➜ In a small saucepan, combine the coffee, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Heat over low heat, whisking. Take off heat and add Mozart Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Liqueur. Pour into a coffee mug and top with whipped cream, a dusting of pumpkin pie spice, and a cinnamon stick.
½ oz. The Perfect Purée Caramelized Pineapple Concentrate, thawed
1½ oz. The Perfect Purée Pink Guava Puree, thawed
Fresh mint
Prosecco
➜ Combine ingredients, except Prosecco into a mixing glass with ice. Shake with a Boston Shaker and strain into hurricane glass. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with large pineapple wedge and mint spring, then serve.
—Christina Maffei, Director F&B
Kahala Resort & Hotel
Honolulu, Hawaii
Tito’s Watermelon Cooler is the quintessential summer cocktail, blending the sweetness of fresh watermelon juice with the crispness of ginger beer and the zesty kick of lime. This drink is a refreshing way to cool down on a hot day.
Ingredients:
1¼ oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka
2 oz Fresh watermelon juice
2 oz Ginger beer
½ oz Fresh lime juice
Lime slice for garnish
Ice cubes
How to Make Tito’s Watermelon Cooler:
Mix the Ingredients: In a glass, combine Tito’s Handmade Vodka, watermelon juice, and lime juice.
Stir Well: Add ice and stir to mix the flavors.
Top and Serve: Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish: Garnish with a lime slice.
Additional Info:
For an extra-cold drink, chill the watermelon juice before mixing. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding a touch of simple syrup or reducing the amount of ginger beer.
How to Make a Batch:
To make a batch, multiply each ingredient by the number of servings needed and mix in a large pitcher. Serve in individual glasses over ice.
Alternative Spirits for Different Budgets:
Budget-Friendly: Use a well-priced vodka such as Smirnoff.
Mid-Range: Opt for a mid-tier vodka like Absolut.
Premium: For a top-shelf experience, use Belvedere Vodka.
Expert Tips:
Use fresh watermelon juice for the best flavor.
Chill your glass in the freezer before serving for an extra-cold cooler.
Garnish with a sprig of mint for a fresh twist.
Unique Twists or Add-Ons:
Add a splash of club soda for a lighter version.
Muddle fresh mint leaves with watermelon juice for a mojito-inspired twist.
Serve in a hollowed-out watermelon for a fun summer presentation.
Variations:
Spicy Watermelon Cooler: Add a slice of jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Cucumber Watermelon Cooler: Substitute the lime juice with cucumber juice for a refreshing flavor.
Watermelon Margarita: Swap the vodka for tequila and add a salted rim.
Related Recipes (You May Also Like):
Watermelon Mojito
Cucumber Cooler
Moscow Mule
Reviews/Comments Section:
“So refreshing and fruity! A perfect summer drink.” – Sarah “Loved the ginger beer in this recipe. It adds a nice bite.” – Mike “Made a batch for a BBQ, and everyone loved it!” – Emma
Feel free to share your variations and experiences in the comments below!
The French Blonde is an elegant and refreshing cocktail that blends the floral notes of Lillet Blanc and St-Germain with the citrusy zing of grapefruit juice. This light, sophisticated drink is perfect for a summer soirée.
Ingredients:
2 oz Lillet Blanc
1 oz Bombay Sapphire Gin
½ oz St-Germain (elderflower liqueur)
2 oz Simply Grapefruit Juice
Lavender sprigs for garnish
Ice cubes
How to Make a French Blonde:
Mix the Ingredients: Combine Lillet Blanc, gin, St-Germain, and grapefruit juice in a shaker tin.
Shake Well: Add ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Strain and Serve: Fine strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish: Garnish with lavender sprigs.
Additional Info:
The French Blonde is versatile and can be tailored to your taste. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of St-Germain or adding a dash of simple syrup.
How to Make a Batch:
To make a batch, multiply each ingredient by the number of servings needed and mix in a large pitcher. Serve in individual glasses over ice.
Alternative Spirits for Different Budgets:
Budget-Friendly: Use a well-priced gin such as Beefeater. Mid-Range: Opt for a mid-tier gin like Hendrick’s. Premium: For a top-shelf experience, use The Botanist Islay Dry Gin.
Expert Tips:
Use fresh grapefruit juice for the best flavor.
Chill your glass in the freezer before pouring for an extra-cold cocktail.
Experiment with different garnishes like a grapefruit twist or edible flowers.
Unique Twists or Add-Ons:
Add a splash of tonic water for a sparkling version.
Infuse your gin with rosemary for a herbal twist.
Serve over a large ice cube for a more dramatic presentation.
Variations:
French Blonde Royale: Top with a splash of champagne for a sparkling version.
