My idea of a hot day is definitely one that includes cocktails. But for those concerned with calories, a good happy hour doesn't have to ruin your diet. Here are some favorite Summer cocktails, all which clock in at under 200 calories — and we're not talking vodka sodas, either. These drinks celebrate Spring and Summer fruits, tropical destinations, and warm-weather nights.
What better way to commemorate Bourbon Heritage Month than with beautiful bourbon cocktails we can't help but love? Whether you're partial to a classic old-fashioned or you'd like to take a twist on tradition, we've got you covered; you'll think you're in Kentucky with these delectable bourbon delights. Here are five recipes to get you started.
Does anything scream warm weather more than a day at the racetracks? Even though I've never had the privilege of attending the Kentucky Derby, I look forward to the horse race, as I've always seen it as something of a Southern rite of Spring.
The sun's out in full force, the air smells like horses and hay, and there's the buzzing energy of chatter throughout the stands.
I love visualizing my presence at Churchill Downs each year — usually in front of the television, a classic mint julep in hand. But I've discovered a totally different cocktail that's so delicious it's going to be my julep stand-in this time around.
With a generous pour of peach purée, a splash of soda, and a garnish of candied ginger, this refreshing drink is sure to be the belle of any Derby day ball.
Want to enjoy one? Then keep reading.
If warmer weather leaves you craving something slightly sweet and fizzy, then whip up a cocktail with Dry Sodas. We don't just love them on their own, but they also make the ideal base for an adult beverage.
This particular cocktail will take you five minutes to prepare, yet the flavors are intoxicating. Lavender Dry Soda and Meyer lemon give the drink a floral tang, the Vanilla Bean Soda adds just a hint of confectionery sweetness, and the gin offers a refreshing kick, perfect for Summery months ahead. Get the refreshing cocktail recipe.
It feels like St. Patrick's Day happened yesterday, so it's hard to believe that this weekend is Easter. Whether you're planning a brunch, late lunch, or early dinner, one thing's for sure: you must celebrate with cocktails that are just as festive as the food you're making! For a few springtime sippers to accompany your grand meal, keep reading.
— Additional reporting by Camilla Salem
When it comes to cocktails, sometimes simplest is best. Don't get me wrong; I love a libation with celery bitters or creole shrubs as much as the next person, but often it's nice to enjoy a drink that's satisfying in a simple, understated way. I have a couple rudimentary bar refreshments up my sleeve: for taco nights, there's the tequila and tonic; for celebrations, the Prosecco cocktail. The latest provision to add to my arsenal? This gin sling, which doesn't call for anything beyond gin, vermouth, bitters, and sparkling water, all staples in my wet bar at home. It's layered enough to be interesting, yet easy enough to bust out anytime — no muddler, exotic ingredients, or shaker required. Keep reading for the recipe.
It may be my obsession with Downton Abbey and the BBC's Sherlock, but lately I've been craving classic English cocktails: gin and tonics, for example. The problem is, tonic water is not diet-friendly. Most store-bought brands contain corn syrup and just as many calories as a sugary soda.
This gin and tonic variation substitutes zero-calorie soda water for the tonic, and the splash of elderflower liqueur complements the juniper flavor of the gin, giving it a clean and refreshing finish. The next time you are in need of a G and T, opt for an elderflower gin cordial instead — it's free of corn syrup and falls under the 200-calorie mark.
Learn how to make this cocktail after the break!
The idea of a cocktail made with canned pumpkin both fascinates and frightens me. But since we love pumpkin around here, this Thanksgiving, I set out to design a cocktail that was easy on the palate and slightly sweet but not dessert-like, with the pumpkin pie flavor I love.
After much searching, I stumbled upon a pumpkin pie cocktail that sounded almost perfect, so I made a few tweaks, substituting spiced rum for the vodka the recipe called for. I have to say, the resulting pumpkin pie potable did not disappoint.
San Francisco has seen some of its warmest days this year in the past week. And in what I'd like to call exceptional timing, a rather generous shipment of gelato arrived at my doorstep. It was as though some frozen dessert fairy godmother heeded my call for a bracing heat-quencher.
I could've simply dug in with a spoon, but my happy hour spirit got the best of me. I took Ciao Bella's advice and made a slushy margarita with the blood-red sorbet. It hit the Indian Summer spot this week, but I'll be serving it punch-bowl style for Halloween next week as well. For a fun twist on the classic margarita, read more.
It's technically been Fall for several weeks now, but weather-wise in the Bay Area, it's still Summer all around. For Northern California dwellers, it's easy to be seasonally confused, staring at pumpkins, Halloween candy, and Thanksgiving newsstand covers while wearing shorts and flip-flops.
In this transitional period, I'm a big fan of provisions that delicately toe the line between late Summer and early Fall — dishes like slow-cooker braised chicken with early girl tomatoes, or this scotch whisky cocktail recipe I recently discovered. Its orange dreamsicle-like front notes remind me of the last season's dog days.
At the same time, cinnamon and warming scotch finish remind me of Fall's impending arrival. Keep reading for a cocktail recipe that works between seasons.
