Vegan Summer Cocktails

When the sun comes out, so do the thirst quenchers.

Cocktails are one of the best options to beat the heat and start the party. However, believe it or not, not all cocktails are vegan, and so vegans have limited options when it comes to cocktails.

Let’s jump in to the options for a vegan cocktail drinker:

Strawberry and Basil Lemonade

Any drink with a combination of these two ingredients is likely to be delicious. You need sliced strawberries, some lemons, and fresh basil to create this refreshing treat.

In a tall glass, mix 1.5 oz vodka, ice, lemonade, sliced strawberries, and chopped basil. Enjoy!

The Kachumber Cooler

Prefer a bit of spice? Then this is the perfect drink for you. It requires the combination of simple syrup, lime juice, and Gin with hot chilies, cucumber puree, and cilantro.

While a strong heat shot is expected up front, you’d be surprised by how subtle the flavor turns out to be. The coolness of the cucumber along with the cilantro and chilies add intrigue to the drink without overpowering the flavor.

2 half-inch slices of cucumber
8 leaves fresh cilantro
2 quarter-inch slices of fresh green finger chili (any medium-mild chili, such as jalapeno or Anaheim can be substituted)
1 3/4 ounce gin (Tabla uses Plymouth)
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup

Muddle cucumber, cilantro, and chili in a cocktail shaker or mixing glass until well broken and slightly mashed. Add gin, lime, and simple syrup and shake vigorously. Strain into a double rocks glass, half filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of cucumber.

from TheKitchn

Cynar Cocktail

Cynar is a blend of distilled plants and herbs with a surprising ingredient – artichoke. It is one of the trending cocktail recipes, it’s bitter and sweet at the same time, so you don’t necessarily need to add anything to make a balanced drink. Cynar can also be substituted in a classic cocktail mix for a new twist to your usual cocktail.

Try adding soda to the mix to make the cocktail refreshing and add to the bitterness. It will bring out a vibrant flavor in the drink, while keeping the alcoholic content low, so your evening won’t be derailed with a glass or two before bed. A lemon wedge garnish squeezed into the mixture would make things even better.

Melon Mojitos

This is alcohol-free and does a great job at cooling you down. To make this drink, you need a cup or two of watermelon juice, a half cup of simple syrup, a handful of mint leaves, freshly squeezed lime juice, and ice cubes.

With a muddler, mash the leaves. Then take the watermelon juice and mix all ingredients in a large pitcher. Stir each of them until the texture is smooth; this is a sign that the drink is ready. Treat yourself in a glass filled with ice and add a watermelon slice for garnish.

Blueberry Herb Cocktail

Buy a bottle of fresh lemonade and combine it with homemade simple syrup made from blueberries, rosemary, water, and sugar.  Add in the herbs at the end.

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out the drink section of Crave!

-Becky Wilcox