When the sun is high and the days are long, there’s nothing like a perfectly chilled cocktail to capture the spirit of summer. Whether you’re lounging poolside, hosting a backyard BBQ, or watching the sunset with friends, the right drink can turn any moment into a mini vacation. Think citrusy spritzes, frozen delights, and beach-worthy blends—all easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Raise your glass and dive into the season’s most irresistible sips—because summer tastes better with a cocktail in hand.
Perilla Highball (available at Enigma Yorkville)
Ingredients (Serves 1):
- 30ml Shiso-infused Shochu
- 15ml Fino Sherry
- 10ml Darjeeling Tea Syrup (see below)
- 30ml Hojicha Tea (cold brewed)
- Top with soda water (approx. 60-90ml)
- Garnish: Shiso leaf or thin cucumber ribbon
Darjeeling Tea Syrup Ingredients:
- 2 tsp loose-leaf Darjeeling tea
- 200ml water
- 200g white sugar
Darjeeling Tea Syrup Method:
- Brew tea in hot water (95°C) for 3–4 minutes.
- Strain and stir in sugar until dissolved.
- Cool and store in fridge (lasts ~1 week).
Directions:
- In a highball glass, combine shiso shochu, fino sherry, tea syrup, and cold hojicha tea.
- Fill glass with clear ice.
- Stir gently to integrate.
- Top with chilled soda water (approx. 60–90ml).
- Garnish with a fresh shiso leaf or a cucumber ribbon along the side of the glass.
Notes:
- Shochu infusion: Lightly infuse neutral shochu with fresh shiso leaves for ~1–2 hours for subtle herbaceous character.
- Adjust sweetness or dilution to balance the fino’s dryness and tea tannins.
Northern Keep Water Off a Duck’s Back
Ingredients:
- 2oz of Northern Keep Vodka
- 3oz Lemonade
- 3oz Iced Tea
- 1/4 Lemon
- 5-6 fresh mint sprigs
Directions:
- Muddle lemon and mint in the bottom of a highball glass
- Fill with ice and add Northern Keep vodka
- Add lemonade
- Stir to combine and add Iced Tea
- Garnish: Mint leaves
Alberta Pure Creamsicle
Ingredients:
- 1oz (30ml) Alberta Pure Vodka
- 0.5oz (15ml) Galliano
- Orange Juice
Directions:
- Build in a highball glass filled with ice
- Quick stir
- Garnish: Half Orange Wheel
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients:
- 3 parts of Prosecco D.O.C. (3oz)
- 2 parts of Aperol (2oz)
- 1 splash of soda (1oz)
- 1 slice of orange
Directions:
- Place ice cubes in a stemmed wine glass.
- Pour 3 parts of Prosecco D.O.C. (3oz).
- Follow by pouring 2 parts of Aperol (2oz), and 1 ounce of soda (1oz).
- Garnish with a slice of orange and stir.
PATRÓN Silver Ranch Water
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz PATRÓN Silver
- 0.75 oz Lime Juice
- 12oz Sparkling Mineral Water
Directions:
- Combine PATRÓN Silver and lime juice in a collins glass filled with ice
- Top with your preferred sparkling mineral water and stir gently to combine
Canadian Spritz
Ingredients:
- Chilled dry sparkling wine (Jackson-Triggs Reserve Sparkling VQA)
- Ice
- Maple syrup
- Apple juice or cider (for that orchard freshness)
- Lemon juice (fresh)
- A sprig of rosemary
Directions:
- Add 1 ounce of maple syrup, 1 ounce of apple juice and ½ ounce of lemon juice to a wine glass and stir.
- Top it off with 4-5 ounces of sparkling wine and fill with ice.
- Stir gently to mix and garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a thin apple slice, if you have one.
Pickle Spritz
Ingredients:
- Pickle juice (preferably Sunshine Farms Organic Dill Pickles)
- Chilled Sandbanks Sparkling Secco (or a sparkling wine)
- Lemon juice (fresh)
- Ice
- Simple syrup (or natural sweetness)
- Fresh dill or a pickle spear, for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a wine or spritz glass with ice.
- Pour in 1 ounce of pickle juice, 1.5 ounces of simple syrup, adjust to taste, and ¼ ounce (squeeze) of lemon juice.
- Top with dry sparkling wine and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a sprig of dill, a pickle slice, or even a lime wedge for some extra zing
Berry Fizz Rosé
Ingredients:
- Chilled sparkling wine (Saintly The Good Sparkling Rosé VQA)
- Ice
- Berry jam (any kind)
- Lemon juice (fresh)
- Fresh berries for garnish or muddling (frozen optional)
Directions:
- Add 2 ounces of berry jam to a wine or cocktail glass.
- Add ½ ounce of lemon juice and stir to loosen the jam.
- Fill glass with ice. Pour in 5 ounces of sparkling rosé. Stir gently to blend everything together.
- Toss in a few fresh berries for garnish and top with ice.
Optional: strain after mixing for a smoother drink without skipping on the jammy flavours.
Matt & Steve’s Cayenne Spice Caesar, $3.90
Matt & Steve’s Spicy Caesar delivers the same sought-after taste as their Original Lightly Spiced, with an extra kick! Infused with their signature Extreme Bean brine, it bursts with vibrant flavours of tomato, celery and herbs, with a punch of cayenne pepper for spice. Enjoy chilled or pour over ice with a bean garnish.
