Ranging from honey to cucumber, summer cocktails can include refreshing ingredients that transport you to a summer vacation whether served at Arizona’s Mountain Shadows Resort or your own swim-up bar.
The Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley, Arizona is truly one-of-a-kind. From the moment you step foot on the resort and feel its Mid-Century modern vibe— it’s as if you’re suddenly in Palm Springs with retro block construction and classically designed pools.
What better place to be inspired to create refreshing craft summer cocktails somewhat inspired by the Palm Springs Rat Pack themselves? We asked food and beverage director Jim Gallen to design the swankiest of cocktails with an eye for beauty and a recipe for knock-out deliciousness. We worked with the creative Wes Semkin, bartending mixologist to prepare the lovely libations.
Best advice? Remember it’s all about the glassware, and don’t forget the garnish.
The resort is also home to Hearth ’61, a restaurant that prides itself on modern American cuisine. Those dining in can enjoy delicious cocktails, local brews and an extensive wine selection, all while soaking in dramatic mountain views.
Or if your dinner party is at home, you can kick it off with a cocktail—we provided you with a few recipes to help you create your desired drink in your own kitchen.
From the moment you step foot on the resort and feel its Mid-Century modern vibe— it’s as if you’re suddenly in Palm Springs with retro block construction and classically designed pools.
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GRAPEFRUIT APEROL COLLINS
Ingredients
● 1 ½ oz vodka
● 1 oz aperol
● 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
● .25 oz simple syrup
● Grapefruit twist and sprig of mint
Method
Combine all of the ingredients and shake well, then strain the liquid into a Collins glass filled with ice.
To finish off this refreshing summer cocktail, add the grapefruit twist and a sprig of mint as garnish.
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BLACK TEA AND HONEY WHISKEY SOUR
Ingredients
● 2 oz bourbon
● 1 oz black tea mixed with honey syrup
● 1 oz lemon juice
● 5 oz Pinot Noir float
● Edible flower
Method
Combine all of the above ingredients, except for the Pinot Noir float. Shake everything well.
Add the Pinot Noir float on top, pouring very slowly. Serve in a rocks glass with an edible flower for garnish.
Best advice? Remember it’s all about the glassware, and don’t forget the garnish.
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SMOKEY WATERMELON LEMON & LIME COOLER
Ingredients
● .75 oz mezcal
● .75 oz reposado tequila
● 4 oz watermelon puree
● .25 oz lemon juice
● .25 oz lime juice
● Small cubed watermelon with lemon peel as garnish
Method
Combine and shake the ingredients together, then serve the combination in a coup glass.
To finish this cocktail, add the watermelon and lemon peel garnish.
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WHITE NEGRONI TWIST
Ingredients
● 1 oz gin
● 1 oz dry vermouth
● .5 oz Lillet Blanc
● .5 oz Amaro Nonino
● A dash of scarborough bitters
● A splash of soda water
Method
Combine all of the ingredients, except for the bitters and soda water.
Add small amounts of the bitters and soda water, then serve the cocktail with one large ice cube in a rocks glass.
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BASIL CUCUMBER MARTINI
Ingredients
● 2 oz Tito’s Vodka
● .25 oz simple syrup
● .25 oz Cointreau
● 1 large slice of cucumber
● 2 large leaves of fresh basil
Method
Muddle all of the ingredients together and add ice. Shake the cocktail vigorously, then strain the liquid into a martini glass.
Lastly, garnish the drink with one basil leaf.
Soon enough, you’ll be thanking Mountain Shadows Resort for introducing you to one of your favorite refreshing summer cocktails, especially those of you in places as hot as the Arizona valley.
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