The Gwen’s Poptails, Photo Credit: Kailley Lindman
It’s hot out there. As temperatures soar, we have the perfect antidote (or 11) to a sweltering day. We asked the mixologists behind some of the country’s leading beverage programs for their most refreshing creations, and what they delivered were some of the most inventive and colorful libations we’ve seen in some time.
Whether you’re in the mood for something icy, fruity or bubbly, these zesty drinks will keep you cool all summer long.
Poptails
Upstairs at the Gwen, Chicago
Made with fruit and a touch of prosecco, this trifecta of “poptails” is magically delicious. The summertime treat is offered up in refreshing flavors like strawberry-orange-peach, cucumber-lime-ginger and watermelon-kiwi. Take a lick of one (or all three) while enjoying the cityscape views from The Gwen’s fifth-floor outdoor terrace.
Lavender & Lemon, Photo Credit: Trinette Reed Photography
Lavender & Lemon
Carneros Resort and Spa, Napa Valley
With Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin, a squeeze of lemon and housemade lavender simple syrup, this seemingly unassuming cocktail, served up at Four-Star Carneros Resort and Spa, packs zip and tastes as good as it looks.
Mano de Chango, Photo Credit: Kyle Deven
Mano de Chango
Providence, Los Angeles
You’ve heard of farm to table, but how about scraps to glass? Head bartender Kim Stodel of Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Providence repurposes food items from the kitchen into mixed drinks. For this margarita-paloma hybrid, for instance, guava pulp from the syrup becomes a fruit leather garnish.
Dark Berry Mojito, Photo Credit: St. Joe Club & Resorts
Dark Berry Mojito
WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
A mojito is the warm-weather refresher, and Four-Star Fish Out of Water’s berry-based spin is a certified crowd-pleaser. Housemade dark berry simple syrup adds a sweet-tart twist to this fun-to-drink thirst quencher.
Sangria Basket, Photo Credit: Terranea Resort
Sangria Basket
Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes
Mixologist Adam Stearns of Four-Star Terranea Resort combines herbs from the chef’s garden with various fruits and vegetables to prep this harmonious trio of sangria variations with pinot grigio, Manzanilla sherry and Warre’s white port. The Sangria Basket is ideal for sharing over the L.A.-area resort’s popular Sunday brunch.
Coastal Pimm’s Cup, Photo Credit: Meadowood
Coastal Pimm’s Cup
Meadowood Napa Valley
A leisurely round of croquet with a Pimm’s Cup in hand? Don’t mind if we do. This one, from Four-Star Meadowood Napa Valley, is extra smooth, made with an aromatic St. George terroir gin, shaken with ginger beer and garnished with bay laurel leaves.
Pineapple Elyx, Photo Credit: The St. Regis
Pineapple Elyx
The St. Regis Atlanta
Infused with char-grilled pineapple and fresh-sliced jalapeño, this vodka cocktail, served in a playful copper mug, is sure to keep you in a vacation state of mind on an idyllic afternoon poolside at Four-Star The St. Regis Atlanta.
Travel Guide, Photo Credit: Northwood Office LLC
Travel Guide
The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte
The only thing better than Gallery Bar’s extensive scotch and whiskey selection is the name of this invigorating cocktail — Travel Guide. The pour, which is proudly served at Four-Star The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, comes complete with Japanese whiskey and matcha green tea.
Colorful Cocktails at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, Photo Credit: Four Seasons Resort
Tiki-Style Cocktails
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Arizona
Proof’s tiki-style, limited-edition drinks will whisk you from the desert to a deserted tropical island of sorts. Try one or all at Four-Star Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. Tipples include the Bitter Burro, with dark rum and ginger beer, and the coconut-rum-ice-cream-based Lava Flow.
Juliarita, Photo Credit: La Posada
Juliarita
La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa
This delightful spin on the margarita is named for the estate’s founder, Julia Staab, and inspired by her 130-year-old apricot tree. Savor this tantalizing cooler on the dreamy patio at this Santa Fe treasure.
El Farito, Photo Credit: Stephen Flint/Flint Photography Inc
El Farito
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
The gin-based El Farito (“the little lighthouse”) will be your summer beacon at Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. The house-grown mint and cucumber-infused syrup keep things extra light while a sugarcane stick adds a sweet sizzle.
