Guides
Take Your Summer Cocktails to the Great Outdoors!
Make this patio season the best yet with delicious sips!
Picture this: you’re sitting out on the porch with a few loved ones you have over, enjoying delightful conversations over a cocktail or two. The warm sun basks across your face as you feel the chilly condensation of the glass in your hand. You take a sip as you hear the sounds of chirping cicadas and rambunctious laughter from your invited company. This is the sensation you experience only during the summer, and it’s pure bliss.
With the sunshine here at its fullest, we’re taking our cocktail parties outside, so let’s dive in to a few of our favourite recipes fit for any outdoor occasion! Need a cocktail for two for a backyard date night? What tipple should you have as you sunbathe by the pool? Read on to discover your next mix!
Jump to the categories ahead!
Drinks in Your Backyard
Let’s start our outdoor sipping adventure right outside our house— in the backyard! The ideal setting for low-key hangouts, we have “garden vibes” on our minds. Citrusy and herbal ingredients will be perfect to keep things simple, yet elevated.
Yuzu Lemonade by @takestwoeggs
Who doesn’t love lemonade on a sweltering day? The pop of unique dimension from the yuzu is a great way to change up the classic!
Poolside Treats
It’s getting quite hot, so let’s make our way to the pool to cool off! With the need for the ultimate refreshment, we’re looking for extra frosty and whimsical delights like popsicles, slushies, and tropical sips. When it comes to a day out on the water; the colder and fruitier, the better!
Pink Lemonade Popsicles by @fivefootfeminine
Remember enjoying freezies while playing outside as a kid? These grown-up versions featuring a zesty burst of citrus captures that memory perfectly! Recipe serves 10.
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Start by making simple syrup by boiling ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water. Let cool and add to pitcher with fresh lemon juice, remaining water, and Empress Indigo Gin. Pour into popsicle bags and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Cocktails for Two
The following recipes serve two, so grab a companion and share a taste of summer together! After all, is there anything better than spending time with your favourite person over a cocktail?
Strawberry Mint Frosé by @delight.fuel
Say hello to this summer staple taken to new heights with the botanicals of our Empress Indigo Gin! Is it any wonder frosé is always a crowdpleaser?
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 2 cups Rosé Wine
- 1½ cup Frozen Strawberries
- ½ oz Agave Syrup
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 5-6 Mint Leaves, plus more for garnish
- 2-4 Ice Cubes
METHOD
Add all ingredients into a high speed blender and blend until completely smooth. Garnish with fresh mint and enjoy.
Batched for a Party
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a gathering out on the lake, or a fun-filled beach day; you’ll want to whip up a large format cocktail for effortless serving!
Sparkling Watermelon Strawberry Punch by @mykalekitchen
The crowd is sure to go wild for this watermelon delight! Easy-to-drink with mouthwatering bursts of fruitiness, it shouldn’t be a surprise when people come back for seconds. Recipe serves 16-18.
INGREDIENTS
- 2½ cups Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ¼ cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ cup Strawberry Syrup
- 10 cups Fresh Watermelon Juice
- 750 ml Sparkling Rosé
- Lemon Slices, Strawberries & Mint Sprigs, to garnish
- Mini Watermelons (halved and cored), to serve
METHOD
In a punch bowl combine all ingredients and stir. Add lemon slices and strawberries. Serve on ice in a watermelon shell and garnish with fresh mint sprigs.
Campfire Nightcaps
There’s hardly anything more peaceful than the warmth and glow of a campfire on a summer evening. To complement its tranquility, we’ll be mixing up some sips that are on the more robust and bolder side of the flavour spectrum. Anything spirit-forward also adds to the mood splendidly!
Sangria 75 by @jfdesfosses
The rich fruity notes from the blackcurrant and Lambrusco along with deep spice make for a particularly satisfying cocktail for unwinding after an activity-packed day.
INGREDIENTS
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- ½ oz Crème de Cassis
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Cinnamon Syrup
- 2 oz Fresh Orange Juice
- 3 oz Lambrusco
- Mint Leaves & Lemon Slices, for garnish
METHOD
Shake the ingredients except for Lambrusco with ice. In a large wine glass filled with ice, add 3 oz Lambrusco. Fine strain the cocktail over the wine. Garnish with a mint bouquet and lemon slices.
Ready to bring happy hour outside? We can’t get enough of those moments of taking in the vibrant atmosphere while enjoying delicious summer cocktails, so we hope we’ve provided the inspo you need to create that experience for yourselves! Whether you’re gearing up for a grand party or just looking to take things easy, you’ll be enjoying this time of year properly with any of the above sips.
For more cocktail inspiration, be sure to check out our Instagram, Cocktail Page, or Blog!
Sip responsibly!
