Today’s Top 5: Summer Drinks

St. Louis went from winter to summer in about 48 hours. With the cold weather went my cravings for pot roast, chili, and thick red wine. They’ve been replaced by thoughts of fresh corn, scallops, and the following list of beverages. Here are my top 5 drinks for the summer. 

  1. Margarita. Let’s be honest—I drink these year-round. But I’ll admit they’re best in the summer. I like mine tart: just silver agave tequila, a hint of triple sec, and fresh lime juice. Shaken, served straight up, salt on the rim. 
  2. Modelo Especial. I’m partial to Mexican beer, and this is my favorite. I’ve heard from beer aficionados that you’re supposed to take the chill off a bit, but I like mine really, really cold. 
  3. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. There’s something about the in-your-face grapefruit in these wines that screams summer to me; I gravitate toward them as soon as the thermostat hits 80. 
  4. Mint Julep. The Julep is a nod to my southern roots (and reminds me of my wedding), but I’ll throw Mojito in this category as well. As long as you have some mint in the drink, summery it is. 
  5. Pina Colada. Admittedly a guilty pleasure. Hot weather begs for a good ole’ beachy umbrella drink. And yes—serve it to me in a coconut, please. 

Cheers!