Custom Cocktails for the Patio

Enjoying a cocktail on the patio is definitely a past-time worth doing well. Fortunately, we have a friend we’ve dubbed a master mixologist. His name is Nate. While not a bartender by trade, Nate has a wealth of knowledge regarding cocktails and how they go together. He can be a perfectionist which, when mixing an adult beverage, is an exceptional trait to make sure the cocktail will yield the best flavor possible. Given his level of expertise, we asked Nate to design some custom cocktails just for our readers who so enjoy living on the patio. We hope these refreshing drinks please you as much as they please us. Bottoms up!

Lavender Lounger 

Lavender simple syrup:

1. Mix ½ cup sugar with ½ cup water in a saucepan on the stove. 
2. Heat on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar begins dissolving. 
3. Add 5 or 6 lavender sprigs. (fresh is better, but dried will work) 
4. Simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until the flavor of lavender is thoroughly infused to taste.
5. Strain out the lavender, then store mixture in the fridge. 

Do this:

1. Add the gin or vodka, lemon juice, and lavender syrup to a Collins or Highball glass.  
2. Fill glass with ice, top with soda, give one good stir. 
3. Slide the 2 cucumber slices into the glass. Then add the garnish of lavender flower and cucumber slice. 

Patio Bourbon Sipper

Do this:

1. Put all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. 
2. Strain drink into a chilled Coupe, Martini, or Nick and Nora glass. 
3. Express* the lemon twist over the cocktail then add it as a garnish.  
   
   * Per the website casualmixologist.com:
   “While a curl of citrus may appear to be merely decorative, perhaps even an afterthought, it plays a key role in the composition of the cocktail. With a quick twist of the rind, the bartender expresses fragrant essential oils and releases a rich citrus perfume onto the surface of the cocktail. This adds a distinctive top layer of complexity to the cocktail, enhancing its aroma without adding sweetness. Expressing citrus correctly is an art-form, though, and it requires a light touch. To begin, use a sharp paring knife to slice a thin oval from the peel. Take care not to cut too deeply into the pith, which is too bitter for our purposes. Twist the peel over the surface of the cocktail to add a thin float of essential oil. Before dropping the peel in the glass, if that’s your plan, rim the glass with the peel for an added punch of fragrance.”

Blue-Colada

Do this:

1. Add the rum, Blue Curacao, cream of coconut, pineapple juice and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Or, blend all ingredients in a blender instead of shaking for an even better experience.
2. Strain into a chilled Hurricane or tall glass with ice (pebble ice if possible). 
3. Garnish it with a maraschino cherry and pineapple leaf. 

Note: Cream of Coconut can either be purchased or made at home — it is a simple process. Here’s the recipe from the website thecoconutmama.com:

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• pinch of salt

1. Pour all the ingredients into a small pot and heat over low heat.
2. Stir until the sugar and coconut milk dissolve
3. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. The coconut cream will keep in the refrigerator for 7 days. Freeze any leftover for future use.

Relax with Custom Cocktails

Relaxing is what living on the patio is all about. What a better way to relax than with tasty, colorful, custom cocktails. And adult beverages are frequently enjoyed with a patio snack. Since eating and drinking are primary activities on the patio, we encourage you to take full advantage of our section on Patio Food to add great value to the time you spend on your patio. We hope one or all of Nate’s custom cocktails will soon become your favorites. Finally, always remember, every day is Friday on the patio!

Please Leave a Comment

Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or tell us what we missed and can add to this post. Did you make any or all of the cocktail recipes above? If so, how did it/they turn out? If you tried more that one recipe, which is your favorite? Or, do you have another favorite patio cocktail recipe? Will you share? Attach a photo to your comment so we can see how yummy your cocktails look. And hey, if you live in the Roanoke, VA area and you have a favorite “watering hole” for when weather on the patio is uncooperative, let us know where you like to be chill’n with a cocktail.

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