Sipping Sunshine: The Perfect Summertime Cocktail to Beat the Heat

Summer is officially here, and with it comes longer days and that undeniable desire to kick back and relax. While a glass of iced tea is nice, sometimes you crave something a little more vibrant, a little more celebratory. Something that tastes like summer in a glass, ready to wash away the heat of the day.

The Quest for the Perfect Summertime Sip

For us, the ideal summer cocktail strikes a delicate balance: it's refreshing without being watery, flavorful without being heavy, and easy to make. We want to spend our precious summer moments enjoying time with friends, not shaking and stirring endlessly.

After much delightful experimentation, we've perfected a drink that embodies everything we love about summer. It's bright, a little bubbly, and delightfully easy to scale for a crowd or whip up for a quiet evening on the porch.

Introducing the "Golden Hour Spritz"

We call it the Golden Hour Spritz because it perfectly captures that magical time of day when the sun dips low, casting a warm, golden glow. It's elegant enough for a garden party but relaxed enough for a casual backyard BBQ.

Here’s why it’s our go-to for summer:

• Citrus Brightness: Fresh orange and lemon provide a zesty, uplifting base.

• Herbal Hint: A touch of fresh rosemary adds an unexpected, sophisticated layer.

• Effervescent Finish: Prosecco or sparkling water makes it light and perfectly bubbly.

• Customizable: Easily made alcoholic or non-alcoholic!

The Golden Hour Spritz Recipe

Yields: 1 cocktail Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz fresh orange juice (about half a medium orange)

• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)

• 0.5 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled)

• 1 small sprig fresh rosemary, plus extra for garnish

• 3-4 oz chilled Prosecco, Cava, or sparkling wine (for an alcoholic version)

• 3-4 oz chilled sparkling water or club soda (for a non-alcoholic version)

• Orange slice, for garnish

• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a sturdy glass (like a mason jar), gently muddle the rosemary sprig with the simple syrup. You just want to release its oils, not pulverize it.

2. Add the fresh orange juice and lemon juice to the glass.

3. Fill the glass generously with ice.

4. Top with your choice of Prosecco or sparkling water.

5. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.

6. Garnish with a fresh orange slice and another sprig of rosemary.

Batching for a Crowd? Absolutely!

This recipe scales beautifully. For a beverage dispenser, multiply the orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and rosemary (use whole sprigs and let them infuse for about 30 minutes before straining, or leave them in for a rustic look). Just add the sparkling component right before serving to maintain the fizz!

The Golden Hour Spritz is more than a drink; it's an invitation to slow down and truly savor the moments of summer. So, mix one up, find your favorite shady spot, and indulge in our favorite way to beat the heat!