Your Weekend Cocktails

   A South Florida summer is just not complete without a trip to South Beach. But we understand that sometimes it is just downright difficult to get away. So this weekend, we’re bringing the spirit of the South Beach party to the Paradise Coast with these tasty tipples courtesy of the master mixologists at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.

 

Friday Happy Hour: Get Muddlin’

Cucumber Mokito - summertime cocktails - Ritz-Carlton South Beach   When whipping up a summer cocktail, refreshing, crisp ingredients are key. This cucumber mojito recipe is just the ticket for those dog days of August.

 

Cucumber Mojito

  • 1¾ oz. Don Q Cristal rum
  • ¼ oz. cucumber juice*
  • ½ lime cut in wedges
  • 6 sprigs of mint
  • ½ oz. simple syrup
  • Splash club soda

In a shaker tin, add lime, simple syrup, cucumber juice and sprigs of mint. Muddle these ingredients together. Add ice and Don Q Cristal, then shake vigorously. Pour into highball glass and top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with cucumber slice and lime wheel.

 

*Cucumber juice: Place a whole cucumber in blender with 1 oz. of water and ½ oz. of simple syrup. Blend on high until liquefied.


 
Saturday just got fizzy!

   The Raspberry Basil Fizz is a wonderful mix of flavors that may seem out of place but complement one another, just like peanut butter and jelly.

Raspberry Basil Fizz - summertime cocktails - Ritz-Carlton South Beach  

Raspberry Basil Fizz

  • 1½ oz. Don Q Cristal
  • 5 to 6 fresh raspberries
  • 4 to 5 basil leaves
  • 1 oz. lavender syrup*
  • ½ oz. lime juice
  • Splash of ginger ale

In a mixing glass, muddle raspberries, basil leaves, lavender syrup and lime juice. Add Don Q Cristal, ice and shake vigorously. Strain into ice-filled collins glass and top with splash of ginger ale; stir. Garnish with a skewer of lime wheel and two raspberries.

 

*Lavender syrup: Bring one part sugar (1 cup) and one part water (1 cup) to a low boil. Add 10 lavender sprigs and stir until sugar dissolves. Take off heat and let cool.


 

Sunday Funday: Smashing Berries

   Summer berries are a great base for cocktails, especially when they’re turned into one big muddled mess. The Black & Blue Mojito incorporates two tart summer ditties, blackberries and blueberries, for a citrusy, minty sip that’s perfect for kickin’ it on the dock. Enjoy!

 Black & Blue mojito - summertime cocktails - Ritz-Carlton South Beach - DIY cocktails

Black & Blue Mojito

  • 1¾ oz. Don Q Limón rum
  • 4 blackberries
  • 7 blueberries
  • ½ lime
  • 6 sprigs of mint
  • ½ oz. simple syrup
  • Splash of ginger ale

In a shaker tin, add lime, blackberries, blueberries, simple syrup and mint; muddle the ingredients together. Add ice and Don Q Limón, then shake vigorously. Pour into highball glass and top with a splash of ginger ale. Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig.

 

Recipes and drink images provided by the Ritz-Carlton South Beach.

 


If you would like to nominate a cocktail recipe to appear in our latest series “Weekend Cocktails,” email the online editor here.

Your Weekend Cocktails for August 17 - summertime cocktails - handcrafted cocktails - Ritz-Carlton South Beach


 

Tools of the Trade

Become a master mixologist, or at least look like one, with the tools that make the trade.

Your Weekend Cocktails - Tools to Make a Pro - Williams-Sonoma

 

  • Muddler: This little tenderizing stick is a godsend and a must for any home bar. If fruity cocktails are in your future, the muddler is the only way to unlock fruits’ flavor.
  • Handheld Citrus Juicer: Nothing beats freshly squeezed juice, but it can be a pain. Invest in a handheld citrus juicer; they are cheap and do the trick tout de suite.
  • Cocktail Shaker: Don’t be a chump stirring your martini like a noob; purchase a nice shaker and become a master home barkeep.
  • Jigger: This little apparati will make mixing the perfect drink as easy as pie. It’s equipped with 1½ oz. and ¾ oz. cups for perfectly measured pours every time.

*Pictured available at Williams-Sonoma

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