CITRUS-BASED COCKTAILS FOR THE END OF SUMMER

By Tammy Vodinh

As summer winds down, it's the perfect time to savor the last warm days with refreshing, citrus-based cocktails. Bursting with bright flavors, these drinks capture the essence of the season, whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting an evening gathering. From zesty lemons to tangy limes and sweet oranges, here are the best citrus cocktails to close out the summer in style—along with links to purchase the ingredients and tools you’ll need.

1. Classic Margarita

A well-made Margarita is a summer staple. The combination of lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur delivers a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet experience that’s refreshing and delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Tequila Blanco (e.g., Casamigos Blanco)

  • 1 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec (e.g., Cointreau)

  • 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice

  • Salt for rim

  • Ice

Instructions:

  • Rim your glass with salt.

  • In a shaker, combine tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice.

  • Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.

  • Garnish with a lime wheel.

2. Paloma

The Paloma is a grapefruit lover’s dream, pairing the tangy fruit with tequila for a fizzy and vibrant cocktail. It’s a fantastic alternative to the Margarita when you want something just as refreshing but with a bit of a twist.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Tequila Blanco (e.g., Don Julio Blanco)

  • 2 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

  • 1/2 oz Lime Juice

  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (e.g., Monin Simple Syrup)

  • Sparkling water (e.g., Topo Chico)

  • Salt for rim (optional)

  • Ice

Instructions:

  • Rim your glass with salt if desired.

  • In a shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

  • Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.

  • Top with sparkling water and garnish with a grapefruit slice.

3. Citrus Mojito

This Citrus Mojito takes the classic minty mojito and amps it up with lemon and lime juice for an extra refreshing twist. It's the perfect end-of-summer cocktail when you want something crisp and light.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz White Rum (e.g., Bacardi Superior)

  • 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice

  • 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

  • 1 oz Simple Syrup

  • Fresh mint leaves

  • Soda water

  • Ice

Instructions:

  • In a glass, muddle mint leaves with lime and lemon juice.

  • Add rum and simple syrup, then fill the glass with ice.

  • Top with soda water and stir gently.

  • Garnish with a sprig of mint and a citrus wheel.

4. Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is the perfect balance of bitter and sweet, with orange notes and effervescence that make it the ultimate aperitif for a warm summer evening.

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz Prosecco (e.g., La Marca Prosecco)

  • 2 oz Aperol (e.g., Aperol)

  • 1 oz Soda Water

  • Orange slice for garnish

  • Ice

Instructions:

  • Fill a wine glass with ice.

  • Pour in Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water.

  • Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

5. Whiskey Sour

This classic cocktail combines the richness of whiskey with the bright acidity of lemon juice. It’s a simple yet satisfying drink that works just as well at a summer barbecue as it does on a cozy evening indoors.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Bourbon (e.g., Bulleit Bourbon)

  • 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup

  • Ice

  • Lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions:

  • In a shaker, combine bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

  • Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.

  • Garnish with a lemon wheel.

  • Where to Buy Your Ingredients and Tools

  • Liquor: You can purchase all the spirits mentioned from Total Wine or your local liquor store.

  • Glassware and Bar Tools: Check out Amazon or Williams Sonoma for quality bar tools like cocktail shakers, muddlers, and strainers.

  • Citrus Juicers: To get the most juice out of your lemons and limes, a handheld juicer like the Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer is a great investment.

These citrus-based cocktails are perfect for enjoying the last warm days of summer. With the right ingredients and tools, you can easily recreate these refreshing drinks at home. Whether you're a fan of tequila, rum, whiskey, or sparkling wine, these recipes will bring a burst of citrus sunshine to your end-of-summer celebrations. Cheers!he perfect at-home bar is all about balancing functionality with style. By stocking up on essential tools, a variety of high-quality liquors, and key mixers, you’ll be able to craft any cocktail that your heart (or your guests) desire. With the right setup, you can bring the art of bartending into your own home, turning every night into a special occasion. Cheers to your new at-home bar!

About the Author

Tammy Vodinh is a dedicated and passionate hospitality professional with a rich background in restaurant and bar management. Over the years, she has honed their skills in leading teams, driving operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional customer service. Previously, served as the General Manager for Black Restaurant Group, Tammy oversaw the operations of three distinct dining concepts, generating a combined annual revenue of $5 million. In this role, they manage a diverse team, handle all aspects of human resources, and orchestrate special events that enhance customer engagement. She has been instrumental in maintaining the group’s Bib Gourmand status and adeptly navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, restoring sales to pre-pandemic levels. Their contributions extend beyond daily operations, as they have also played a key role in enhancing the brand’s visibility through website design and social media management.

Prior to this, Tammy served as Beverage Director at PRG Hospitality, where they led the successful openings of Declaration Shaw and Declaration Nat’s Park. They managed multiple locations, focusing on staff training, compliance with company policies, and event coordination. Their efforts in optimizing product selection and vendor relationships, along with generating performance reports, significantly contributed to the success of these venues. Earlier in their career, Tammy excelled as Bar Manager at 8407 Kitchen Bar, where they crafted seasonal cocktail menus and fostered a vibrant community atmosphere, ensuring high standards of daily operations and effective inventory management. Tammy is passionate about consulting with organizations to elevate their operations and manage impactful events, leveraging their extensive experience to drive growth and enhance overall performance.