Summer is here, and as the weather gets warmer, refreshing beverages are a necessity. So, if you’re relaxing on the patio, hosting friends, or enjoying a sunny afternoon, try these five staple summer cocktails to cool off and enjoy the season.

1. Hugo spritz

Light, floral, and refreshing, the Hugo Spritz is the perfect summer beverage. It's quickly gaining popularity and we can see why. It's easy to make and great for sipping on a warm and sunny day.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 3–4 oz Prosecco
• Club soda
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lemon or lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in 1 oz of St-Germain.
3. Add 3–4 oz of Prosecco.
4. Top with a splash of club soda.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and some lemon or lime wheels.

2. Aperol Spritz

It's light and it's bubbly; an Aperol Spritz is the perfect cocktail for this warm weather.. This classic beverage screams summer and is always a refreshing choice.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Aperol
• 3 oz Prosecco
• Club soda
• Orange slice, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in 2 oz of Aperol.
3. Add 3 oz of Prosecco.
4. Top with a splash of club soda.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy

3. Margarita

A margarita is a classic for a reason. This sweet, citrusy, tequila cocktail is a summer staple and it's always a crowd-pleaser. If you want to mix it up, add a splash of flavored syrup, like mango or strawberry, for a fun seasonal twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Grand Marnier)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz agave syrup or simple syrup
• Lime (for garnish)
• Salt (for the rim, optional)

Instructions:

1. If desired, rim a glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it into salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well for 15–20 seconds
4. Fill your salt-rimmed glass with fresh ice, then strain the cocktail into the glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge or lime wheel and enjoy!

4. White Sangria

White sangria is the ultimate batch cocktail for gatherings with friends. It’s sweet, refreshing, flavourful and ideal for sharing at every summer get together! 

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of dry white wine
• ¼–½ cup orange liqueur (to taste)
• ¼–½ cup brandy (to taste)
• 2 tbsp–¼ cup simple syrup (to taste)
• Orange slices
• Lemon slices
• Peach slices
• Cut up strawberries
• Club soda

Instructions:

1. Add sliced fruit to a large pitcher.
2. Pour in the white wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
3. Stir gently to combine, then refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Just before serving, add ice and top with club soda for a refreshing fizz.
5. Pour into glasses, garnish with fresh fruit, and enjoy!

5. Mojito

Mojitos are delicious and refreshing with their citrus flavor, fresh mint, and crisp finish. This classic rum cocktail is meant to be enjoyed on warm days, backyard gatherings, and relaxing evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ½–1 oz simple syrup (to taste)
• Fresh mint leaves
• Club soda
• Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add fresh mint leaves and simple syrup to a glass, then gently muddle
2. Add lime juice and white rum, then fill the glass with ice.
3. Top with club soda and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh mint and a lime wedge and enjoy!

Stop by your local Angry Otter Liquor to pick up all your summer beverage essentials!