
The Ultimate Summer Spirits Guide: What to Sip, Mix & Stock This Season
, by paramjot ghotra, 3 min reading time
, by paramjot ghotra, 3 min reading time
The Comprehensive Summer Spirits Guide: Choosing, Mixing & Stocking for the Season
As temperatures rise and gatherings move outdoors, it’s time to refresh your bar cart with summer-ready spirits. Whether you're hosting backyard BBQs, planning beach days, or simply enjoying a sunset on the patio, the right drink makes all the difference.
At Wine Barrel Plus, we've got everything you need to mix, shake, or sip your way through the sunny season.
Gin shines in the summertime thanks to its crisp and refreshing nature. Favorites like Roku Gin, The Botanist, and Empress Cucumber Lemon bring floral, citrus, and herbal flavors that are ideal for spritzes, tonics, or garden-inspired cocktails.
Try This:
Cucumber Gin Spritz – Gin, soda water, cucumber ribbons, and a splash of lime
Flavored vodkas like CÎROC Apple, New Amsterdam Peach, and Kettle One Botanical varieties offer low-effort, high-flavor options. Just add soda or tonic, and you’ve got an instant cocktail.
Try This:
Apple Fizz – CÎROC Apple + ginger ale + lemon wheel garnish
No bartender? No problem. With canned cocktails like Cutwater Gin Collins, High Noon, and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails, you can enjoy quality drinks with zero prep—perfect for picnics, boating, and tailgates.
Try This:
Chill and go. No mixing required.
Nothing says summer like a well-made margarita. Stock up on Dulce Vida Grapefruit, Espolon Blanco, or a smoky mezcal to give your cocktails a bold upgrade.
Try This:
Grapefruit Margarita – Dulce Vida Grapefruit Tequila + fresh lime juice + agave syrup + salted rim
Look for light ales and fruit-forward beers like Cheboygan Dark Cherry Blonde or summer wheat beers from regional breweries. Crisp, cold, and sessionable—these are the beers made for sunshine.
Citrus is key: Keep lemons, limes, and oranges on hand for garnishes.
Ice matters: Upgrade to large cubes or crushed ice for better presentation and slower dilution.
Glassware: Tall Collins glasses and stemless wine glasses are perfect multipurpose options.
Ready to sip in style? Browse our summer collection online or visit wine barrel plus in-store. Whether you're planning a quiet night in or an all-out backyard bash, we’ve got the bottles you need to make it memorable.
Cheers to summer, sunshine, and spirits! 🥂
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