You're lounging poolside, the sun caressing your weary bones, the faint lap of the sparkling sea against the shore has you lulled into a state of pure relaxation, something you haven't felt in months. Work is a mere distant memory, your phone is off, your out-of-office is on and you can just manage to raise your hand high enough to garner the attention of the waiter as he walks past. But, what to order? Over the last few days you've enjoyed the usual Mojito, Cosmo, Pina Colada and even a couple of Long Island Iced teas, so you're looking for something new, but equally refreshing, to enjoy. Well, we've rounded up a few lesser-known cocktails to be enjoyed with a side of sunshine on your next beach break:
Refreshing cocktails to try poolside
26 June 2023
Basil Smash
The Basil Smash is a vibrant and herbaceous cocktail with a refreshing citrus kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- Ice
Directions:
- In a shaker, muddle the basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Add gin and ice, then shake vigorously.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a basil leaf.
French 75
The French 75 is a sparkling and zesty cocktail with a perfect balance of citrus and effervescence.
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz gin
- ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 oz champagne or sparkling wine
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
- Ice
Directions:
- In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a champagne flute or a tall glass.
- Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Bee's Knees
The Bee's Knees is a floral and citrusy cocktail with a subtle sweetness from the honey syrup.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ oz honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and warm water)
- Lemon twist or edible flower (for garnish)
- Ice
Directions:
- In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or an edible flower.
Paper Plane
The Paper Plane is a bitter-sweet and citrus-forward cocktail with a hint of complexity from the Amaro.
Ingredients:
- ¾ oz bourbon
- ¾ oz Aperol
- ¾ oz Amaro Nonino
- ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
- Ice
Directions:
- In a shaker, combine bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Southside
The Southside is a refreshing and minty cocktail with a zing of lime that makes it the perfect summer sip.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- Ice
Directions:
- In a shaker, muddle the mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup.
- Add gin and ice, then shake vigorously.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint.
