That's not a mojito, it's a pesky mosquito!

August 12, 2009 4:48 AM

[End of Summer Drinks Filter]: Scandinavian summer is quickly coming to a close, and I need some great ideas for end of summer cocktails! Looking for new and exciting instead of the usual spirit and mixer stuff. Thanks follow mefite imbibers for your advice!

Having a big party next week to celebrate the close of summer, as everyone is back to work after July off.

What kind of cocktails would be best suited to an outdoor fest where the weather will be on the warmer sides of the 70s (22-27C). We have a full bar and juices etc. can be sourced.

Important to note that speed plays a role. What we don't want is a punchbowl, just some great drinks. Think along the lines of a fully stocked bar with blenders etc.

posted by Funmonkey1 to food & drink (13 comments total)

i've always thought a negroni makes an excellent summer afternoon drink.
posted by soi-disant at 4:53 AM on August 12

pimms, mint julep, sangria, mojito
posted by bluefly at 5:31 AM on August 12

whoops, i meant to write recipe links to those drinks that were out of the ordinary from the usual recipe for that drink:

mint julep
Pimms
sangria
mojito

I've made all of these except the modified Pimms (I prefer a traditional Pimms, myself).
posted by bluefly at 5:38 AM on August 12

I second bluefly's Pimms, but my recipe is a little different

Fill a glass with ice.
Fill it 1/3 full of Pimms 2
Top it off with sparkling lemonade (ginger ale can work in a fix)
Garnish with a slice of cucumber rind and a lemon slice

May be the best summer drink evah.
posted by GenjiandProust at 5:51 AM on August 12

1 part dark rum, 1 part golden rum, 1 part triple sec, 1/2 part lime juice, 1/2 part orgeat syrup. Maybe a splash of grenadine or some maraschino cherries/juice for color.

and lo, you have mai tai.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:55 AM on August 12

I always vote mojito, if only because the fresh mint is scarce in the off season.
posted by 8dot3 at 6:11 AM on August 12

Kudos to robocop is bleeding for having the right Mai Tai recipe. I think I use more lime juice in mine, though. I do 2 oz. rum, about 3/4 oz orgeat, another 3/4 oz simple syrup, 3/4 oz Cointreau or triple sec, juice of a whole lime. Shake over ice.

If you can find St. Germain, it's one of my favorite summer drink ingredients. I like the "Left Bank Martini" - 2 oz. gin, 1 oz. St. Germain, 1 oz. white wine (preferably a Sauvignon Blanc, but almost any will do). Or if I'm being lazy I'll leave out the wine and just do gin & St. Germain.
posted by dnash at 7:20 AM on August 12 [1 favorite has favorites]

* cranberry juice, orange juice, elderberry syrup/cordial and fizzy water. Add gin or vodka for some punch.

* pineapple juice, lime juice, ginger syrup, fizzy water. Again vodka for those wanting a kick with their umbrella drink

* For something a bit astringent there is the juice of strawberries, lime/lemon, sugar, balsamic vinegar and a grind or two of black pepper with fizzy water.

* slushies -- honeydew, basil syrup, gin and ice all blended; cantaloupe, grand marnier and mint with ice all blended
posted by jadepearl at 7:31 AM on August 12

I don't know if these are considered passé, but where I live (and before that, where I came from), there is only one summer drink.

The classic Margarita.

Can be blended or on the rocks. If you don't have margarita glasses, try martini glasses. Or just a plastic cup.

You don't have to have the salt if you don't want, but for the full margarita experience, I recommend it, especially if you haven't had one before.

In a pinch, if you don't have Triple Sec, don't sweat it. You can throw together a margarita with a can of frozen lime juice, ice, and tequila. Blend it. Maybe a little sugar in there.

Try a little orange juice in there for a smoother drink. Also, try using a dark or gold tequila, for a drink with a tad more character.
posted by Xoebe at 8:43 AM on August 12

How about a Lemon Todd?

Todd was the host of the party where I first enjoyed this libation. I never knew Todd very well, but I am happy to credit him his drink recipe. It's a hit every time I whip it out of the memory arsenal...

Lemonade+Vodka+blackberry liquor. ICE.

Since you are in Scandinavia, I assume you could use some sort of lingonberry liquor:)

Enjoy!
posted by jbenben at 10:52 AM on August 12

Can you get real ginger beer in your land? If so, I recommend a drink that we call the Kentucky Colonel (as it was named by a bar), but it is not apparently, judging by the recipes I get on-line. Anyway, it's good, and refreshing:

Bourbon
Ginger Beer
Fresh lemon juice from 1/2 lemon per drink
Splash of bitters

I had one last night -- YUM.
posted by waitangi at 2:22 PM on August 12

Well, I like the summer classics mentioned above like the mint julep, margarita, and mojito. Nice fresh mint and lime juice, no shortcuts like mixers or flavored spirits (blech).

Can't believe nobody's mentioned the pina colada yet. I'm talking about the real thing, with coconut cream and decent pineapple juice. And whoever invented that pseudo- coconut cream industrial waste product that comes in the squeeze bottle needs to be shot.

You mention Scandinavia. Folks in that part of world seem to be seriously wacko for black licorice and related flavors, so I'll also recommend the sazerac. Don't know that I'd call it "summer-y", though.

And finally, if you like bitter flavors, try a genoa vodka with grapefruit juice in place of the orange juice and served over crushed ice (not sure if the resulting drink has another name). If you're not quite as crazy as my wife about grapefruit/campari bitterness, add some simple syrup to take the edge off.
posted by madmethods at 3:47 PM on August 12

Frozen Daquari made with with fresh fruit. Good with any fruit ot combination of fruits.
posted by misspat at 4:34 PM on August 12