Whether you’re sipping your beverage on a dock or a patio, everyone is looking for their go-to warm weather drink. Popular drinks change every season, exactly like the weather. With so many refreshing drinks to choose from, we narrowed down our top picks for summer 2018. Soak up the sun, keep hydrated and have some fun!
Cocktails:
1. Aperol Spritz
This photogenic orange fizzy beverage is all the rage these days with its bright colour and perfect infusion of bitter-sweet oranges. These are perfect easy-drinking in the afternoon in the sunshine. The classic Aperol spritz, inspired by the Venetian-style mix of white wine and soda, is made with the red-orange aperitif and prosecco or champagne, with a splash of club soda.
- Fill a wine glass with ice
- Combine equal parts Aperol and Prosecco
- Add a dash of soda
- Garnish with orange slice
2. The Champagne Papi
The Champagne Papi – Consider this Toronto’s take on the classic Hugo. Combine St. Germain Liqueur with FIOL, add Sugarfina Champagne Bears to add the wow-factor in this cocktail that is simple but oh-so-sweet.
- Grab a coupe glass
- Fill the glass with 1 oz. Germain Elderflower liquor
- Pour in 4 oz FIOL Prosecco
- Garnish with Sugarfina Champagne Bears
Available at Her Majesty’s Pleasure
3. Strawberry G&T
Perfect for the gin lover. This cocktail is a refreshing treat and perfect for a sunny day on the patio.
- Pour in St George Gin and club soda
- Hull and slice locals strawberries and muddle the slices lightly with lime juice
- Add mint sprigs to garnish
- Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with a strawberry at the edge of the glass
4. Smokey Agave Spritz
Spice it up a bit with this tequila inspired drink. The grapefruit and lime create the perfect hit of citrus.
- Pour José Cuervo Tradicional Reposado, Tequila, Sombra Mezcal, & Peychauds Aperitivo
- Add grapefruit, a splash of soda and lime.
5. Pinot Freezio
Pinot Freez-io is this summer’s yummiest frozen treat. This delicious white wine slushie features frozen pineapple, Pinot Grigio (obviously) with lemonade ice cubes. It’s the perfect summer drink.
- Pour lemonade into ice cube tray and freeze
- Blend all ingredients together in a blender
- Garnish with lemon slice
Beer, Cider & Canned Cocktails:
1. Mad Jack Iced Tea
Mad Jack Hard Flavoured Iced Tea is full of natural sweetness and refreshing flavour that makes it the perfect bevvy for a hot day. Experience a unique balance of natural tea flavour with a subtle lemon taste. It is THE ultimate refreshing beverage you need this summer!
2. Brickworks Rosé
This summer, Brickworks is launching a wine alternative for Canadian rosé lovers – Brickworks Rosé Cider. Like wine, the new Rosé Cider is best served in a wine glass, ensuring the delicate aromas and beautiful blush rose colour shines through – perfect for sipping in the hot, hot Toronto heat.
Available at the LCBO’s across Ontario and at the Brickworks Ciderhouse in Toronto’s east end
3. Strongbow Mini’s
Cider is all the craze this Summer! With so many different flavours available, Strongbow came out with Strongbow Minis, to help you discover which flavour is your favourite! These conveniently 150 ML trial sizes to enjoy four unique cider tastes including the classic Strongbow Original Dry, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Strongbow Ginger and the NEW Strongbow Dry Pear.
4. Lemon Shandy
The perfect balance between crisp weiss beer and natural lemonade flavour.
5. Blood Brothers Brewing
White Lies Muscat: is a sour ale, re-fermented with Muscat grapes and dry hopped with Citra, Wai-ti & Wakatu. It’s a must-try if you like sour beers.
Available at Blood Brothers Brewery
6. Cottage Springs
Cottage Springs Vodka Soda only launched in Spring 2018 but has quickly become one of the hottest craft cocktails in a can across Canada that has been flying off shelves. When you see it you are best to stock up before its gone! Offered in two flavours: Ontario peach and Lemon Lime; these deliciously refreshing craft vodka sodas are naturally flavoured, sugar-free, sweetener free, carb free and gluten free.
Available at the LCBO (Ontario Peach)
Available at the LCBO (Lemon Lime)
7. Cabana Coast
Inspired by the lifestyle and tastes of coastal living these drinks are as good as it gets when you want to kick back and relax. They have two exquisite cocktails that you must try! The first is their Moscow Mule which is a classic cocktail crafted with small-batch vodka, authentic spicy ginger beer and a dash of refreshing lime. The second is their Cucumber Gin & Tonic which is a signature sipper crafted with small-batch gin and refreshing infusions of cucumber, lime and mint then topped off with fizzy tonic water.
8. Cool Citrus Tea Punch
Summer is not officially over until Sept. 22 and what better way to toast and celebrate the end than with a delicious punch cocktail for National Punch Day on Sept. 20!
What’s your go-to drink for summer 2018? Let us know in the comments!
Posts you might be interested in:
The Most Gorgeous New Patios In Toronto Worth Checking Out
These Are Our Go-To Summer Rooftop Patios in Toronto
Drink Margarita Towers At This Bar In Toronto All Summer Long
10 Of The Most Picturesque Cocktails In Toronto Right Now
16 Places to Get Deals on Happy Hour Cocktails in Toronto