Stay Hydrated With These 7 Summer Cocktails

It’s officially that time of year here in the Valley – our pools turn into lukewarm baths, we keep oven mitts in our vehicles and cook things with nothing more than sunshine and triple digit heat. To be frank, it’s just really freakin' hot! If there’s one thing we could all agree on, it’s that we need to stay hydrated. From some of the classics to a few crafted seasonals, here’s a list of 7 refreshing cocktails you can enjoy all summer long right here in #DowntownTempe.  I'll sips to that!

1. SUMMER COCKTAIL LINE UP | Caffe Boa

The new summer line up of cocktails are calling your name. Head to the bar to enjoy a cocktail crafted by some of the most skilled bartenders on Mill Avenue. From let to right: The Mill Avenue Miracle, Averna Sour, the Queen's Gambit and the Bolivian Bliss.

 

2. GIN & TONIC | AC Marriott 

Gin and tonic…a classic summer drink – it’s refreshing, simple and cool. Some people think this cocktail smells like pine trees, but honestly, who doesn’t love the smell of fresh pine? When ordering this drink, ask for a different garnish each time – some fancy a fresh slice of lime while others like a cucumber or a piece of fresh mint. 

3. Prickly Pear Margarita and Mai Tai | Skysill Rooftop Lounge

Sip a desert original from the tallest bar in the Valley. Skysill's Prickly Pear Margarita features tequila and prickly pear puree and can you really go wrong with the most famous Tiki drink in the world, a Mai Tai?  This marriage of rum and orange curacao definitely earns its name.  Supposedly, the first person to try the cocktail was said to cry out “Mai Tai!” which means “the best—out of this world” in Tahitian. With Skysill's Mai Tai, we couldn't agree more.

 

4. SEA BREEZE | Yours Truly 

This is my go-to summer cocktail. I was researching low calorie cocktails for 4th of July weekend and came across the Sea Breeze. I modified some of the ingredients to make it EXTRA fresh and less sugary. To some it might be a little tart, but that’s right up my alley. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 oz Vodka | I like Tito’s Handmade Vodka – American made in one of my favorite cities – Austin, TX.

2 oz Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice | I get my grapefruits from a tree in my yard ; )

4 oz Cranberry Juice | This is where most folks go wrong by grabbing a cheap cranberry juice off the shelf that’s full of artificial flavors and sugar. Step your juice game up just a bit, especially for quality cocktails. I recommend R.W. Knudsen’s “Just Cranberry” – it’s organic and contains just 2 ingredients – filtered water and organic cranberry juice concentrate.

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and go to town. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a little lemon zest or twist. 

5. KISSED BY A ROSE | Alibi Tempe

Kudos to Alibi Tempe for coming thru with this summertime treat. What better way to relish in this HOT summer than with refreshing seasonal flavors. They had me at Effen Rose Vodka, Pama, Marie Brizard Watermelon, Lemon Juice, and Hibiscus Flower Water.…STAAHHHP! 

6. 5 SPICE PUNCH | Snakes & Lattes

Playing games with this cocktail is just what summer ordered. The 5 Spice Punch will be your new summer favorite: tequila, Drambuie spiced liqueur, lemon juice, pineapple juice and honey. Smooth. 

7. PINEAPPLE JALAPENO AGUA FRESCA | Tocaya Modern Mexican

As Tocaya says about this refreshing drink, "Tropic like its hot". Their Pineapple Jalapeño Agua Fresca is full of tropical sweetness with a mild jalapeño aroma. Ask to add a shot of tequila and you're all set. 

 

IMAGE CREDITS:

Summer cocktail line up - Caffe Boa

Gin & Tonic - AC Marriott 

Prickly Pear Margarita & Mai Tai - Skysill Rooftop Lounge

Kissed by a Rose - Alibi Tempe

5 Spiced Punch - Snakes & Lattes

Pineapple Jalapeno Agua Fresca - Tocaya Modern Mexican

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