How to Cool Off with Summer Cocktails

Attention: This post isn’t for the kiddies. It is intended for those 21 and older. This information is also expected to be used responsibly.

Summer is almost here. As of now, it is knocking on our door or looming around the edges of the backyard. The cool days and the subtle warmth of spring are fast fleeting. I awoke this morning to temperatures in the lower seventies. By 8:30 AM, the temperature was already 78 degrees. It’s going to be a steamy one. But when isn’t it?

When it comes time to cool off, here are some summer cocktails to quench that thirst. They’re good for lounging poolside or with one’s feet kicked up on a comfy sofa. I picked these five refreshing cocktails because they are some of Louisiana’s favorites.

Hurricanes

If Louisiana had an official state adult beverage, hurricanes would be it hands down. Some would argue that Sazerac holds this title. However, Sazerac is the official cocktail of the city of New Orleans and not the state as a whole.  These fruity cocktails are a staple in the bayous and a pitcher can be whipped up in just a few minutes.

Ingredients:

2 tsp Grenadine2 oz Simple Syrup2 oz White Rum2 oz Dark Rum2 oz Spice Rum2 oz Orange Juice4 tbs Lime Juice2 oz Passion Fruit Juice

Directions:

Pour all ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously for approximately 1 – 2 minutesPour over crushed iceGarnish the glass with orange and/or lime slices and maraschino cherries

La Louisiane

Since I brought up New Orleans, I cannot not mention one of the most popular drinks found in the city. I’m talking about the La Louisiane. This drink derives its name from the historic hotel constructed in 1881. It is a variation of the Vieux Carré cocktail.

Ingredients:

¾ oz sweet vermouth½ oz Bénédictine2 oz rye whiskey3 dashes absinthe4 dashes Peychaud’s bittersAmarena cherry for garnish

Directions:

Chill a cocktail glassFill a shaker with ice,Add all ingredients (i.e., whiskey, vermount, Bénédictine, absinthe, and bitters)Stir to chill thoroughly (approximately 30 seconds)Strain into a coupe or martini glassGarnish with a cherryEnjoy

Hemingway Special Daiquiri

This sour cocktail is named after the famous author, Ernest Hemingway. Reportedly, Hemingway created this drink in a Havana bar when he asked the cocktail he ordered be tweaked more to his liking. According to legend, Hemmingway requested more rum and less sugar. For most people, the version of this drink Hemmingway requested is far too sour. Over the years, it has been modified to be acceptable to more palates and with less alcohol. However, the modern update retains his name. But be careful. This cocktail packs a punch.

Ingredients:

¼ oz Maraschino liqueur¼ oz grapefruit juice¼ oz cognac½ oz semi-rich simple syrup¾ oz lime juice1 ½ oz white rum1 grapefruit peel1 lime

Directions:

Pour liqueur, grapefruit juice, cognac, syrup, lime juice, and rum into a shaker.Twist the grapefruit peel to express the oils and add to the liquids.Add ice and shake vigorously for approximately 30 seconds.Strain into a daiquiri glass.Enjoy.

Vieux Carré Cocktail

Since I mentioned it previously, I have to talk about the Vieux Carré (pronounced “voh-care-eh”) Translated, this means “Old Square” and refers to the famous French Quarter in New Orleans. The French Quarter, of course, is the oldest neighborhood in the city and was established in 1718. This drink comes with instructions to sip slowly. It is potent. Lightweights do not want to mess around with this one, and even heavyweight champions should use caution. It is a Mike Tyson of drinks.

Ingredients:

¼ oz Bénédictine¼ oz cognac¼ ounce Sweet Vermouth½ ounce Sazerac rye3 drops Angostura bitters4 drops Peychaud bitters1 lemon

Directions:

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.Stir well until chilled.Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice.Add a lemon twist to garnish.Enjoy

Creole Cocktail

The name of this blog is Creole Bayou. I would be remiss if I didn’t give the recipe for Creole Cocktail. It may have a generic name, but it hits hard. So, hang on to your bootstraps. Due to its smoothness and sweetness, this drink can sneak up on a person. For sure, a designated driver should be appointed if this drink is involved.

Ingredients:

¼ tsp Grenadine¼ tsp Bénédictine1 oz sweet vermount1 oz Southern Comfort1.5 oz rye whiskey

Directions:

Stir with ice for 20-30 seconds.Strain into chilled glassesEnjoy

Well, we’ve come to an end for this post. Remember always to drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Responsible drinkers are always of legal age and who know their limits. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, the National Drug and Alcohol Hotline is open 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and available to help with trained professionals and local resources. Asking for help is never a sign of weakness or shame.

Have you ever consumed any of these cocktails or do any sound like ones you want to try? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, a blogger and contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.