Cocktail. A term that is increasingly popular among consumers. Not only in cocktail bars, but also in restaurants, where the consumption of cocktails is experiencing significant growth as it becomes more common to enjoy them during meals. For the younger generations, the world of mixology is taking on an increasingly important role, but with significant differences compared to the past. Today, the key words are: smaller quantities, high quality, low alcohol content, and even completely non-alcoholic cocktails. Numerous studies and market research also confirm this trend. Noteworthy, for example, are the results of market surveys conducted by the IWSR, an institute specializing in the study of the global beverage market and industry. It has emerged that: "… The market share of non-alcoholic beverages compared to the overall alcoholic beverage market is expected to grow to almost 4% by 2027. Nearly a fifth of all non-alcoholic beverage consumers in 2023 were new entrants to the category…"
In short, for the summer of 2024, we will have the opportunity to experiment with and taste a multitude of cocktails, from the most classic to the most unique and innovative, born from the creativity of bartenders capable of mixing ingredients and spirits to create true "works of art" for our palates. In this guide, we want to suggest the 10 best cocktails of the summer. Fun and easy to prepare at home, they will elevate your summer evenings. Naturally, for the preparation of these cocktails, we propose a selection of our spirits, featuring all the latest novelties that we have curated for you enthusiasts!
At this point, all that remains is to delve into the magical world of mixology. And we can't help but start with a cocktail that is particularly close to our hearts: the Gallo Mai Tai, which, as the name suggests, is a Mai Tai but... our way!
Emanuela, an expert bartender and our colleague, has crafted this version of the Mai Tai for us. She chose two rums, one white and one amber, and shook them with plenty of ice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and almond syrup.
You can get creative with the decoration. Emanuela decided to garnish the Gallo Mai Tai with a sprig of mint, a slice of lime, and some colorful chili threads.
We enjoyed Emanuela's Gallo Mai Tai on a warm evening in early July. After a long afternoon working in the wine shop, we decided to have a refreshing swim and an aperitif by the sea. In our opinion, it was the best way to end the day.
We recommend you try it this way, surrounded by many friends to share it with, and if possible, in front of a beautiful sunset, just as we did.
Are you curious to learn all the secrets of preparing the Gallo Mai Tai? Then don't miss the video we posted on our social media channels Facebook and Instagram.
If you think whiskey is too much of a winter spirit, you might be mistaken. In mixology, whiskey represents a versatile and innovative element. The cocktails we have chosen to offer you are very classic, but in these versions, they will surely surprise you.
The Irish Coffee… But frozen!
The Irish Coffee, at least in its original version, is a distinctly winter cocktail. Its origin, dating back to around 1940, is credited to an Irish chef named Joe Sheridan, who invented it to warm up a fleet of cold travelers from a flight grounded due to adverse weather conditions. While in winter, Irish Coffee is the perfect ally to warm up a bit, in summer, with a few small adjustments, it will become a refreshing cocktail... Iced! You just need to get very cold coffee, ice, the essential whipped cream to garnish the surface, and of course... Irish Whiskey!
On that note, we could suggest the latest novelty we've selected from Ireland, the Fercullen Falls from Powerscourt Distillery.
The Peated Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour, another historic cocktail based on whisky, was created around 1870 and, in its original and most widespread recipe, is made with Bourbon. The Whiskey Sour was invented by the Englishman Elliot Stub, who, upon opening a bar in Iquique, a small town on the border between Chile and Peru, began experimenting with this cocktail by mixing Bourbon and the typical limon de pica. The version we want to suggest to you is nothing short of alternative... Instead of the usual Bourbon, try using a peated whiskey, the brand-new Scarabus, for example. Peated whiskey gives the cocktail unique characteristics, with smoky, peaty, and leathery notes, as well as hints of vanilla and brine.
Another spirit that is a must-have for summer 2024 is certainly Gin. With its wide variety of types and origins, there are now dozens of versions available. However, our selection focuses on the most artisanal, unique, and niche Gins. Are you curious to discover the latest novelties? We present them to you again paired with trendy cocktails for the summer.
