Bring the Patio Home!

On beautiful sunny days it seems all we want to do is find the perfect patio or retire to a beach and relax, but we have work, families, and other responsibilities that take us away from our mini vacations. In the office we’ve been designing some fantastic outside havens and all we want to do is go and enjoy them ourselves! Well why not bring the patio home? With these simple cocktail recipes enjoy the best part of summer from your own patio or deck! Created by Alan, our self proclaimed foodie in our office, these fun and refreshing drinks can be enjoyed all season long.

The Mexican Mule 

4 Leaves Thai Basil
¼ Jalapeno Pepper
1 tsp. Raw Sugar
2 oz. Mount Gay Rum *white or dark
Ginger Beer

-Muddle Thai Basil, Jalapeno, and Raw Sugar in desired glass

-Add Rum and stir until sugar dissolves
-Add three large ice cubes and top with Ginger Beer
-Garnish with one additional basil leaf, serve, and enjoy!

Italian 75

1 ½ oz. Gin Mare

½ oz. Lemon Juice *fresh squeezed

¾ oz. Lavender Simple Syrup (made by simmering equal parts sugar and water, until sugar dissolves and adding dried lavender flowers and simmering until you have the desired intensity of flavor)

Prosecco 

Candied Violets

-Shake Gin Mare, Lemon Juice, and Laveder Syrup and pour into champagne flute

-Top with Prosecco and garnish with Candied Violets

-Serve, Enjoy, Repeat!

Now you have two more craft cocktails to add to your bartending arsenal! Don’t be shy to add your own personal twists either. I chose Gin Mare for its Mediterranean flavours and herbaceous qualities to pair with the floral flavours in the Italian 75, but use your favourite brand if you so choose. Play around with how much basil and pepper in the Mexican Mule for more or less heat and freshness. The beauty of mixing cocktails is you get to mix what you want and love what you mix!

Stay Calm and Shake On!