Beat the Heat: Summer Cocktails, With a Touch of Rosemary

A few weeks ago, when I came across this recipe on A Cup of Jo, I decided I had to try it. Because who doesn't love that perfect summer drink? It was such a great recipe to pull out while lounging by the river with my family. But once the weekend was gone, I found myself with a lot of leftover Rosemary Simple Syrup. (Boil 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar & a few Rosemary sprigs. Boil until sugar is dissolved. Let cool.)

And then I thought, why not try use it to make a few other Summer Drinks? After all, not everybody loves Gin. And while I love Prosecco probably more than the average person, I don't always want to commit myself to an entire bottle. Sometimes I just want that one perfect drink to sip on after work. (Or to pour into a plastic cup to sneak into the pool.)

So I did a little research, then a few taste tests. And C & I came up with five summer drinks that are perfect with that little added Rosemary flavor. I do hope you thoroughly enjoy these.

There's a little something for everyone.

♥ Rosemary Mint Julep ♥

As someone who doesn't necessarily love mint, I was really hesitant when C poured this for me. But, I love Bourbon, and had to say the floating leaves were beautiful to look at. As soon as I took my first sip, I realized how good the Rosemary and Mint mixed together. It was really refreshing. And according to C, this could actually be on someone's Summer Cocktails Menu.

Glass: Old Fashioned

Ingredients: 

• 3 tsp. Rosemary Syrup
• 5 Mint Leaves
• 2 oz. quality Bourbon
• Club Soda

Directions: Muddle the mint leaves in the rosemary syrup. Pour in the Bourbon and stir. Add ice (crushed is best, if you have it), and top with club soda.

♥ Rosemary Detroit Martini ♥

Once I decided I didn't hate Mint, I was brave enough to pull this beauty out. I always love Martinis, and this was no exception. Sipping on ice cold Vodka is a delight, and the addition of fresh Mint and Rosemary made it even more so. Though, it's not for the light of heart. While it is smooth and sweet, it is still a martini. This would be perfect for dessert, after a long summer evening.

Glass: Martini

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 6 Mint Leaves
• 1 oz. Rosemary Syrup

Directions: In a shaker filled with ice, shake ingredients hard (until Mint Leaves are almost completely broken up). Pour into chilled Martini glass.

♥ Grapefruit Rosemary Mimosa ♥

We are a Mimosa family. I try to have a bottle of sweet Prosecco and Orange Juice ready almost every Saturday morning, because I seriously believe there's no better way to thoroughly enjoy a lazy Saturday morning. But this drink is something else. I usually hate Grapefruit, and the use of a Brute Sparkling Wine threw me off. But the end result was something completely spectacular. It was a great way to mix up my usual Saturday morning indulgence. And I have to give total credit to C - this was his idea & he executed it perfectly.

Glass: Champagne Flute

Ingredients: 

• 2 c. Grapefruit Juice
• 1/2 c. Rosemary Syrup
• 1/8 c. Orange Liqueur
• Dry Champagne/Sparkling Wine

Directions: Pour desired amount of Champagne into flute. (I usually fill half the glass). Add Rosemary Syrup, Grapefruit Juice, and Orange Liqueur. Add sprig of Rosemary & garnish with a slice of Grapefruit.

♥ Lynchburg Rosemary Lemonade ♥

If you're looking for a drink that the majority will love, this is it. There's something about "Lemonades" that scream summer. I also am currently having a love affair with Southern Bourbon. (We used Jim Beam for this, but Jack Daniels would be even better.) And the mixer of Ginger Ale just makes the child in me ecstatic. (Anyone else order Ginger Ale on airplanes as a kid?) I loved this so much, that I took a glass of it into the pool this weekend. Try it... trust me.

Glass: High Ball

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz. Lemon Juice
• 2 oz. Bourbon
• 2 oz. Rosemary Syrup
• 1 oz. Orange Liqueur
• Ginger Ale

Directions: Fill High Ball with ice. Combine first four ingredients, top with Ginger Ale. Stir with a sprig of Rosemary. Serve.

♥ Rosemary Vodka Cran ♥

Vodka Cran is Chelsea Handler's favorite drink. (I read her books, what can I say?) And I suddenly had to order them whenever we went out for a while. But, I grew tired of the predictable (and sweet) combination, and moved on. However, Vodka Crans were made for hot summer afternoons. And adding in a fresh sprig of Rosemary freshens up an otherwise overly common cocktail.

Glass: High Ball

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 1 oz. Orange Liqueur
• 1 oz. Rosemary Syrup
• Splash of Lime
• Cranberry Juice

Directions: Fill High Ball with ice. Combine first four ingredients, top with Cranberry Juice. Serve.

♥ Cheers! ♥
And... Remember to drink responsibly.