Ginger Blonde: Add a dash of ginger syrup for a spicy kick.
Citrus Blonde: Substitute grapefruit juice with orange juice for a sweeter flavor.
Related Recipes (You May Also Like):
Aperol Spritz
Elderflower Collins
Negroni Bianco
Reviews/Comments Section:
“Such a light and refreshing drink! Perfect for summer parties.” – Jessica
“The lavender garnish adds a nice touch. Loved it!” – Matt
“Tried the Ginger Blonde variation, and it was a hit at my last dinner party.” – Olivia
Feel free to share your variations and experiences in the comments below!
Weehawken, NJ – Blu on the Hudson is excited to unveil its highly anticipated summer cocktail menu. Curated by Beverage Director, Jeremy LeBlanche, the new selection promises to captivate guests with its refreshing flavors and striking presentations. The modern American restaurant, known for its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, continues to push the boundaries of mixology with both creative flair and accessible elegance.
Signature Cocktails to Watch Out For
The summer menu is centered around three standout cocktails that merge innovative ingredients with classic techniques, offering a delightful experience for every guest:
1. Don’t Be Shy – A Floral Twist on a Spritz
This unique take on a spritz brings together the crispness of rosé wine from Provence with a hint of citrus and sweetness. Ideal for sipping in the warm summer breeze.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Dry Rosé wine (preferably from Provence, France)
1/2 oz. Tito’s Vodka
1 oz. Strawberry Soju
1 oz. Aperol
1 oz. Simple Syrup
1 oz. Lemon Juice
Instructions: Shake all ingredients together and strain into a coupe glass. Enjoy neat or with a large ice rock.
2. Naked After Midnight – A Japanese-Inspired Floral Cocktail
Inspired by Japanese ingredients, this cocktail features the delicate interplay of shochu and floral notes, delivering a symphony of flavors that evolve with every sip.
Ingredients:
Nasturtium leaf-infused The Botanist Gin
Shiso and cucumber cordial
Shochu
Mediterranean tonic
Lime juice
3. Killer of the Flower Moon – A Sophisticated Floral Elixir
A soft floral bouquet with notes of hibiscus, Turkish rose, and red fruits creates a delicate yet refined drink. Subtle hints of incense and oolong tea gin round out this elegant concoction.
Ingredients:
Guilder’s Oolong Tea Gin
Hibiscus tea
Dola Dira Aperitivo
Rose cordial
Lemon juice
Experience Blu on the Hudson
Blu on the Hudson’s summer cocktail menu complements the restaurant’s modern American cuisine, offering a sensory journey from start to finish. Located in Weehawken, NJ, the restaurant’s sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere is only a short NY Waterway ferry ride from Manhattan, making it a perfect destination for both locals and visitors.
For media inquiries, photos, or to schedule a visit for complimentary cocktails and bites, please contact:
Drink Description: The Margarita Delight is a refreshing and tangy classic cocktail perfect for summer gatherings. Its citrusy flavor with a hint of sweetness makes it a crowd favorite.
Ingredients:
2 oz tequila
1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 oz triple sec
1 oz simple syrup
Salt for rimming the glass
Lime wheel for garnish
Ice cubes
How to Make a Margarita Delight:
Prepare the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it into salt to coat the rim.
Mix the Ingredients: In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
Shake Well: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
Garnish: Garnish with a lime wheel.
Additional Info: Margaritas are versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste. For a sweeter drink, add more simple syrup. For a stronger kick, increase the tequila.
How to Make a Batch: To make a batch for a party, multiply each ingredient by the number of servings needed and mix in a large pitcher. Serve over ice.
Alternative Spirits for Different Budgets:
Budget-Friendly: Use a well-priced tequila such as El Jimador.
Mid-Range: Opt for a mid-tier tequila like Espolòn.
Premium: For a top-shelf experience, use Don Julio Blanco.
Expert Tips:
Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
Chill your glass in the freezer before rimming it with salt for an extra-cold margarita.
Adjust the sweetness by experimenting with different types of syrups, such as agave nectar.
Unique Twists or Add-Ons:
Add a splash of fruit juice (e.g., pineapple or orange) for a fruity twist.
Infuse your tequila with jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen margarita.
Variations:
Strawberry Margarita: Blend with fresh strawberries.
Mango Margarita: Substitute the lime juice with mango puree.
Spicy Margarita: Add a dash of hot sauce or muddled jalapeños.
Related Recipes (You May Also Like):
Classic Mojito
Pina Colada
Tequila Sunrise
Reviews/Comments Section:
“This margarita is perfect for summer! So refreshing and easy to make.” – Sarah
“Loved the tangy flavor. The recipe is spot on!” – Mike
“Tried the spicy version and it was a hit at our BBQ.” – Emma
Feel free to share your variations and experiences in the comments below!
