May 23 is National Chardonnay Day, and to celebrate the most popular white grape varietal, we rounded up seven bottles we've recently tried and adored. Whether you're a fan of the big oaky, buttery styles, prefer a clear and crisp version, or even lean toward sweeter white wines, we've got a bottle for you.
If you've never had the aperitif known as Lillet Rouge, you'll want to know that it's fruity, complex, and satisfying in its own right. But it shines even brighter when paired with sweet and spicy ginger beer. Add a wedge of grapefruit, and you've got an unbeatable combination of ease and excellence.
Bold name aside, this aperitif is light and refreshing. At 18 percent alcohol, Lillet Rouge is a natural fit for day drinking, as it'll offer a subtle buzz without knocking you off your feet.
This garden-to-glass cocktail pays homage to what I consider to be the most underrated Spring fruit of all time: the apricot. There's only a short window of time in May when these stone fruits are ripe, plump, and bursting with sweet juice; after that, they turn mealy and flavorless. Make the most of their short-lived season with a cocktail that highlights the fruit's floral, honeysuckle-like flavor. This tipple, which is inspired by the classic whiskey smash, calls for just apricots, agave, lemon, and bourbon. Got four ingredients and five minutes? Then make the apricot smash.
"Pimm's Cup" is fun to say and even more fun to drink. But what exactly is Pimm's No. 1? Like Southern Comfort or Fernet-Branca, this type of liquor is synonymous with its brand; Pimm's No. 1 is just that, and nothing else.
This gin-based booze hails from England and carries a lower alcohol content (25 percent) than most hard liquor. For that reason, it's one of my absolute favorite ingredients for daytime drinking, and the Pimm's Cup — featuring ginger ale, cucumber, lemon, and mint — is the ultimate delivery vehicle. You can throw back two or three yet not be knocked down like you might be by a bloody Mary. Get the Pimm's Cup recipe now.
Whether you're hosting a festive Cinco de Mayo party or have mellower plans, including frosty bottles of Mexican beer is an easy, refreshing, and perfectly on-theme way to round out your South-of-the-border spread. From light and crisp (read: compulsively drinkable) to thicker-bodied malty brews, there's a cerveza for nearly any taste. Here are three of our go-tos.
Tecate
Our day-drinking pick, Tecate is exceptionally light and easy to drink. Though critics may call it watery, we think it's utterly refreshing and a solid choice if balmy temperatures are in your forecast this Cinco de Mayo. For extra freshness, try it with a squeeze of lime, or, if spicy is more your style, doctor a can up michelada-style.
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.
If you're a fan of the margarita, then you've got to try Mexico's most popular tequila drink, the paloma. Traditionally, it's made of tequila and grapefruit soda, and served on the rocks with a lime wedge for garnish. The recipe here is an upscale take on the classic version: instead of grapefruit soda, it's made with fresh grapefruit juice, club soda, and simple syrup.
The resulting cocktail is so tart, refreshing, and balanced, you'll wonder why you've never had one before! Keep reading for the zesty, refreshing recipe.
Remember drinking the neon-green margarita mix at college parties? It's hard to know exactly what scary sweeteners and artificial flavors filled those plastic bottles! Thankfully, there's been a bumper crop of newer options made with lime juice and real sugar. In an effort to find actually good margarita mixes, we picked up five finer options (all available at BevMo) so you can throw a fancy fiesta with margaritas that are convenient to make, yet also deliver in the flavor department.
Why choose between green juice and a margarita when you can have both in a spicy-savory jalapeño margarita? This one's made with celery leaves and lime juice.
This is the perfect drink for someone who tends to sway toward more savory drinks, like salty dogs or balsamic bloody Marys. However, a sugar rim could tone down the spice and acidity, so feel free to sub that instead of the salt. Serve it in a pitcher to make it fit for a crowd. To look at this picante Margarita recipe, read more
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.
