Florida is named “The Sunshine State” for a reason. Year-round we are graced with its warm embrace, and even warmer summer months. Visitors come from far and wide to get a taste of the Florida heat, but for us Floridians, these months can present a challenge. With sweltering weather comes sweat. How do we stay cool during Florida’s summer? We’ve got a few tricks that will help you beat the heat without breaking your energy bill budget.
Florida is named “The Sunshine State” for a reason. Year-round we are graced with its warm embrace, and even warmer summer months. Visitors come from far and wide to get a taste of the Florida heat, but for us Floridians, these months can present a challenge. With sweltering weather comes sweat. How do we stay cool during Florida’s summer? We’ve got a few tricks that will help you beat the heat without breaking your energy bill budget.
This summer, find a blender and make it your best friend. Frozen is in and overheating is out. Cool off by having the best chilled goodies on the block. With these frozen cocktails and boozy treats, the possibilities are endless.
This refreshing recipe can cool you down in a few different ways. Turn it into a frozen treat, make it classically to be poured over ice or combine both options for the ultimate refresher when the sun is high in the sky.
The Recipe
1 ½ ounces Don Julio Blanco Tequila
4 ounces grapefruit soda
½ ounce lime juice
Grapefruit slices
Combine ingredients in a mixing cup and stir.
Option 1: Once combined, pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight.
Option 2: Once combined, pour contents in a serving glass over fresh ice.
Pro tip: Take advantage of option 1 and 2 by adding your frozen treats to the liquid cocktails, instead of ice.
Boozy popsicles are a great hack for a summer heat attack. They can be tricky to make, but with the right tips you’ll have a new go-to adult delight ready in your freezer all season long. The key to a spiked popsicle is following a 5:1, non-alcohol to alcohol ratio. Aim for a final alcohol by volume that is 5-10%.
The Recipe
1 ounce Los Rijos Silver Tequila
½ ounce lime juice
2 ounces orange juice
2 ounces pineapple juice
½ ounce grenadine
In a shaker, add tequila, lime juice, orange juice and pineapple juice. Shake until combined and pour into a 6-ounce popsicle mold. Place in freezer and allow to freeze for 2-3 hours. Remove from freezer and top with grenadine. Freeze overnight.
If you have never added bourbon to a milkshake, this is your sign to do so. Not only is it insanely delicious, but it is a fantastic way to cool down during happy hour. Cooper’s Mark Bourbon Cream Liqueur is part of our Sourced & Certified Collection and adds hints of smokey and smooth butterscotch to this enjoyable recipe.
The Recipe
2 ounces Cooper’s Mark Bourbon Cream Liqueur
½ ounce strawberry syrup
2 scoop vanilla ice cream
2-3 fresh strawberries, quartered
Add bourbon cream, strawberry syrup and ice cream to a blender. Blend until desired consistency. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
If your favorite part of summer when you were younger was having a lemonade stand on your street corner, try making one in the comfort of your own home. Add your favorite spirit to an ice-cold glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade or elevate it with a few extra ingredients.
Fact: Lemonade is better when shared with friends. This recipe is made in a batch, making it the perfect pool-party refreshment during peak heat.
The Recipe
1, 750mL bottle Octopoda Russian River Chardonnay
6 ounces Pinnacle Citrus Vodka
12 ounces lemonade
12 ounces lemon-lime soda
Squeeze of fresh lemon
Combine Chardonnay, vodka, lemonade and soda in a pitcher with ice and stir. Serve in glasses filled with ice. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to each glass and before serving.
Tip: Use frozen strawberries instead of ice cubes to keep your drink chilled while adding to the strawberry flavor.
The Recipe
¼ ounce strawberry simple syrup*
2 ounces Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey
3 ounces lemonade
Strawberry slice
Mint sprig
2 ounces water
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup strawberries
For the cocktail: Combine whiskey, lemonade and simple syrup into a glass with ice. Stir gently and garnish with lemon wheel, strawberry slice and mint sprig.
For the strawberry simple syrup: Mix all ingredients in a pot. Bring to boil and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Chill overnight and strain.
Want a grab and go adult lemonade option? Simply pop the top or twist the cap on these flavorful variations for a quick summer refreshment.
Smirnoff Pink Lemonade Vodka
$12.99
Truly Lemonade Hard Seltzer Mix Pack
$19.49
Is it time for brunch and you want that caffeine rush, but sipping hot coffee in the humidity just does not sound appealing? Easy – opt for an iced version of a coffee cocktail. Simply add your favorite Irish cream liqueur to an iced coffee or have some fun with one of these inviting options.
Cold brew is all the rage right now, so take the next step and turn it into a brunch cocktail. With a little bourbon, simple syrup and chocolate bitters, you’ll have the trendiest, most refreshing drink on the block.
The Recipe
2 ounces Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
½ ounce cold brew coffee
½ ounce simple syrup
2 dashes chocolate bitters
Ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until cold. Pour liquid into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with ground nutmeg.
Coffee cocktails don’t have to be exclusively for brunch. Switch from that post-dinner espresso shot to this tequila combination. You'll still get that boost of caffeine while adding invigorating notes of citrus and carbonation.
The Recipe
1 ½ ounces Villa One Silver Tequila
1 ounce espresso cold brew concentrate
3 ounces tonic
1-2 dashes orange bitters
Combine all ingredients in a glass and add ice. Gently stir. Garnish with orange peel, expressed and inserted.
Bourbon, coffee liqueur, ice cream and chocolate syrup? Say less! A Bushwacker is the ultimate adult treat with the ability to cool you down on even the hottest day.
The Recipe
1 ½ ounces Ballotin Original Chocolate Flavored Whiskey
½ ounce Cayman Reef Dark Rum
½ ounce Cayman Reef Kona Coffee Liqueur
½ ounce cream of coconut
1 ½ ounces whole milk
1 large scoop vanilla ice cream
1 cup ice
Chocolate syrup
Blend whiskey, rum, coffee liqueur, cream of coconut, milk, ice cream and ice in a blender. Squeeze chocolate syrup into a glass and pour blended mixture in glass.
