Effortless Cocktails For The August Long Weekend

The long weekends of summer offer the perfect opportunity to bask in the sun and relish the wonders of nature. Whether you’re envisioning a delightful picnic, a lively pool party, a cosy backyard barbecue or an exciting getaway to a cottage, a simple cocktail is always a nice pairing. Below, a collection of four cocktails designed to be effortlessly crafted with just a handful of basic ingredients. Grab your glasses, bring out the ice, and let your inner mixologist shine! —Vita Daily

Deep Dive Cocktail  

The soaring pineapple and citrus notes in this drink are reminiscent of a vacation on a tropical island. Perfect for sipping while lounging in your favourite hammock or Muskoka chair.   

• 40 ml Hennessy Very Special  
• 7 ml Honey  
• 15 ml Lemon Juice  
• 30 ml Pineapple Juice 

Add all ingredients to a shaker tin with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with a grapefruit twist.  

Margarita Cocktail 

The quintessential summer cocktail gets an upgrade with the bold vanilla and spice flavours of Hennessy. Bring this to the beach and it will be an instant crowd pleaser with family and friends.

• 45 ml tequila reposado  
• 30 ml  Hennessy VS 
• 30 ml  Cointreau (or Triple Sec)  
• 15 ml lime juice  
• For the garnish: lime wedges 

1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of salt.  
2. Place the tequila, Hennessy, Cointreau and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with 1 handful ice cubes and shake until cold.  
3. Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. 
4. Fill the glass with ice and serve.  

The Pink One (Cosmo)  

Iconic and timeless, the Cosmopolitan adds a touch of sophistication to any outdoor occasion. With citrus, hints of orange, and enough cranberry to make it pretty in pink, it’s a fashionable cocktail worthy of a poolside party at the Barbie Dreamhouse.  

• 45 ml Belvedere Vodka  
• 25 ml Triple Sec  
• 25 ml Lime Juice  
• 10 ml Cranberry Juice  

1. Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker and shake hard over ice.   
2. Fine strain into chilled martini glass.   
3. Garnish with an orange zest.  

Ardbeg Shortie’s Dirty Daiquiri   

Ardbeg Shortie’s Dirty Daiquiri is a smoky twist on the popular cocktail, perfect to enjoy with a summer barbecue.  

• 50 ml Ardbeg Ten Years Old  
• 20 ml apple juice  
• 20 ml Fresh lime juice  
• 10 ml Vanilla syrup    

1. Shake all ingredients over ice before straining into a chilled coupe.