How to Make Summer's Ultimate Refreshing Cocktail
Recipes by Damon Boelte, Bon Appétit
Our official cocktail for summer 2012, the Smash is super refreshing and a breeze to make. Just muddle seasonal fruit with simple syrup, add citrus and your booze of choice, top with ice (lots and lots of crushed ice!), sip, and repeat. Think of it as an adult sno-cone.
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Strawberry-Balsamic Smash
Fresh, sweet, and tart, this one has it all.
Preparation
Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, mash two 1/2" lime wedges, two 1/2"
rounds of cucumber, 1 fresh hulled strawberry, 1 Tbsp. Simple Syrup (click for recipe), and 1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar in a 16-oz. mixing glass or a cocktail shaker 4-5 times just to release juices and oils. Add 1/4 cup gin. Transfer to an Old Fashioned glass. Fill halfway with crushed ice, stir, then mound more crushed ice on top. Garnish with a cucumber round.
Classic Whiskey Smash
This drink is just as refreshing when made with gin, vodka, or rum.
Preparation
Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, mash 7 fresh mint leaves, 1 lemon half, quartered lengthwise, and 1 Tbsp. Simple Syrup (click for recipe) in a 16-oz. mixing glass or a cocktail shaker 4-5 times just to release juices and oils. Add 1/4 cup bourbon. Transfer to an Old Fashioned glass. Fill halfway with crushed ice, stir, then mound more crushed ice on top. Garnish with mint sprigs.
Mezcal Smash
Smoky mezcal, meet your sweet match: pineapple.
Preparation
Cocktail
Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, mash two 1" cubes fresh pineapple and 1 1/2 Tbsp. cinnamon simple syrup (see recipe below) in a 16-oz. mixing glass or a cocktail shaker 4-5 times just to release juices and oils. Add 1/4 cup mezcal. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass. Fill halfway with crushed ice, stir, then mound more crushed ice on top. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a pineapple leaf (optional).
Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer; stir until sugar dissolves. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, add 3 cinnamon sticks and let steep, uncovered, until the flavor is infused. Transfer to a sealed containter. DO AHEAD: Can be made up to six months in advance. Store in the refrigerator.
Want more refreshing summer drinks? Check out our full list of Smash Recipes.
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