Curated by Principal Bartender Sondre Kasin, COQODAQ’s cocktails offer an innovative twist on classics. One of the hero cocktails is The Egg, COQODAQ’s take on the classic Vodka Soda which has been a staple cocktail for many over time.
The goal behind The Egg cocktail was to create something visually fun and creative without being too over the top. The simplicity, purity, and non-pretentiousness of a vodka soda is what the team wanted the flavor to be. So the question when making The Egg was how to stay true to the feel of the vodka soda, but at the same time make it “elevated” and with a COQODAQ twist.
Grey Goose was Sondre’s vodka of choice as it is a beautifully nuanced vodka that is clean in flavor and has an elegant mouthfeel to it. In addition, the Jasmine and St Germain Elderflower liqueur added unique elements of flavor and roundness, whereas the verjus brought in acidity.
The result is a clear cocktail presentation that resembles that of a vodka soda, and then the lychee is incorporated into the egg ice cube. The team uses techniques from gelato making to ensure a frothy creamy consistency as the lychee egg melts over time, which provides both flavor and texture.
Looking for some fun cocktails to try this Cinco De Mayo? Check out these cocktails curated by some of our friends across the country!
MARGARITA Cocktail by Michael Aredes
1.5 oz 1800 Cristalino
.5 oz Lime Juice
.5 oz Agave Syrup
1 oz Mango Puree
Tajin Rim
Garnish with Tamarind Straw
Take a fresh rocks glass and run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip into tajin. Separately, in a shaker tin, combine 1800 Cristalino, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, mango puree and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake vigorously. Take rocks glass with Tajin rim, and strain liquid over fresh ice. Garnish with tamarind straw.
CARAJILLO
Cocktail by Michael Aredes
1 oz 1800 Reposado
.5 oz Spanish Liqueur
.5 oz Cinnamon Syrup
1 oz Cold Brew
Garnish with grated Cinnamon
In a shaker tin, combine 1800 Reposado, Spanish liquor, cinnamon syrup and cold brew. Fill with ice and shake vigorously. Strain over fresh ice into rocks glass and grate cinnamon over the top.
Mr Black Margarita Negra
Photo credit Guy Davies
1 oz Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
1 oz Tequila Don Julio Blanco
1 oz Lime Juice
.5 Agave Syrup
Garnish with Lime Wheel
Salt rim of rocks glass. Combine all ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker, hard shake, and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with lime wheel.
Hot Tamale
Photo and Cocktail credit Shelby Mastro
1.5 oz. Chipotle Tequila
1 Bar spoon The Perfect Puree Caramelized Pineapple Concentrate, thawed
1/2 oz. Cinnamon Syrup
1/2 oz Lime juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake hard. Pour into a glass, and enjoy
Whatever you are enjoying this weekend, please do so responsibly and be sure to tip your Bartenders!
Flavored WhiskeyPhoto credit: AJ Shorter Photography
2 oz Duke & Dame
1 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Red Wine
1/2 oz Agave
Shake ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and strain into coupe glass.
Pineapple Whiskey Mule
2 oz Duke & Dame
1 oz Pineapple Juice
1/4 oz Lemon Juice
1 1/2 to 2 oz Ginger Beer
Shake ingredients (excl. ginger beer) in cocktail shaker and pour into copper mug over ice. Top off w/ginger beer. Garnish w/pineapple slice (or rosemary sprig).
Pumpkin Paradise
Get ready for Fall with pumpkin treat!
1 ½ oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
¾ oz. Zaya Gran Reserva Rum
½ oz. orange juice
½ oz. pineapple juice
½ oz. pumpkin cream of coconut mix*
3 pineapple top leaves
Pumpkin spice
For the pumpkin cream of coconut, blend all ingredients to taste.
To make the cocktail, shake all ingredients together in a shaker with ice and pour into cocktail glass.
Garnish with three pineapple leaves and powdered pumpkin spice.
Gold Rush
1.5 oz of Ragtown Whiskey
0.5 oz of lemon juice
0.5 oz of honey syrup
Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice, then shake well for 1 minute. Double fine strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with mint sprig.
If you are looking for an easy cocktail that is ready-to-serve, Sunshine Punchthe new creamsicle cocktail – is now available! Inspired by the iconic, frozen creamsicle treat, Sunshine Punch is the perfect blend of orange and vanilla with a lingering cream finish that continues to develop with each sip.
Whatever you do this Labor Day weekend, please do so responsibly and be sure to #TipYourBartenders!
