
4. When ready to assemble, fill a glass with ice.
5. Shake together 1 1/2 oz. blood orange-infused vodka, 1/2 oz. triple sec, and lime-cranberry juice to taste.
6. Pour into glass.

Blue Hawaiian: A Tropical Treat

Scott Gruse, a bartender at The Lazy Pirate in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, recommends a Blue Hawaiian. This refreshing drink is easy to make and perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients:

• Ice
• 2 oz. coconut rum
• 1 oz. blue Curaçao
• Pineapple juice, to taste

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Shake remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker, then pour over ice.

Mai Tai: A Relaxing Classic

Gruse also suggests a Mai Tai, a classic cocktail that’s perfect for kicking back and enjoying the sunset.

Ingredients:

• Ice
• 1 oz. silver rum
• 1 oz. Myers rum
• 1/2 oz. triple sec
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
• Cranberry juice, to taste

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Shake remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour over ice.

The Corsican Cocktail: A Make-Ahead Marvel

This mostly make-ahead cocktail is perfect for picnics, parks, and beaches. Its unique flavor profile will set it apart from other summer drinks.

Ingredients:

• 13 oz. Lillet Blanc, chilled
• 7 oz. limoncello, chilled
• 3 1/2 oz. elderflower syrup
• 1 3/4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 6 lemon twists (optional)
• 1 (10-ounce) bottle club soda, chilled

Instructions:

1. Mix everything except the club soda and lemon twists together in a 3-cup container.
2. When you get to your destination, pour yourself a glass of the chilled cocktail base and top it off with the club soda.

Summer Sipping Made Easy

Wherever your beach happens to be, these delicious drinks are sure to take the edge off the summer heat. So go ahead, grab a drink, and soak up the sun!