Summer is here, and that means it’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy some refreshing drinks to beat the heat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging by the pool, or simply looking for a cool treat after a day in the sun, we’ve got the perfect selection of cocktails and mocktails to keep you refreshed. At Cyclone, we believe in making your summer as enjoyable as possible, and what better way to do that than with a delightful drink in hand?

Cocktails to Refresh Your Summer

Meyer Lemon and Strawberry Caipirinha

This refreshing caipirinha is a breeze to make and is bursting with flavors of Meyer lemon and sweet strawberries.

Ingredients:

• 1 Meyer lemon, cut into wedges
• 5 strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 oz cachaça
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle the lemon wedges and strawberries with the sugar.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Pour the cachaça over the ice and stir well.
4. Garnish with a strawberry and a lemon slice.

Mai Tai

A classic tropical cocktail, the Mai Tai is a celebration of rum with a rich, nutty flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz white rum
• 1 oz dark rum
• 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
• 1/2 oz orange curaçao
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice and add both rums, orgeat syrup, orange curaçao, and lime juice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
3. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.

Mojito

Fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, white rum, and soda water come together to create a refreshing, herbaceous drink.

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 1/2 oz white rum
• 1/2 cup soda water

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint leaves and 1 lime wedge in a sturdy glass.
2. Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again.
3. Fill the glass with ice, pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with soda water.
4. Stir well and garnish with the remaining lime wedge and a mint sprig.

Frozen Gin and Tonic

Take your standard gin and tonic to the next level with this frozen version.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz Lillet Blanc
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 cup tonic water
• 1 cup ice
• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine gin, Lillet Blanc, simple syrup, tonic water, and ice in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a lime wheel.

Aperol Spritz

Light and bubbly, the Aperol Spritz is a quintessential summer drink.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz soda water
• Ice
• Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice and pour in the Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water.
2. Stir gently to combine.
3. Garnish with an orange slice.

Mocktails for Guilt-Free Sipping

Tiki Cooler

Dreaming of tropical beaches? The Tiki Cooler will transport you there.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• Ice
• Pineapple slices and cocktail umbrellas for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, and lime juice.
2. Add ice and top with sparkling water.
3. Stir well and garnish with pineapple slices and a cocktail umbrella.

Virgin Cucumber Mojito

A non-alcoholic take on the classic Mojito, this drink combines the refreshing flavors of cucumber, mint, and lime.

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1/2 cup soda water

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint leaves, 1 lime wedge, and sugar in a sturdy glass.
2. Add cucumber slices and 2 more lime wedges, and muddle again.
3. Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water.
4. Stir well and garnish with the remaining lime wedge and a cucumber slice.

Mexican Strawberry Water (Agua de Fresa)

This fruity, refreshing agua fresca is a staple in Mexico.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 cups cold water
• Ice
• Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend strawberries and sugar with 1 cup of water until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture into a pitcher and add the remaining water.
3. Serve over ice and garnish with lime wedges.

Grilled Lemon Limeade

Grilling lemons and limes gives this limeade a unique, smoky flavor.

Ingredients:

• 6 lemons, halved
• 6 limes, halved
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 cups water
• Ice
• Lemon and lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Grill lemon and lime halves cut side down until charred.
2. Squeeze the grilled lemons and limes into a pitcher.
3. Add sugar and water, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
4. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon and lime slices.

Sparkling Hibiscus Cooler

For something a bit different, try the Sparkling Hibiscus Cooler.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup sparkling water
• Ice
• Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil and remove from heat. Add hibiscus flowers and steep for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the hibiscus tea into a pitcher and stir in honey.
3. Chill in the refrigerator until cold.
4. Pour over ice and top with sparkling water.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Tips for the Perfect Summer Drinks

1. Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh fruits, herbs, and juices for the best flavor.
2. Chill Your Glasses: Keep your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep your drinks colder for longer.
3. Garnish Creatively: Use fruit slices, herbs, and even edible flowers to add a beautiful touch to your drinks.
4. Scale Up for Parties: Many of these drinks can be made in large batches. Just multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher for easy serving.

With these delightful cocktails and mocktails, your summer is set to be cool, refreshing, and full of flavor. At Cyclone Range Hoods, we know the importance of enjoying your home and outdoor spaces, especially during the warmer months. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the blender, and enjoy these delicious drinks all summer long! Cheers!