The Perfect Drinks for Summer

Summer’s the perfect time to chill out with some refreshing beverages. Whether you are poolside or on the patio with friends or family, you can mix up your cocktail menu. 

Pam Wiznitzer’s Down by the Bay Breeze is a simple play on the classic Bay Breeze. “This frozen specialty adds a dash of sour to even out the flavor and gives it that big apple bite with the apple-infused vodka,” Wiznitzer, beverage director of The Lookup Rooftop in New York City, told the Journal. 

She added, “Apples are a symbolic fruit we eat during Rosh Hashanah, to symbolize the sweetness of the new year. We might as well enjoy that all summer long!”

Down by the Bay Breeze

2 oz apple infused vodka (or apple flavored vodka)
.75 oz cranberry juice
.75 oz pineapple juice
.75 oz lime juice
.5 oz cane syrup
1 cup of ice 

Blend in a blender until smooth. Pour into a rocks glass and garnish with a paper umbrella. 

A favorite cocktail from Mixologist Grant Kneble’s bar, Freddy J’s Bar & Kitchen in Mays Landing, New Jersey, is the Alibi Island Breeze. “This refreshing blend of Mr. Finger’s Alibi Gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, ginger beer, and orange bitters creates an icy, invigorating treat perfect for summer days,” Kneble told the Journal.

The Alibi Island Breeze holds a special place in Kneble’s heart. 

“It’s not just a delightful blend of flavors that encapsulates the spirit of summer, but it’s also a testament to the vibrant sense of community we have here,” he said. “Our local Chabad has even taken a liking to this cocktail, especially since we use a locally-produced gin, Mr. Finger’s Alibi Gin.” 

Alibi Island Breeze

2 oz Mr. Finger’s Alibi Gin
3 oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
3 oz Ginger Beer
2 dashes Orange Bitters

Chill your glassware. (A pint glass is recommended.)
Combine the gin, pineapple juice, and lime in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold, usually around 15-20 seconds.
Strain the cocktail mixture into your chilled glass.
Slowly top the rest of the glass up with ginger beer.
Add two dashes of orange bitters on top.
Garnish with a slice of lime or pineapple, and serve immediately.

“For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, this cocktail also works brilliantly as a mocktail,” Kneble said. “Simply replace the Mr. Finger’s Alibi Gin with the Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative and forgo the orange bitters. You can add a small amount of fresh orange juice to retain a hint of the citrusy flavor.

Mixologist Bash Hovian, aka BASH the bartender, loves making the “Mazel Tov Margarita,” as it combines traditional flavors with a twist.

“The blue and white combination is reminiscent of tekhelet and a symbol of Jewish identity, particularly as it denotes the colors of the flag and unity amongst our community.”
– Bash Hovian

“The blue and white combination is reminiscent of tekhelet and a symbol of Jewish identity, particularly as it denotes the colors of the flag and unity amongst our community,” Hovian told the Journal. 

Mazel Tov Margarita

2 oz tequila
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz blue curacao
1 tsp agave syrup
Ice cubes
Lemon wedge
Kosher salt or sugar for rimming the glass

Mix tequila, lime juice, curacao and agave syrup with ice cubes in a shaker. Strain out the ice and put it in a salt- or sugar-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with lemon.

Home mixologist Nathan Klabin is a huge fan of Caipirinha, a classic Brazilian cocktail known for its refreshing and tangy flavors. 

“Made with cachaça, a Brazilian distilled spirit, lime, sugar and ice, it’s a perfect drink for warm summer evenings or any time you want to transport yourself to the lively streets of Brazil,” Klabin, who was born in Rio de Janeiro and made aliyah five years ago, told the Journal. 

The first time Klabin had a Caipirinha, he was 16 years old. He was on a family trip, sitting on a hammock and watching the sun set, when his grandfather joined him, a glass in his hand. “I knew about Caipirinha but hadn’t tried it yet,” Klabin said. “With a mischievous glint in his eyes, my grandfather turned to me and said, ‘Care for a sip, young one?’” Klabin hesitated, unsure if he was ready for such a grown-up taste. But the twinkle in his grandfather’s eye reassured him. “I tried it and instantly, a burst of flavors exploded on my tongue,” Klabin said. “The tanginess of the lime, the sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of the cachaça danced together in perfect harmony.” 

He described it “as a symphony of sensations, both refreshing and exhilarating … It was a shared experience, a generational bond that transcended words,” Klabin said. “From that day forward, every time I see a Caipirinha, I’m reminded of that cherished evening with my grandfather.” 

Caipirinha 

2 limes
2 Tbsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
2 ½ oz (70ml) cachaça (can be replaced by vodka or rum)
Crushed ice
Lime wedges (for garnish)

Wash the limes thoroughly and cut them into small wedges. Remove any seeds if present.
Place the lime wedges into a sturdy highball glass or a cocktail shaker. Add the granulated sugar to the glass/shaker with the limes.
Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush and muddle the limes and sugar together. This releases the lime juice and helps dissolve the sugar.
Pour the cachaça into the glass/shaker with the muddled lime and sugar mixture.
Fill the glass/shaker with crushed ice and stir the contents well to combine the flavors.
Taste the Caipirinha and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if desired. Stir again until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Transfer the drink into a rocks glass, ensuring some crushed ice goes with it.
Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass for an extra touch.
Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of your homemade Caipirinha!

Note: You can also experiment with different variations of Caipirinha by adding fresh fruits such as strawberries, passion fruit, or pineapple for a delicious twist. Cheers!