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The key elements to a great summer drink are the same as any other drink. It should be easy to make, strong, and without an umbrella. You don’t have to drink coconut rum just because it’s summer time, and you don’t even need to include fruit in your drink, though that wouldn’t be the worst idea you’ve ever had. Here are five drinks that are summery without being a margarita and that definitely won’t lose you any street cred, if you are worried about the overwhelming number of “girly” drinks you’ve seen floating around these days.
Bourbon and Lemonade: For me, bourbon is up there with the other manly liquors, right between Scotch and Brandy. While the addition of lemonade may seemingly detract from the badassery that comes standard when you choose to drink bourbon, the lemonade is what gives this drink major sunny weather points, hiking it to the top of any summer drink list. Bonus points if you make your own lemonade. Two bonus points if you make it a double.
Polar Beers: Whether you’re closely watching the beer you left in the freezer for your own beer-slushy concoction, or you’re heading out on the town to pick up a perfectly frosted Polar Beer, no one’s summer will be complete without what essentially looks like a (no root) beer float. When the heat gets overwhelming, keep your beer cold with beer. It’s really the only thing that makes sense.
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Tequila and Orange Juice: I know tequila is supposed to be one of those things you reserve for nights you plan on getting white girl wasted, but whoever says you can’t just drink tequila on a whim is someone you don’t want to be friends with. You don’t even need to go as far as a tequila sunrise. A little OJ is all you need, or maybe some club soda if drinks with orange juice aren’t really your style. There are plenty of tequila tastings around.
I know not everyone can get on board with tequila drinks, but at the very least, break out the tequila and orange slices next time you have a BBQ! Chasing a shot of tequila with an orange wedge dipped in cinnamon sugar rather than lemons and salt will go down smoothly with all the tequila skeptics.
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Ginersby: Ciders and summer, in theory, go hand in hand. Unfortunately, after one or two you’ll probably feel like you’re teetering on the edge of a sugar coma. The answer to your cider problems, and potentially a lot of your other problems, is gin. My suggestion to you this summer is to pick up any type of Somersby that is calling to you (other ciders would work too), put one or two shots of gin in it, and continue to enjoy as many ciders as you can handle.
Gin and Grapefruit juice: Gins and tonic are always at the top of my drink list, but though they are both thirst quenching and delicious, it seems like a pretty lack lustre summer drink. Jazz up your gin by trading in your tonic for grapefruit juice this summer. You end up with a drink that is equally delicious, has the same cooling effect, but is way more festive. If it’s good enough for Snoop, it’s good enough for you.
