Patio Perfect Libations

The deck is calling. Or maybe it’s your condo balcony. A backyard hammock? Wherever you land this summer, the right beverage will make your relaxation that much nicer. Here are some quaffs that are just right for warm-weather evenings.

Bubbles always seem to suit the summer. Especially poolside. Try the Mercat Brut Cava, a fizzy Spanish broth of apple, cream and pear.

For a light pre-dinner flight, serve your guests a flute of something bubbly along with olives and nuts. Adami Brut Prosecco Garbel is a dry, crisp wine from the Italian province of Treviso that will whet appetites and match the casual summer pace.

An easy way to welcome a larger group is to have a frosty pitcher of sangria waiting alongside gleaming stemware for serve-yourself convenience. Simple to make (wine, fruit juice, liqueur and water), sangria looks gorgeous with its ruby tones set off by lime and lemon wheels. Ina Garten has a superlative recipe.

The British perfected the classic hot-weather drink, the gin and tonic, during their time in India. Give this traditional cocktail a twist by using Waterloo Antique Gin, a white spirit aged in oak barrels for a distinctly different taste.

St. Germain is a versatile liqueur derived from the elderflower that has notes of grapefruit and vanilla. It makes a lovely summer mixer. The Go Lightly is an elegant cocktail that deserves to be sipped lazily under a striped umbrella.

Given its tropical climate, it’s no surprise that Mexico has dreamed up its share of refreshing beverages. For a non-alcoholic thirst quencher, discover the fun of making Agua Frescas (“fresh water”). Blend or juice watermelon, cantaloupe or other fruit, add water, some sweetener and serve. And if you add a little kick, we won’t tell anyone.

Photos Courtesy of valkyrieselections.com, chamberswines.com, barefootcontessa.com, stgermain.fr, chowhound.com and nytimes.com

Article originally appeared on LeverageRE.com