Summer Cocktails from our Special Recipe Edition

From summery takes on the classics to boozy batch cocktails, we’ve rounded up recipes from some of the South’s top beverage pros for you to sip on all season long. Take a moment to yourself and enjoy a little R&R as you savor an adult beverage and absorb the long summer days.

Wildberry Basil Refresher

This Summer cocktail is just the thing for the berry lover of the group. With a choice of vodka, gin, or tequila, you can make this cocktail exactly what you’re craving. Sweet, sour, and perfect for summer. From Chad Whittington, DTR SouthPark, Charlotte, North Carolina

Xantiiya

Is there anything more quintessentially “Summer” than Watermelon? This fruity cocktail takes the sweet red and green melon and elevates it to a new level with honey,  tequila blanco, and velvet falernum. Enjoy sipping at it as you sit on the porch and take in the sunset. From Coa Agaveria y Cocina, Columbia, South Carolina

Wasted Day

This cucumber-infused and blanco tequila-based drink is light and fresh. A day of relaxation is never a wasted day. From Stephanie Andrews, Spindle Bar, Charlotte, North Carolina

Cappello de Citta (City Hat)

This cocktail packs some heat. With a base of Conniption American Dry Gin with Red Bell Pepper, this drink reminds you it is a cocktail. With a splash of black peppercorn syrup and a squeeze of lemon, this Summer cocktail is a lovely way to end the day. From Stephen Blackmon, Doar Bros., Charleston

French 75

Elevated, refined, and an oh-so-fancy Summer cocktail to drink. This order involves Conniption American Dry Gin, Cava or Prosecco, and a dash of lemon for a bit of sparking flavor. From Stephanie Andrews, Spindle Bar, Charlotte, North Carolina

Summerville Mojito

Agava and Firefly Distillery sweet tea vodka, this drink takes the summer vibes even further. Take a moment to lay back in the grass and feel the sun worm your skin. From Stephanie Andrews, Spindle Bar, Charlotte, North Carolina

Coopers’ Cup

By Fitz Bailey, Coopers’ Craft Brand Ambassador

Coopers’ Craft Bourbon gives this Summer cocktail some body without overpowering the lighter ginger beer and lime flavors. For an extra summer twist, muddle your favorite fruit in the mixing glass before adding the bourbon and lime juice.

Bourbon Cafecito

Big Five Cafecito Cuban Coffee Rum will warm your chest and excite your tastebuds.  And with the addition of creme de cacao and bourbon, this Sumer cocktail is filled with depth and complexity. From Big Five Rum

Pink Moon

Easy to make and even easier to sip, this summer cocktail has Thatcher’s elderflower liqueur, bottle Luna Nuda Rosé, and berries for garnish. It is light and air and even uses berry-flavored kombucha. From Luna Nuda Rosé

For more summer cocktails to sip on this season, subscribe to the Local Palate magazine.