The best refreshing cocktails

Sometimes you want something light that will tickle your taste buds but not upset your stomach… here are some refreshing cocktails.

Sometimes you just need to shake things up and get a new perspective. Whether it's a change of season, a rough day, or just a little pick-me-up, you need a little fun boost. Here are the best refreshing cocktails to lighten the mood!

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Cucumber Martini

Spa water usually contains cucumber because it's so refreshing. They're healthy and have a mild but distinctly crisp and invigorating flavor. Why not treat yourself to a cucumber martini?

Ingredients

• 3 thick Discs Cucumberplus thin slices for garnishing
• 2 1/2 Ounces vodka or Gin
• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
• 1 cup Ice

Create

1. Place thick slices of cucumber in a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or wooden spoon to mash to bring out the flavor
2. Add vodka and vermouth
3. Add ice
4. Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a martini glass
6. Garnish with a few thin cucumber slices

Brown Derby

This drink from the 1930s is a treat for your palate and reminiscent of the great vintage cocktails. The combination of bourbon and grapefruit gives the taste complexity and smooth undertones.

Ingredients

• 2 Ounces Bourbon
• 1 ounce grapefruit juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• A splash of honey

Create

1. Mix bourbon, grapefruit juice, honey and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill with ice and then shake until very cold
3. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass
4. Garnish with a grapefruit slice

Whiskey Sour

This historic drink saved lives. Although the recipe first appeared in 1862, it is believed to have been consumed much earlier. Sea voyages were difficult and the lack of fresh, good, clean water led to scurvy, a potentially fatal disease caused in part by a lack of vitamin C. Whiskey, rum, and other spirits were safe to drink while traveling, and sailors took large quantities of citrus fruits with them. Combining these drinks was natural and a healthy way to prevent illness. Today, it's just a happy drink!

• 2 ounces whiskey
• 1 ounce lemon juice, preferably freshly squeezed
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 1 cocktail cherry for garnish

Create

1. Combine whiskey, lemon juice and sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker
2. Add ice and shake until cold, about 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a lowball glass with ice
4. Garnish with a cocktail cherry

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Tequila Smash

Smash drinks have been around for over a century, including the famous Mint Julep. First mentioned in Jerry Thomas's bar guide in the mid-19th century, these drinks are known for being the perfect way to lift your spirits and cool down the atmosphere.

Ingredients

• 5 fl oz Sauza Gold Tequila
• 2 fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  
• .5 fl oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 fl oz Honey syrupequal parts honey and water dissolved over medium heat – about 3 tablespoons of honey and 3 tablespoons of water
• 8-10 Mint leaves torn into small pieces
• 2 Cups crushed ice

Create

1. Make simple syrup by combining 3 tablespoons honey and 3 tablespoons water in a small saucepan. Melt over medium heat until honey dissolves in water (about 1 minute), let cool before adding to cocktail shaker
2. Add mint leaves, lime and lemon juice, tequila and honey syrup to a cocktail shaker
3. Shake for 30 seconds

4. Fill cocktail glasses with about 1 cup of crushed ice and pour in the cocktail mixture

5. Garnish with fresh lime or lemon