The Gin Tonic… Dark
The king of Gin-based cocktails has to be the Gin Tonic. Incredibly simple to prepare, it is also highly customizable using the Gin you prefer. The recipe for the first Gin Tonic dates back to around 1650, a time when the plague was rampant in India, and some Dutch doctors developed this juniper-based beverage to treat soldiers suffering from malaria. To create an original and classy version, we recommend experimenting with a Gin Tonic made with the latest gin from Galli Enoteca. We're talking about Gin Da Hong Pao, a dark gin infused with the dried leaves of one of the most expensive and rare teas in the world. The result? A Gin Tonic with oxidized, yet floral and sweet notes.
Il Martini Dry
Loved by James Bond, served in the famous and icy Martini glass, strictly with an olive, or better yet, two. Need any more clues? We’re talking about the Dry Martini. The ingredients are few and simple, and with a bit of attention, the result is guaranteed. London dry gin and dry vermouth. Everything is mixed in a glass or in a shaker if, like James Bond, you prefer it “shaken, not stirred”.
The Gin Gin Mule Perhaps you have often enjoyed the Moscow Mule, the famous drink made with vodka and ginger beer. But have you ever heard of the Gin Gin Mule? It's a variation made with Gin. More aromatic and refreshing than its close cousin, it is flavored with a sprig of mint and the essential ginger beer, which adds that characteristic spicy touch.
Other spirits to consider for your summer evenings are definitely Tequila and Mezcal. These excellent products of Mexican tradition are often underrated. However, their use in mixology should not be overlooked, as their characteristics make them key elements for creating delicious and intriguing cocktails.
The Paloma
When we say Tequila, it’s automatic to think of the most well-known and widespread cocktail, the Margarita. But equally famous is the historic Mexican cocktail called Paloma. Fresh, citrusy, and refreshing, it’s perfect for your summer aperitifs with friends. The ingredients? Very simple. Tequila, lime juice, grapefruit soda, and a pinch of salt. There are still doubts about the origin of this cocktail; it is said to have been created by Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of the historic La Capilla bar in the city of Tequila. However, he has repeatedly denied inventing it. After all, as with everything related to Mexico, the main ingredient is always mystery.
The Naked and Famous
Considered by many to be a fascinating and elegant cocktail, almost regal, especially due to its origins in the upscale bars of New York City, the Naked and Famous is not intimidating to prepare at all. The main ingredient is Mezcal, a Mexican distillate characterized by a typical smoky, slightly spicy, and fruity flavor. But that’s not all. Another key element is Chartreuse, an elixir made from a secret blend of herbs and plants, expertly crafted by the monks of the Carthusian Monastery in Vauvert, with origins dating back to 1605.
Other ingredients? Just two more: the classic orange aperitif liqueur and lime juice. The result is a fresh cocktail that is complex and never predictable
For those nostalgic for the most classic and historic cocktails, we want to recommend two evergreen drinks that have likely accompanied you on many of your summer evenings. In short, we want to jog your memory with...
The Cuba Libre
Although there are numerous doubts about the origin of the Cuba Libre, it is well-established that its invention is connected to Cuba’s fight for independence from Spain. Indeed, this cocktail combines Rum, the quintessential product of Cuban tradition, with Cola, chosen to honor America, a major supporter of Cuba in its struggle for independence. The final ingredient to add is lime juice.
The Piña Colada
Summer, incredibly refreshing, and super fruity... We’re talking about the Piña Colada, a cocktail originating from the island of Puerto Rico, with a history that straddles myth and reality. It is said that a pirate invented this elixir to refresh his crew. Other versions attribute the creation of this cocktail to bartender Ramon “Manchito” Marrero from the Hilton in San Juan.
In this case, the ingredients are just three, and it's incredibly easy to prepare at home. You’ll need: light Rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream.
You definitely can’t miss it!
