Kick off your weekend with a drink that makes use of what's in season right now: ripe, plush apricots. This muddled cocktail, inspired by the classic whiskey smash, calls for just four ingredients: apricots, whiskey, lemon, and agave. Dare we say it's, well, a smash? See how it's done, and then print out the recipe so you can make one for yourself.
Gatsby-goers, enjoy happy hour with a 1920s twist and English flair by serving up a classic Pimm's Cup. A gin-based tipple with low alcohol content, this citrus cocktail is only complete when topped with fresh lemon, cucumber, and a sprig of mint. In honor of The Great Gatsby remake, here are the simple steps needed to cool down your Gatsby fever and stay refreshed all Summer long.
When it comes to margaritas, why be plain Jane when you can knock 'em dead with a mix of sugar and spice? Start with the fundamentals — tequila, triple sec — then make things even more refreshing with the addition of watermelon cubes, freshly blended watermelon juice, lime, and jalapeño (seeds optional). Rim a few festive glasses with sugar to tame the heat, and you're ready to toast to your best Cinco de Mayo yet.
The smooth, fruity, South American spirit pisco is having a moment in the States. If you're new to trying this grape-based liquor, your best introductory bet is the pisco sour, a sipping cocktail that's so crisp and refreshing, it's no wonder both Peru and Chile fight over claims to produce the spirit. In our latest episode of Happiest Hour, hosts Matt Rodrigues and Brandi Milloy walk you through how to make your own. Watch the video, then make the cocktail for yourself.
Spring festivities like bridal showers, luncheons, and picnics call for a hummingbird cocktail. This light, bubbly cocktail features sparkling wine and St-Germain, an elderflower liqueur. Topped with club soda and a lemon twist, the drink will have you humming happily in no time.
We'd argue blood oranges taste even better than limes in a margarita; too bad they're out of season right now. Thankfully, we've arrived armed with a pint of blood orange sorbet and our favorite tequila to create a thirst-quencher fitting for Spring and Summer: the blood orange sorbet margarita. With its slushy, creamy consistency and its citrusy punch, we promise it'll be your next go-to drink on a hot day. Watch the video to learn more.
As the weather warms, turn to a classic Italian aperitif, the Bicyclette, as your go-to cocktail. This orange-hued drink is both bracing and slightly bitter, which makes it perfect for whetting appetites before bar snacks or dinner. The best part? All you really need is three ingredients that you probably already have at home. Keep watching to learn how to make this picnic-perfect tipple.
We think there's no better way to celebrate Spring in full swing than with a cocktail that celebrates one of the season's greatest fruits: strawberries. But a strawberry daiquiri this cocktail is not; this cocktail, appropriately dubbed the strawberry balsamic crush, combines sweet, tart, and savory thanks to the combination of fresh berries, aged balsamic vinegar, and freshly ground black pepper. Here, Happiest Hour hosts Matthew Rodrigues and Brandi Milloy show how the strawberry balsamic crush cocktail comes together.
Spring may have sprung, but if you're not seeing ripe stone fruits and berries just yet, then fret not: you can still get your fruit fix with this easy jam cocktail idea, which comes courtesy of Madam Geneva in New York City. Grab a bottle of your favorite gin and a jar of jam from your fridge, watch the video, and print out the recipe.
The mojito certainly gets the most play of any muddled drink, but others deserve a moment in the spotlight, too. Case in point: this surprising kiwi cobbler cocktail, which builds layer upon layer of flavor thanks to a tequila base and the addition of vanilla bean, sugar, soda water, and freshly muddled mint leaves and kiwi fruit. Watch the video, then print out the recipe and try it for yourself.
