Summer Sippin'

The unavoidable annual question on everyone’s mind has returned once again: What will be the drink of the summer? A good summer cocktail should embody a few key elements: refreshing, simple, fun, and highly drinkable. Summer brings longer sunny days, and sweet breezes filled with the scents of seasonal flowers in bloom. One of these summer bloomers is the elderflower; A small white flower that grows in a bush. Its signature honeyed and fresh scent is the main component to St. Germain elderflower liqueur. This humble flower becomes the secret weapon in any cocktail.

Move over espresso martini, it’s time for the Elderflower martini. The main ingredient here is the Empress 1908’s Elderflower Rose Gin. This gin pays homage to the Empress’ home city of Victoria, lovingly referred to as the ‘City of Gardens’. This pink hued gin will make the prettiest libation for a lazy afternoon.

Elderflower Martini:
3.5 oz The Empress Elderflower Rose Gin (On Sale for $4.50 off from June 18 — July 10, 2024)
1 oz St. Germain Elderflower liqueur
½ oz Lemon Juice

Instructions: Pour all parts into a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon peel

Floral's and gin botanicals don’t tickle your fancy? Get ready to take-off with a Paper Plane. This summery bourbon cocktail is truly greater than the sum of its parts. One of the beauties of the Paper Plane is that its recipe is simple as each ingredient are equal parts. With its orange-y red tones it looks like a sunset in your glass. Get ready to make a big batch for your next happy hour get together.

Paper Plane:
1 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon (On Sale for $6 off from June 18 — July 10, 2024)
1 oz Aperol
1 oz Amaro
1 oz Lemon Juice

Instructions: Pour all parts into a short glass with one large ice cube. Stir and top with an orange peel. 

Expert: Laura from Mid Island Liquor — Hammond Bay