While wine rules most evenings in our house, once summer arrives I’m ready to start sipping something different. I look for easy summer cocktails that elevate an ordinary home patio or (inflatable) pool and transport me, at least mentally, to a relaxing resort oasis. There are a lot of easy summer cocktail recipes out there depending on your preference for sweet, savory, bubbly, or bitter, but these particular four have been on repeat for us because of their refreshing citrus flavors and they don’t require any special skills. Just make sure to have a cocktail shaker on hand. This set has all the basic tools you need.

Outfit details: Lemon print dress | Wedges | Bamboo Bag | Bracelets

4 Easy Summer Citrus Cocktails

French 75

Let’s start with the most elegant summer citrus cocktail of the bunch, the French 75. This cocktail is perfect for champagne lovers and those who like to brunch (wait, aren’t those the same people?). Depending on your preference, you can make this more of a gin cocktail or more of a champagne cocktail, just adjust your proportions. It’s hard not to feel like a Hollywood icon on vacay in the south of France with this in your hand. I don’t always match my cocktail but this lemon print dress was too cute not to wear for a little at home dinner date. 

I prefer this recipe from Bon Appetit. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 ounces London dry gin (my preference is Beefeater)
• ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
• ¾ ounce simple syrup
• 2 ounces Champagne (I often substitute Prosecco and it’s just as good)
• Lemon twist for garnish

Recipe at Bon Appetit.

Aperol Spritz

The essential drink of every summer is definitely the Aperol Spritz. It’s vibrant orange hue always reminds me of the summer sun and it’s the perfect aperitivo to kick off an al fresco meal. Anyone can make this easy summer cocktail because the proportions are so simple. It’s equal parts Prosecco and Aperol with a splash of soda. Add an orange slice for more presentation. 

I prefer the original cocktail recipe from Aperol. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Prosecco D.O.C.
• Aperol
• Ice
• Oranges

Recipe at Aperol.

Paloma

Don’t get me wrong, a good margarita is essential in summer, but sometimes I like a lighter tequila cocktail and the Paloma provides that. You can make it with any tequila you have on hand and recipes vary on whether to use grapefruit juice or grapefruit soda or some combo of both. A lot of recipes call for added sugar, which I don’t enjoy. For some creative ideas, check out these suggestions from Food + Wine.

After a few different experiments, I landed on how I prefer to make the Paloma. I really like grapefruit juice so these are the proportions I use:

• 2 ounces tequila (I usually prefer reposado)
• 2 ounces grapefruit juice
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• Soda (I prefer Topo Chico)
• Lime and grapefruit wedge for garnish
• Ice

My recipe: Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain into a tumbler over ice and top with a splash of soda. I usually just garnish with a lime but a grapefruit slice would also be nice.

Ranch Water

If you’re in the dark on this Texas favorite, go to this article from GQ to get some background. I think it does an excellent (and quite entertaining) job explaining the love we have for this cocktail and the importance of certain ingredients like Topo Chico – no La Croix here! 

I really like the laid back approach of the GQ “recipe” because it’s pretty loose on the proportions. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tequila 
• Fresh squeezed lime (I prefer a whole lime squeezed into mine)
• Topo Chico 
• Ice

Recipe at GQ.

What is your favorite summer cocktail? Cheers!

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xo – Erin

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