Summer is the perfect time to spruce up your favourite cocktail recipes with a sparkling twist! With only a few ingredients, you can easily upgrade any classic drink into something special and refreshing. Here are some of the best summer cocktails that use sparkling mineral water as an ingredient to keep you hydrated while you indulge!
Strawberry Mint Sparkler
This easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for hot summer days. All you need is 2 ounces of vodka, ½ ounce of simple syrup, 3 fresh mint leaves, 4-5 strawberries, and 2 ounces of sparkling mineral water. In a shaker, muddle the mint leaves and strawberries until they release their juices. Then add the vodka, simple syrup, and ice before shaking it all together. Pour the mixture into a glass over ice and top with sparkling mineral water. Garnish with additional strawberries or mint leaves if desired.
Cucumber Gin Fizz
This light and refreshing cocktail is sure to be a hit at your next gathering! To make it, you will need 1 1/2 ounces gin, 1/2 ounce lime juice, 2 slices cucumber (plus more for garnish), and 2 ounces sparkling mineral water. Muddle together the cucumber slices in a shaker before adding the gin and lime juice. Shake well then pour over ice in a glass before topping with sparkling mineral water. Garnish with additional cucumber slices if desired.
Blackberry Lime Spritzer
This delicious spritzer will quickly become your go-to summer drink! All you need is 4 blackberries (plus more for garnish), 1/2 ounce lime juice, 2 ounces white rum or vodka, and 2 ounces of sparkling mineral water. In a shaker muddle together four blackberries until they release their juices, then add the lime juice and liquor of choice followed by ice cubes before shaking vigorously. Pour into two glasses over ice, then top each glass off with one ounce of sparkling mineral water before garnishing with additional blackberries if desired.
Sangria Spritzer
Start by combining one part red wine, one part orange juice, and one part sparkling mineral water in a pitcher. Add a few slices of orange to the mix and let it sit for an hour or two before adding ice cubes when ready to serve. This refreshing concoction is sure to be a crowd favourite!
Aperol Fizz
Mix one part Aperol, one part vodka, and two parts sparkling mineral water in a shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds and strain into glasses filled with more ice cubes. Garnish with orange peel for extra flavour and pizzazz!
Watermelon Cooler
Muddle half of a seedless watermelon in a pitcher until it becomes liquidy (about three cups). Add four ounces of vodka and stir until combined. Top off the mixture with two cups of sparkling mineral water and add a few sprigs of mint leaves for garnish. Serve chilled over fresh ice cubes.
Lemon Basil Gin & Tonic
In a shaker filled with ice cubes, combine two parts gin and one part lemon juice before shaking vigorously for 15 seconds or so. Strain into highball glasses filled with fresh ice cubes before topping off each glass with one part sparkling mineral water. Garnish each glass with basil leaves for an extra zing!
Mojito Mint Fizz
Muddle 8-10 mint leaves in bottom of shaker until they become fragrant (about 10 seconds). Fill the shaker halfway full of crushed ice before adding two ounces white rum, one ounce lime juice, ¾ ounces simple syrup (or 1 tablespoon sugar), and 2 drops Angostura bitters (optional). Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds before straining into highball glasses filled halfway full with more crushed ice cubes per glass. Top off each glass with sparkling mineral water and garnish each drink with lime wedges or mint sprigs — whatever suits your fancy!
Bottoms up!
Any of these delicious drinks are sure to quench your thirst this summer! Whether you’re looking for something light or something fruity, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. Have fun experimenting in the kitchen this season by turning your favourite cocktails into something extra special using these recipes as an inspiration point. Enjoy!