There are two things that can make any drink into something suited for a sultry summer day: fizz and fruit. Elevate these two components and you have the ultimate summer cooler. A few cocktails incorporating these two elements—as well as some wine styles that are naturally fruity and prickly—come to mind. Here are some ideas to get your bar stocked and your stock chilled and ready to welcome the warmer months ahead.
1 WHITE WINES.
A few grapes are top of the charts when it comes to summery refreshment: riesling, gruner veltliner, torrontes, and albarino/alvarinho. These varietals are all naturally aromatic (think flowers and a fruit basket) with bracing acidity that makes for a mouth-wateringly delicious sip. They are also generally not too high in alcohol, which is always good when drinking under a scorching sun.
2 SPARKLING WINE.
From classic Champagne to peppy Proseccos and from flamboyant Franciacorta to cult Cap Classique, the world of sparklers is just waiting for an excuse to be uncorked—and the onset of warm weather is as good as any. You can add some fruit purée (or syrup, if convenience is desired) before topping up the glass with bubbly to make innovative yet nifty cocktails on the go, too.
3 RED WINE.
While not the most ideal of drink categories for summer, some light styles of red wine can be chilled and enjoyed, like Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, St. Laurent, and maybe even Blaufrankisch. Beaujolais wines can also be a good option. You can also sip specialized rosso vermouths like Otto’s from Greece, as they are simply unparalleled in freshness when simply poured and enjoyed over ice.
4 SPIRITS.
Most people think that only vodka or gin can be enjoyed on a hot day, but you’d be surprised just how beautiful a mix of bourbon with sweetened green tea can be. Similarly, a heavy rum can be made into a mojito. Even with brandy, you can simply top it up with tonic water to create one of the best aperitifs I’m guessing you are yet to try.
5 LIQUEURS.
The field of liqueurs is a vast one, but I prefer the citrusy ones (Limoncello, Grand Marnier, Licor 43) or the fruit forward ones like Midori (melon) and Umeshu (plums) for this time of year.
6 BEERS.
This drink is the de facto choice for most people on a warm day. Personally I’m a fan of lagers over ales, unless it’s a Kolsch, which is crisp like morning newspaper and cuts like a razor. Hoppy beers aren’t the best, nor are malty ones—middle-of-the-line stuff that may not necessarily win the beer nerds’ approval can work just fine. I hope this quick list serves you well. Remember: You can never have too much ice or too much soda on hand. Armed with this simple knowledge, you are now ready to be a summer sips warrior. Cheers!.
