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 get more than our fair share of sunshine, blue skies and beach days, but all that warmth comes with some seriously hot temperatures. Whether you're a lifelong Floridian or just visiting for the season, finding ways to stay cool quickly becomes part of your daily routine. Visitors come from far and wide to soak up the Florida sunshine, but for those of us who live here, surviving the summer heat is practically an art form. With sweltering weather comes sweat, and cranking up the air conditioner isn't always the answer.
So how do we stay cool during Florida's hottest months? We've got a few refreshing tricks that will help you beat the heat without sending your energy bill through the roof.
Looking for a way to cool off? This refreshing Paloma recipe has you covered. Enjoy it the classic way over ice, freeze it into fruity Paloma paletas or make both for the ultimate warm weather treat. However you serve it, it's a bright, citrusy refresher that's perfect when the Florida sun is at its hottest.
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: Paloma Paletas
Freeze overnight, or until completely solid.
Option 2: Classic Paloma
Pro Tip: Make both! Use your frozen Paloma paletas in place of ice for a cocktail that stays cold without getting watered down.
Boozy popsicles are one of the best ways to beat the summer heat. They're refreshing, easy to customize and perfect for pool days, backyard barbecues and sunny afternoons. While they may seem tricky to make, the secret is simply getting the alcohol ratio right. For popsicles that freeze properly and still pack plenty of flavor, follow a 5:1 ratio of non alcoholic ingredients to alcohol. This will give you a final alcohol by volume of about 5 to 10 percent, creating frozen treats that are just as delicious as they are refreshing.
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. It is surprisingly delicious and a fantastic way to cool down during happy hour. Cooper's Mark Bourbon brings notes of vanilla, caramel and oak that pair perfectly with sweet strawberries and creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a grown up twist on a classic milkshake.
Tip: Skip the ice cubes and use frozen strawberries instead. They'll keep your milkshake cold and creamy without watering it down while adding even more fresh strawberry flavor.
The Recipe
2 ounces Cooper's Mark Bourbon Whiskey
1 ounce strawberry syrup
3 scoops of vanilla ice cream
2-3 fresh strawberries, quartered
Add the bourbon, strawberry syrup, vanilla ice cream and strawberries to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add the milk and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a fresh strawberry.
Fact: Lemonade is even better when shared. This batch recipe is made for pool days, backyard barbecues and sunny afternoons, making it the perfect way to cool off and celebrate with friends.
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 before serving.
When life gives you lemons, add rye whiskey. Bright, refreshing and packed with fresh strawberry flavor, this cocktail is made for hot afternoons and happy hour on the patio. Homemade strawberry simple syrup gives it a fresh, fruity twist, while Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey adds just the right amount of spice to balance every sip.
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.
Nothing says summer quite like a frozen pineapple cocktail. Sweet, tropical and perfectly refreshing, this blended rum drink is made for pool days, beach weekends and backyard happy hours. With juicy pineapple, fresh lime and Palms Silver Rum, every sip tastes like a mini vacation.
Tip: Freeze fresh pineapple chunks ahead of time for an even creamier texture and bolder pineapple flavor while using less ice.
The Recipe
2 ounces Palms Silver Rum
1 ½ cups frozen pineapple chunks
¾ ounce fresh lime juice
½ ounce simple syrup
½ cup ice
Pineapple wedge
Blend rum, pineapple chunks, lime juice, simple syrup and ice until smooth. Pour into a chilled coupe or hurricane glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge or lime wheel.
Fresh watermelon and gin are a match made for summer. Light, crisp and topped with bubbly club soda, this refreshing cocktail is perfect for hot afternoons, backyard barbecues and poolside sipping. Every glass delivers bright citrus, juicy watermelon and botanical gin in one easy-to-make drink.
Tip: Blend fresh watermelon and strain it through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth juice with vibrant, natural flavor.
The Recipe
2 ounces Grays Peak Gin
2 ounces fresh watermelon juice
¾ ounce fresh lime juice
½ ounce simple syrup
1 ½ ounces club soda
Watermelon wedge
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the gin, watermelon juice, lime juice and simple syrup, then stir until well chilled. Top with club soda and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a watermelon wedge and lime wheel.
Cooling off is even better when there's a pitcher involved. If you're hosting friends or heading to the pool, our easy sangria recipe is another refreshing summer favorite.
