As we brace ourselves for autumn and the impending PSO (pumpkin spice onslaught), now's the time to hold on to whatever summer we have left by enjoying cocktails outside.
We've rounded up some refreshing drinks recommended for you from two liquor brands. First, Trevor Schneider, brand ambassador for Reyka Vodka, created drinks that are sure to keep you refreshed, cool and collected, incorporating everything from maple syrup to matcha.
But when it comes to spicy drinks, there's almost no better ingredient to make them with than tequila. So Eddy Buckingham, a mixologist for Sauza 901 (you know, Justin Timberlake's tequila) created a list of drinks that uses everything from coconut water to sriracha.
What are you waiting for? Check them out below. Winter will be here before you know it.
2 parts tequila
1 part triple sec
1/2 part agave syrup
1/2 part sriracha hot sauce
2 strawberries
Muddle strawberries in a shaker. Add the other ingredients and shake vigorously with ice. Strain into a salt-rimmed martini glass.
1 3/4 parts vodka
3/4 part Ancho Reyes chili liqueur
2 parts mango juice
3/4 part lemon juice
3/4 part maple syrup
Combine all ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously. Double strain into a collins glass and garnish with chile'd mango or lemon wedge.
2 parts tequila
1 part pineapple juice
1 jalapeno, sliced
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain over ice into rocks glass and garnish with a pineapple spear and jalapeno slice. To kick up the heat, muddle jalapeno in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
1 1/2 parts vodka
1 part matcha honey syrup (see below)
3/4 part lemon juice
Soda
Combine first three ingredients into a shaker and shake, strain into a flute glass and top with a splash of soda.
Matcha honey syrup: Boil 4 ounces of water, add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder and 4 ounces of honey and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool and bottle.
1 1/2 parts vodka
2 parts watermelon juice
3/4 part black peppercorn syrup (see below)
1/2 part lemon juice
4 to 6 basil leaves
Combine all ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously with ice. Strain into a martini or coupe glass.
Black peppercorn syrup: Grind an ounce of peppercorns into 32 ounces of boiling water. Add 32 ounces of sugar and let simmer for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, strain and bottle.
1 3/4 parts vodka
6 to 8 small pieces of cantaloupe
3/4 part lemon juice
3/4 part black peppercorn syrup
4 to 6 basil leaves
Muddle cantaloupe in a shaker and add the other ingredients. Shake and strain into a martini glass.
2 parts tequila
2 parts coconut water
1/2 part triple sec
Splash of pineapple juice
Splash of grapefruit juice
Cayenne pepper
Combine everything but the cayenne pepper into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass rimmed with the pepper.
1 3/4 parts vodka
3/4 part mezcal
3/4 fresh lime juice
8 fresh raspberries
6 fresh thyme sprigs
3/4 part elderflower syrup, such as Monin's
Combine ingredients into a shaker and shake with ice, strain into a martini or coupe glass, and garnish with thyme.
1 3/4 parts vodka
1/2 part Art Of The Age rhubarb liqueur
3/4 part black peppercorn syrup
3/4 part lime juice
1 1/2 parts fresh strawberry juice
4 to 6 mint leaves
Soda
Combine all the ingredients except for the soda into a shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a collins glass and top with soda.
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