Unique Twists to Up Your Cocktail Game

Summer is synonymous with sun-soaked days, cool breezes, and vibrant gatherings with friends and family. It's a season for outdoor adventures, lazy afternoons by the pool, floating the river, or attending local rodeos and country music festivals. Of course, refreshing drinks add a splash of excitement and atmosphere to any party. 

As the temperatures rise, so does the desire for icy cocktails and flavorful concoctions that embody the essence of summer. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging at the beach, or enjoying a rooftop sunset party, the perfect summer drink can elevate the experience and create lasting memories.

Here are recipes for 10 popular drinks with a few variations of each.

1. Margarita

Original: 2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, 1 oz lime juice, salt for rimming

Variations: Try different flavored liqueurs like orange, raspberry, or mango. Use different types of salts or sugars for the rim, such as smoked salt or colored sugar.

2. Mojito

Original: 2 oz white rum, 1 oz lime juice, 2 tsp sugar, 6-8 mint leaves, soda water

Variations: Use flavored rums like coconut or pineapple. Add fruits like berries or mango for a twist. Replace mint with basil or cilantro for a unique flavor.

3. Pina Colada

Original: 2 oz white rum, 3 oz pineapple juice, 1 oz coconut cream

Variations: Use flavored rum such as coconut or banana. Add a splash of lime juice for extra tang. Blend with ice for a frozen version.

4. Daiquiri

Original: 2 oz white rum, 1 oz lime juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup

Variations: Use flavored syrups like strawberry or passion fruit. Blend with ice for a frozen daiquiri. Add a splash of grenadine for color and flavor.

5. Cosmopolitan

Original: 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1 oz triple sec, 1/2 oz lime juice, 1/2 oz cranberry juice

Variations: Use flavored vodkas like citrus or raspberry. Add a splash of orange liqueur for extra flavor. Garnish with different fruits like orange or berries.

6. Moscow Mule

Original: 2 oz vodka, 1/2 oz lime juice, ginger beer

Variations: Use flavored ginger beers like ginger-lime or ginger-lemon. Add a splash of flavored liqueur like elderflower or raspberry.

7. Old Fashioned

Original: 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, splash of water, orange twist

Variations: Use different types of bitters like orange or aromatic. Substitute sugar cube with simple syrup. Add a splash of soda water for a lighter version.

8. Negroni

Original: 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth

Variations: Use different types of gin for unique flavors. Substitute Campari with Aperol for a lighter version. Add a splash of soda water for a Negroni Sbagliato.

9. Martini

Original: 2 1/2 oz gin or vodka, 1/2 oz dry vermouth, olive or lemon twist for garnish

Variations: Use different types of vermouth, like sweet or blanc. Add flavored liqueurs like peach or raspberry. Garnish with cocktail onions for a Gibson.

10. Whiskey Sour

Original: 2 oz whiskey, 3/4 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, cherry and orange slice for garnish

Variations: Use different types of whiskey, like bourbon or rye. Add a splash of egg white for a frothy texture. Garnish with different fruits like berries or pineapple.