If you are grilling, chilling and looking forward to a long weekend of good food, great cocktails and good weather (please…good weather) but need some inspiration for your barbecue drinks try one of these. Some options were sent for editorial consideration, all are good.
Deep Eddy Tea
A favorite Texas spirit and go to cocktail that is sure to please your barbecue guests.
1 part Deep Eddy Vodka
2 parts club soda or water
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Fresh mint and a lemon peel
Stir together over ice. If you need the cocktail to be a bit sweeter for your taste add in a teaspoon or two of simple syrup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon peel.
Russell’s Reserve Bourbon Cocktail
This 10 year aged Bourbon created by father and son team Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell, and his son Associate Distiller Eddie Russell. Made in very small batches this 90 proof Kentucky Bourbon is big, full bodied and intense with lots of spice notes, orange blossoms and dried fruit. Though it is a bold flavor, it is surprisingly smooth, smooth enough to sip on it own with a bit of ice, but even better mixed with simple syrup, a dash of fresh orange and lemon juice and mint, topped with club soda.
Corzo Mojito
This hand crafted tequila continues to be one of my go to tequilas for the beauty inside, and outside, the bottle. The hand-crafted spirit made from twice the agave of most commercial tequila exudes elegant floral, citrus and pepper aromas with a surprisingly smooth and clean finish. Though it too can be enjoyed on its own, it is a great base for a mojito. I like tequila in my mojitos instead of rum…the flavor is a bit more pronounced.
1 part Corzo tequila
1teaspoon simple syrup
2 parts club soda
juice and zest of 1 lime
5-6 large mint leaves
In a cocktail shaker add the simple syrup, lime juice, lime zest and mint leaves and muddle together with the handle of a wooden spoon. Add tequila and ice and shake until very, very cold. Pour into a tall glass and top with club soda. Add an extra mint leaf for garnish.
