4 Summer Crush Cocktails You Can Make at Home
As the summer blazes on, you need a special little something to wash away the heat. One of the best techniques for doing so originated at the bottom of a cocktail glass in Maryland, confirmed with a profoundly refreshing, aahh! What are we referring to? Crush cocktails of course!
An orange crush cocktail typically combines vodka, triple sec, lemon-lime soda, and the juice from a crushed orange to make a reinvigorating little drink that will cool you down and keep your day fun and light. But you don’t have to venture out hunting down the best summer crush from local restaurants and bars. You can make them easily at home!
Here are four different ways you can throw together cool, delicious summer crushes in your own kitchen.
1. The Classic Orange Crush
For a classic glass with all flavor and zero kick, you’ll want the good ol’ reliable orange crush cocktail. To prepare, you’ll want a single navel orange, freshly juiced, followed by two ounces of vodka, one ounce of orange liqueur, and three ounces of lemon-lime soda. Add to a glass full of crushed ice, and you’re ready to kick back. For a little added style, you can add an orange wedge to garnish your cocktail and a tiny sprig of mint for a final touch.
Find a sunny spot by the pool, put your favorite true-crime podcast, and while the day away with a crisp cool drink.
2. Lite Orange Crush Cocktails
For those of you looking to cool off and get loose while keeping your waistlines tight, you might consider this low-calorie alternative. This version of the orange crush just uses the bare minimum, so you don’t have to waste time calorie-counting at the end of the day. All you need is some ice, a half-cup of orange juice, an ounce of orange-flavored vodka, half an ounce of triple sec, and an ounce of sparkling water.
3. Bolder Bourbon Crushes
This version is a spicier alternative for anyone who has an adventurous spirit and a love of watermelon. You’ll want a half-cup of ice, three slices of frozen watermelon, two ounces of bourbon, two ounces of thawed frozen lemonade concentrate, and a couple of dashes of your favorite bitters. You’ll also need a few basil and mint leaves.
To prepare, toss your ice, watermelon slices, bourbon, lemonade concentrate, and your mint and basil into a blender to create a smooth mixture. That should take about 15 seconds. Add the mixture to your glass, garnish with a lemon slice, and add your bitters on top.
4. Peach Summer Crush Cocktails
How do you feel about peaches? If you’re just a little bit in love with this delicious fruit, this crush-coction is for you. It’s quick to prepare. Pretty much all you need to do is add your ingredients to a glass and mix. Easy.
So, what you’ll need is half of a large peach, cut into slices. Toss in six or so small basil leaves. Then, you’ll need about half an ounce of fresh lemon juice and an ounce and a half of gin. Follow up with an ounce of Lillet and half an ounce of simple syrup. Throw in your ice, and top off your glass with club soda. Mix it up and relax in your favorite shady spot.
Grab Ingredients for Crush Cocktails at Festival Wine & Spirits
For more on summer crush cocktails and all of the best in family-owned craft beer, wine, and liquor, visit us at Festival Wine & Spirits in Annapolis, MD. We even offer a selection of fine cigars to pair with your favorite drink.