Summertime… yes, summertime.
It's the perfect time to rethink and refresh your cocktail offerings. Here are a few of our favorites. We’ve included a few Paleo-friendly and low-sugar cocktails, as well as a favorite summery alcohol-free mocktail too.
Gingerberry Faux-jito*
A healthier take on the classic mojito. This mocktail uses kombucha which is known to help boost immunity, aid in digestion and is packed with B & C vitamins. No need to add any extra sugar to this mocktail, the Gingerberry Kombucha flavor coupled with the mint leaves gives this drink a subtle natural sweetness.
8-10 mint leaves1 tbsp fresh lime juice
8 oz GTs Gingerberry Kombucha
Frozen blueberries to garnish
Add mint and lime juice to glass or cocktail shaker. Use the end of a wooden spoon or cocktail muddler to muddle the mint into the lime juice. This helps to release oils from the mint into the lime juice.
Add GTs Gingerberry Kombucha and stir well. Then pour into a glass filled with ice and frozen blueberries. Garnish with lime wedge and extra mint leaves.
* Paleo-friendly / alcohol-free
Pamplemousse 75 
A new spin on the classic French 75. We’ve substituted lemon juice for grapefruit juice giving this cocktail the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
1.5 oz gin
1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
0.5 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
Champagne to top
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well. Strain into a coupe glass and top with champagne. Garnish with lemon peel.
Tequila Mocking Bird*
Aperol often starts to make a more prominent appearance in summertime cocktails. The sweetness of orange paired with the slight bitterness of rhubarb and other secret herbs makes it a great summer liquor. Mix this with some tequila and you’ve got a recipe for a subtly sweet, refreshing summer cocktail.1.5 oz tequila
2 oz Aperol
1 oz fresh orange juice
Soda Water
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add tequila, Aperol, and orange juice. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice and top with soda water. Garnish with orange slice.
*Paleo-friendly
Horse Feather
A relative of the Moscow Mule, the Horse Feather replaces vodka with whiskey giving this drink a bolder, more robust flavor. We’ve added a slight twist to this classic, adding a dash of Limoncello which brightens up the flavor. This drink has broad appeal for sure — and can be enjoyed even by the non-whiskey-lovers in your mix.
1.5 oz Rye whiskey
5 oz. ginger beer
.75 oz Limoncello
5 dashes of Angostura bitters
Lemon peel to garnish
Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice. Add whiskey, ginger beer, Limoncello, and bitters then stir. Take lemon peel and squeeze the zest into the drink and around the rim. Use lemon peel as garnish and enjoy!
If you are looking to reduce your sugar intake, use a diet ginger beer. If you prefer a more natural substitute, then we suggest trying a ginger flavored kombucha.
*Low-sugar options
Pink Potent Punch
If you are looking to host a summer party, try this punch! The lightness of the rosé and the sweet tartness of the Limoncello make this utterly drinkable and oh-so enjoyable. Just make sure to keep an eye on those guests! It might taste light, but it actually packs quite a punch.
1 bottle of rosé (we suggest finding one described as light with berry or peach notes)
6 oz vodka
4 oz Limoncello
6 quartered strawberries
1/3 cup blueberries
1 lemon cut into lemon wheels
The night before you plan to serve, combine all ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate overnight so the punch absorbs the wonderful flavors of the fruit. Serve in wine glasses and garnish with extra strawberries, blueberries and lemon.
Happy Summer, everyone! And cheers!!