As the mercury climbed toward three figures around much of the South, we asked G&G newsletter readers to share their go-to summer drink, whether alcoholic or zero-proof. Their responses sounded so refreshing that we posed the question around the office and consulted our recipe archives to compile the ultimate summer drink list. Cheers!
What We’re Sipping
You can make a simple syrup with just about any fruit (simmer equal parts fruit, water, and sugar, then finely strain) and mix it with club soda and a splash of lemon juice for the perfect light spritzer. I did this with maypop fruits from my yard, and the result was a revelation. And doesn’t a “maypop mocktail” sound so Southern? —Elizabeth Florio, digital editor
I’ve long been a fan of a Dark ’n Stormy. Something about the spicy ginger beer, lime, and dark rum, preferably in a collins glass (with plenty of ice, of course), instantly conjures a summer day by the water to me. It did originate in Bermuda after all. —Dave Mezz, deputy editor
My family is from El Paso, and I learned early on that Texans know what to do when it’s hot: Mix up some ranch water. Pour your favorite tequila over ice, squeeze in as much fresh lime juice as you want, and top it with Topo Chico. And if you want a little pineapple flair, add in some tepache. —Lindsey Liles, digital reporter
I’m not sure what alchemy makes the combo of soda and ice cream so heavenly and nostalgic. Root beer is the classic float choice, of course, but I’ve been ordering Dr Pepper + vanilla ice cream at Charleston Riverdogs baseball games. Chick-Fil-A has a similar Icedream Float with Dr Pepper, too. —CJ Lotz Diego, senior editor
I got turned on to Navy Hill’s Tequila Soda in a can when the Virginia company entered last year’s Made in the South Awards. While, sure, you can mix a tequila soda yourself, Navy Hill adds a squeeze of lime and offers a balance I can’t quite replicate at home (though I’ve tried). I like to pour one in a collins glass filled to the brim with ice, add a squeeze of orange, and stir. —Amanda Heckert, executive editor
My summer go-to is usually something bubbly and refreshing: Prosecco with a splash of St.-Germain elderflower liqueur (and a few fresh berries if I’m feeling fancy) or a citrus-flavored vodka topped with club soda and a squirt of lemon juice. Austin-made Deep Eddy’s lemon or ruby-red vodka or a Zest lemon drop, from a company based in Charleston, are my favorites. —Emily Daily, newsletter editor
No porchside hang in the summer is complete for me without an icy, hand-whisked matcha latte in a mason jar. I add a glug of whatever simple syrup I have on hand in the fridge, but my favorite lately has been a spiced orange flavor. From-scratch, mouth-puckering lemonade is one of my favorite things to bring to a picnic with friends, too. —Gabriela Gomez-Misserian, digital producer
Readers Raise a Glass
Definitely a gin and tonic—done Southern-style with Tanqueray 10, elderflower tonic, lime, a slice of cucumber, and a sprig of mint. —Don O.
Rum, pineapple, splash of soda, mint garnish. —Henriette H.
For me it’s a wonderful concoction of ice, gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, cocktail cherry, and an orange wedge. To a mixologist it’s a Tom Collins. What better on a hot sultry afternoon in the South? —Van H.
On a very hot day, a Sprite on the rocks hits the spot. —Karen R.
To beat the heat I enjoy Bulleit rye, Fever-Tree ginger ale, and a wedge of fresh lime over a large cube of ice. —Bryan D.
A crisp Tito’s vodka and tonic with lots of lime. Delicious and perfect on a hot summer day, no matter the place or event. —Lynn W.
Peach mule: bourbon, muddled peaches, and ginger beer. —Stephanie K.
Very basic—a mint julep in a frosty pewter cup. Nothing beats it in the summertime in Florida. —Mark J.
Tall glass, lots of ice, Mount Gay rum, club soda, lime juice, splash of cranberry. Jimmy Buffett and Rolling Stones tunes at sunset. —Pat S.
My favorite summer drink is a blueberry vodka with fresh, muddled blueberries, topped off with lemonade. It is so perfect for our 96-degree evenings in Florida! —Katherine W.
Cold beer on ice…gotta stay hydrated, you know. —Gary A.
Ice-Cold Recipes from G&G
Whiskey Smash: This cross between a mint julep and a whiskey sour just might be your new favorite cocktail.
Colorado Cool-Aid: Bourbon, beer, and Amaro mingle in a frosty cocktail perfect for summer.
Frozen Gin and Tonic: This cooling cocktail is the perfect antidote to a sweltering afternoon.
Off-Day Porch Punch: Rum, sweet tea, and citrus come together in this warm-weather drink.
The Peach Aperol Spritz: The South’s favorite summer fruit tastes just as sweet in your glass.
DIY Hard Seltzer with Topo Chico: Transform the sparkling refresher into the cocktail of your dreams.
Watermelon-Cucumber Cooler: Add a tangy rim of toasted spices to this refreshing summer cocktail.
Trader Vic’s Planter’s Punch: A sparkling take on an island classic.
A Summer Irish Coffee: Embrace the welcome chill factor of the frozen cocktail.
The Perfect Margarita: Experts share the proportions and tricks they swear by.
