As the weather warms up, our taste buds crave refreshing cocktails. But this year we’re leaving the bars behind and are crafting yummy treats at home. Need a tip for having a picnic-style happy hour?
“Don’t pick a cocktail that requires tons of ingredients and skip any that call for the blender,” says lifestyle expert Maureen Petrosky. “Build your cocktail ahead of time, either in a pitcher, thermos or in individual containers. No matter which vessel you choose, make sure they have a tight fitting lid for a mess- free transport.”
Follow our recipes for the best Spring concoctions. Just add laughs and friends.
Bottoms up!
KAPPA Krush
-2 oz KAPPA Pisco
-4 grapes
-4 lemon chunks (quartered half lemon)
-2 tsp raw sugar
Directions: In a shaker, muddle lemons and grapes with sugar. Then add KAPPA Pisco and fill mixing glass with partially cracked ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice. Garnish with halved grapes.
Peachy Palmer
-1 1/2 oz. Van Gogh Cool Peach Vodka
-1 part Iced Tea
-1 part Lemonade
-1 peach slice
Directions: Add ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and shake very well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with peach slice.
*Created by The Cocktail Guru, Jonathan Pogash*
Pineapple Honey Bee Cocktail
-2 tablespoons honey, dissolved in a 1/4 cup very warm or hot water
-1 cup Little Black Dress Pineapple Honey Vodka
-1/4 cup freshly squeezed, lemon juice, strained
-1/2 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, loosely packed
-2 dashes of bitters for each cocktail
-Club soda, to top off
-Lemon slices, for garnish
Directions: In a small pitcher add the vodka, honey water and lemon juice. Add the lemon balm and muddle with a wooden spoon. Fill 4 to 6 mason jars with ice cubes. Add the 2 dashes of bitters to each mason jar. Divide the cocktail evenly among the glasses. Top with club soda. Garnish with lemon slices and serve.