Summer Cocktail Roundup

It's been relentlessly hot here in oh-so-sunny AZ. It got up to 117 in Phoenix the other day and down here in Tucson it's not that much cooler, maybe about ten degrees cooler. Which sounds good but believe me it doesn't really feel that much better. Yeah, it's pretty spicy out there.

So with this crazy heat comes the search for refreshing beverages to quench one's thirst and lift one's mood with yummy ingredients. The over the weekend I tried out some new recipes. Derek was my official taste tester. Okay, okay I tested too. At the end of the night we both agreed that being over 21 has its perks and I got in touch with my inner mixologist.

Here's some fabulously tasty drinks to cool you down on a hot Summer day...

Jack and Coke Slushie

Those are pretty much the only ingredients, and honestly what's wrong with that? Jack Daniel's Whiskey? Coke? Yeah, good times ahead my friends. I looked up several recipes and some said to add some limeade but I like it without. I originally snagged the idea from Pinterest (where else?) which lead me to this sweet little blog; I guess Jack and Coke slushies are a signature on the menu of a nifty place called Victory Sandwich Bar. I think a pilgrimage will have to happen at some point in my life.

Summer Breeze

Have you heard of Brewed Together? They are one of the cutest and most creative couples ever. I super strongly suggest you hop over and check out their blog. Kaleb comes up with some salivation-inducing recipes and Marilyn has a fabulous style. They both come up with great DIY projects and all sorts of other neat ideas.

One of Kaleb's recent recipes is this yummy mocktail, a Summer Breeze. Again, very easy to make and definitely a thirst quencher. It's perfect for you preggo mommas who still want a fancy drink or  for brunch with some friends.

 
Simple Mojito

Mojitos are one of my personal favorites but I never really knew what was in them or how to make one before this little experiment. I don't think I'll ever order another Mojito from a restaurant again. Okay maybe not never because it is nice to have someone else do the work of making it for me. But it's really not hard to make and oh so very very good. I used the recipe I found here via, yup, Pinterest.

Strawberry Mint Julip

Last in the roundup but no less amazing is this little numba. I had to make the strawberry infused bourbon ahead of time and it was so worth the wait. It kind of reminds you of iced tea with mint, but it's fizzy and the strawberry flavor adds a little extra something awesome. I made one for my mom the other day and we both agreed it's way too easy to drink. I got the recipe from Cookie and Kate. They have so many amazing recipes, definitely check it out peeps.

If you're not into drinking alcohol I know for a fact that you can make them all without the alcohol and they will still taste great. The only one that you might have to search for a substitution is the Strawberry Mint Julip, but I'm going to guess that maybe some strawberry juice would do the trick. So go forth and make yummy drinks. 4th of July is right around the corner and you might be looking for some beverage ideas?... just sayin'.

What are some of your favorite Summery drinks? Please share, I'm always on the lookout for new recipes to try!