Summer Cocktails

Summer has finally arrived and honestly, we couldn’t be more excited! When the sun is shining and the temperature is rising there are a couple of things that we can’t help but think of… naturally that’s heading to the coast and drinks!

We can’t deliver you to the beach through our blog, however, all summer long we’re offering great in-store deals on soft drinks and beers including all your favorite brands! We’ve got everything from Heineken, Corona Light and the full bodied Samuel Adams Boston Lager, to the light, hydrating Zico Coconut Water, Dr Pepper and an array of delicious flavored Honest Iced Teas. That’s not all! Discover the full range of top brands that we have on sale at your local NetCost Market.

Right now, we’re going to get to work on inspiring you with some perfect summer cocktail recipes.

For a summery twist on the classic Vodka Martini try a Watermelon Vodka Martini. This drink is both delicious and refreshing, but better yet it’s quick and easy to make.

Watermelon Vodka Martini:

2 Parts Stolichnaya Premium Raspberry Vodka

1 Part Midori

½ Part Lemon Juice

2 Tsp Sugar Syrup (to taste)

5 Chunks Watermelon.

If you’re new to cocktails then sugar syrup is something you can make yourself at home. Simply add one-part cold water to one-part sugar and bring to the boil in a pan. Stir continuously until the sugar is dissolved. Leave to cool and store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a month. Now it’s on hand for any future impromptu cocktails.

Start by applying a little lemon juice to the rim of a chilled martini glass and dipping in sugar. In a Boston shaker muddle the watermelon, then add in the rest of the ingredients along with a scoop of ice. Shake vigorously then double strain the liquid into your prepared glass. To finish, garnish with a slice of fresh watermelon.

Gin, once known as Mother’s Ruin, has made a huge comeback recently. This trendy spirit is the basis of the next cocktail, the English Caipirinha!

English Caipirinha:

2 Parts Gin

1/2 Lime, chopped.

5 Blackberries

2 Tsp Crème De Mure (Blackberry Liqueur)

3 Tsp white sugar.

In a highball glass muddle together chopped lime, white sugar and blackberries. Make sure you really press to get the fruit juices for the best taste. Fill ¾ glass with crushed ice and pour over 2 parts gin. Mix well and top with a little more ice. Finish with a drizzle of Crème De Mure and add a sprig of mint and a blackberry to garnish.

Wake your taste buds up this summer with a cocktail that will bring to mind sour candies and marzipan icing- the Amaretto Sour.

Amaretto Sour:

2 Parts Disaronno Amaretto

1 Part Lemon Juice

1 Egg White

3 Tsp Sugar Syrup.

3 Drops Angostura Bitters

1 Maraschino Cherry

Combine the ingredients except for the Angostura Bitters in a Boston shaker and add ice. Shake as hard as you can so that the egg white creates the signature foam topping for the cocktail. Strain into a lowball, cocktail glass or champagne saucer. Finish with three drops of Angostura Bitters and garnish with a maraschino cherry or banana.

If you prefer your stouts and beers to cocktails then we have the perfect hybrid for you. The Black Velvet was invented in a London bar in 1861 to commemorate the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. Despite its sad beginnings this beer cocktail is a surprisingly light and tasty beverage.

Black Velvet:

1 Part Champagne

1 Part Guinness.

Half fill a champagne flute with your favorite champagne or sparkling wine. Next, layer the Guinness on top of the champagne. To do this, pour the stout slowly over the back of a spoon. It’s simple and effective. If you prefer a German twist you can swap the Guinness for a Bavarian dark beer instead.

We couldn’t finish a selection of inspiring cocktails without a brandy based drink, so this summer make the classic Sidecar your drink of choice.

Sidecar:

2 Parts Brandy

1 Part Lemon Juice

1 Part Cointreau

1 Orange Wedge or Twist

Pour the ingredients into a Boston shaker and shake well with ice. Double strain the mixture into a chilled champagne saucer for that classic cocktail look. Add a wedge of orange to the side of the glass, or get creative by using the orange peel to make an orange twist. A mature yet fresh and fruity flavored drink that will impress at any occasion this summer.