Lawson Roberts and Top 5 Summer Cocktails

There is no doubt whether you're on the East or West Coast things are heating up this time of year. I thought I would post some of my favorite cocktail recipes that I enjoy using when entertaining friends either pool side of at a dinner event.

With me being a seasoned taster but clearly no mixologist, I like to keep it simple. Enjoy.

“Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.”
~ Ernest Hemingway

The Classic Margarita

I am a nut for this. Maybe it's just me, but tequila brings out the next level to the party!

• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1 wedge lime
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) fresh lime juice
• 2 heaping teaspoons superfine sugar
• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) Cointreau or other triple sec orange liqueur
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) reposado tequila
• About 2 cups ice cubes

Spread salt on small plate. Rub lime wedge halfway around rim of 10-ounce glass (such as double old-fashioned). Dip moistened side of glass in salt to lightly coat. Set aside.

In cocktail shaker, stir together lime juice and sugar until sugar partially dissolves (about 5 seconds). Add Cointreau, tequila, and 1 cup ice cubes. Shake vigorously

Daiquiri

• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) fresh lime juice
• 2 heaping teaspoons superfine sugar
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) white rum
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Lime wheel to garnish

In cocktail shaker, stir together lime juice and sugar until sugar dissolves. Add rum and ice cubes and shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into chilled Daiquiri or coupe glass and drop in lime wheel for garnish.

Michelada

• 1/4 teaspoon piquin pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salsa picante
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (12-ounce) can Mexican lager, chilled

• Garnish: lime wedge

In tall beer glass, stir together pepper sauce, salsa, lime juice, salt, and lager. Garnish with lime and serve immediately.

Aviation

• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) gin
• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) Maraska maraschino liqueur
• 1/4 teaspoon simple syrup
• 1 cup ice cubes

Garnish:

• maraschino cherry 

In cocktail shaker, combine lemon juice, gin, maraschino liqueur, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into chilled coupe glass and drop in cherry.

Royal Blush

• 1 teaspoon cherry purée (note: recipe below makes 3/4 cup)
• 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) vodka
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) simple syrup
• 5 fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) dry sparkling wine, such as brut Champagne, chilled

To Make Cherry Purée:
In a bowl, purée frozen cherries or all-fruit spread with water. In general: 1 cup of frozen cherries (6 ounces) puréed with 2 tablespoons of water makes approximately 3/4 cup purée. To make purée using all-fruit spread, combine 3/4 cup spread with 3/4 cup water. Any extra can be used to make smoothies or sauce for ice cream.

Do you have a favorite classic Summer cocktail? I'd love to hear what it is? Drop me a line. Lawson@lawsonroberts.com.

As always thanks for reading. Keep up with all the exciting happenings.

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