Top 10 Drinks for Summer

The warmer the weather, the more I want to drink. Does that signal that I have a problem? Maybe. But I, like so many of you, associate this balmy weather with lying out in the sun and sipping fruity concoctions. So, what are the best drinks to enjoy while beating the heat?

1.Margarita

Always first on my list is the Margarita. This drink says, “I’m whimsical, have a great sense of adventure, and don’t mind trying new things.” You can’t go wrong with it. Cool, refreshing, slushy-like, and it comes in a wide variety of flavors. Just thinking of this drink makes me want to kick off my shoes and dig my toes into the sand. 9 More after the break...

2. Sangria

What is a lazy day in the sun without a glass of Sangria. Best when sipped from a wine glass while protecting yourself from the sun via a large brimmed straw hat. It’s fizzy and fruity and pretty to look at with it burgundy coloring, typically created from red wine, fruit juices, soda water, fruit and sometimes brandy. Sangria's best served chilled, and goes well with just about anything!

3. Mojito

Another favorite of mine, as long as it’s not too mint-y. This is exactly why the most finicky cocktail enthusiasts reach for this drink. There are so many possible ways to mess it up that it makes it that much more of a treasure when it’s made just the way you like it.

4. Pina Colada

“If you like Piña Coladas…” then you’re by yourself on that one. While I’m not a fan of pineapple, coconut, or rum, if Jimmy Buffet thinks you’re cool enough to name a song after, then you deserve a spot on my list.

5. Long Island Iced Tea

Any drink with the word “tea” built into the name has to be considered a cocktail perfect for a warm day. Long Island Ice Tea is one of the most potent of drinks with it’s medley of spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec. Make sure you have designated a driver before you start throwing these back.

6. Gin and Tonic

For those of us who are veterans, G&T is another warm weather favorite. Its taste is cool and crisp, with just tonic water, gin, and a twist of lime. However, don't be fooled: easy it is not. Even when done right, it’s not an easy drink to love. Tonic’s slightly bitter taste is a turnoff to most sweet-drink lovers.

7. Martini

As classic as the icon who takes his “shaken, not stirred.” Its origins have been claimed by post gold rush San Francisco, New York and Martinez, CA. Wherever the origin, Martinis are loved all over the world. It’s the drink we all secretly long to be: Simple yet elegant.

8. Cosmopolitan 

This pink potion is the girly drink of all girly drinks. You can’t help but look in-control when you order it, cute when you hold it, and sexy when you sip it.

9. Mai Tai

The Tahitian word for “good” and that’s exactly what this drink is. It combines orange and pineapple juices polished off with rum.

10. Mudslide

Combines my two passions: chocolate and alc0h0l. Enough said. With these drink staples to ward off the hotter days ahead, you’ll stay cool until the first leaf falls.