Let’s talk about cocktails and mocktails for any occasion.
I have a confession: I’m discovering a newfound love for cocktails, experimenting with new recipes and flavors one drink at a time. When my kid sister visits, we often stay in, cook together, and she hands me lists of dishes and drinks she wants to try. Since she follows my food adventures online, I happily oblige.
When she’s in Dallas she heads straight to the grocery store with a precise list, which makes planning and cooking much easier. Cooking together brings back great memories, and there’s never a dull moment.
This past weekend we explored Austin, Texas—enjoying the nightlife, local trails, and outstanding restaurants. I ate endless barbecue—brisket, ribs and more—so much that my stomach was full to the brim. Austin is famous for its barbecue, and it’s worth lining up at dawn for Franklin’s, where the wait around the block is part of the tradition.
What pairs with great barbecue? A bold cocktail. Austin introduced me to a Colorado high frozen mule that awakened my taste buds and ignited my curiosity about cocktails. That was the beginning of a delicious obsession.
Cocktail and Mocktail – The basics:
- Spirits: vodka, rum, gin, tequila, brandy, whiskey—choose what suits your palate.
- Mixers: fruit and vegetable juices, tonic water, soda, and creative combinations that balance the spirit.
- Liqueurs: sweet, flavored alcoholic additions made from fruits, nuts, and herbs. Examples include Cointreau, Campari, Triple Sec and Curaçao—each brings a unique character to a drink.
- Flavorings and garnishes: A carefully chosen splash of flavoring or a fresh garnish can elevate a drink. Use bitters, citrus, hot sauce or herbal notes sparingly and pair them thoughtfully with the base spirit. Typical garnishes include mint, rosemary, lemon or lime wedges, sugar rims or salt for margaritas, and fruit strips or wedges for color and aroma.
- Tools: shaker, strainer, a strong blender or ice crusher, stirrer, muddler, quality cocktail glasses and basic knives and peelers. A complete cocktail set can be an economical way to get started.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some refreshing summer cocktails and mocktails. I’ll add more recipes as I experiment with new combinations.
A great cocktail or mocktail balances strong flavors—sweet, sour, bitter—and the right mix of spirits, liqueurs and mixers. Put your feet up and enjoy a drink that soothes the soul. Browse the recipes below to find something that fits your mood or occasion.
- CYAN BLUE
- FRENCH KISSED
3. SOFT SANGRIA
4. LUSH MINT LIMONATA
5. PEACH AND MANGO DAIQUIRI
6. GRAND DUCHESS (VODKA) COCKTAIL
7. CREME DE CACAO VODKA MARTINI
8. SMOKED CINNAMON GIN & TONIC