Craving a delicious and refreshing cocktail for beating the summer heat? We got you covered. Check out these fresh and fruity recipes from local makers of craft spirits and apertifs that are sure to hit your sweet spot.
Mommenpop
Ruby Grapefruit Spritz
The classic rosé spritz reworked with citrus-forward Mommenpop Ruby Grapefruit and Sparkling Rosé. Simple, elegant, and delish!
4 oz Mommenpop Ruby Grapefruit
3 oz Mommenpop Sparkling Rosé
Combine all ingredients in a wine glass and add ice.
Garnish with a fresh grapefruit slice or peel.
Photos: Nicola Parisi
St. George Spirits
Spiced Pear Margarita
Margarita fans, this one’s for you—and all your friends! Cinnamon and clove rich Spiced Pear Liqueur takes a classic Margarita somewhere unexpected and wildly delicious. An all-time favorite way to enjoy Spiced Pear Liqueur, this crushable recipe is one to save and return to again and again.
1 1/2 oz reposado tequila
1 oz St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/4 oz simple syrup
Combine all ingredients in a tin with ice, then shake and strain over fresh ice into a glass half-rimmed with salted cinnamon sugar. Garnish with lime and/or a pear slice.
Photo: Nicola Parisi
Veso
Solstice Negroni (A Summer Negroni)
A warm weather Negroni recipe from the makers of modern apertifs made with all-natural ingredients.
2 oz Veso Strawberry Solstice apertif
1 oz Gin
1 oz Campari
Orange Peel for garnish
Stir all ingredients over ice, and then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel.
Photo: @goodgollymixmolly
Hangar 1 Distillery
Honeycomb Mule
Made with Hangar 1 Honeycomb Vodka, the Honeycomb Mule is the perfect mix of sweet and bitters.
1 1/2 oz Hangar 1 Honeycomb Vodka
3/4 oz lemon juice
3 dashes of aromatic bitters
Ginger beer
Strain into a Collins glass with plenty of ice and enjoy.
Spirit Works Distillery
Sebastopol Swizzle
A summer refresher from the Sebastopol-based craft distillers.
1 1/2 oz Spirit Works Distillery Barrel Gin
3/4 oz simple syrup
1/2 oz lemon juice
2 dashes cardamom bitters
Combine all ingredients in a Collins glass and fill with crushed ice. Using a swizzle stick or barspoon, vigorously churn the drink and the ice until frost starts to form on the outside of the glass. Top with additional crushed ice as needed, and garnish with a mint sprig and lime twist.
