Jump to content
Jump to search
Get discounts through SMS!
Sign Up
You are shopping from
Big Bear Wine & Liquor - South
at
2037 South Pueblo Boulevard, Pueblo, CO 81005
Change
Facebook
facebook
X-Twitter
twitter
Instagram
instagram
DOWNLOAD OUR APP
Mobile
Search
Wine
By Style
Red
White
Rosé & Blush
Champagne & Sparkling
Dessert & Port
Other Wines
By Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Red Blends
Pinot Noir
Pinot Grigio
Rose
By Country
France
Italy
Spain
Germany
Argentina
United States
New Zealand
By Region
Bordeaux
Tuscany
Rioja
Burgundy
Napa Valley
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Wine
Wine Brands
Spirits
By Type
Vodka
Whiskey
Sake
Tequila
Rum
Gin
Brandy
Liqueur
By Country
United States
France
Ireland
Japan
Italy
Mexico
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Spirits
Spirits Brands
Beer
By Type
IPA
Hard Seltzer
Ale
Lager
Pilsner
Stout
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Beer
Beer Brands
On Sale
Gift Cards
Tasting & Events
Info
Products
Wine
Beer
Direct to the Bear
About Us
Store Info
Delivery Info
Notifications
Donation Request
My Account
Order History
Wine Blog
Should You Try Menage a Trois Wine?
What is Shiraz Wine? A Guide to the Bold Red You’ll Love
Wine 101: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Boxed Wine: Quality, Convenience, and Value in Every Pour
Liquor Blog
Jack Daniel’s Whiskey: A Timeless Classic
The Rise of Canned Cocktails: Convenience Meets Quality
The True Art of Tequila: Beyond Shots and Savoring Craftsmanship
Whipshots: The Ultimate Boozy Whipped Cream Experience
Summer Cocktails 101: Mixing Basics and Popular Recipes
Try Surfside Cocktails Now!
Spirits 101: The Guide to Drinking & Enjoying Spirits
What Is Reposado Tequila?
What is Japanese Whiskey?
Crown Royal: Canada’s Classic Whisky
Samuel Adams Octoberfest Seasonal Beer: A Seasonal Staple in American Craft Beer
Wine
By Style
Red
White
Rosé & Blush
Champagne & Sparkling
Dessert & Port
Other Wines
By Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Red Blends
Pinot Noir
Pinot Grigio
Rose
By Country
France
Italy
Spain
Germany
Argentina
United States
New Zealand
By Region
Bordeaux
Tuscany
Rioja
Burgundy
Napa Valley
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Wine
Wine Brands
Spirits
By Type
Vodka
Whiskey
Sake
Tequila
Rum
Gin
Brandy
Liqueur
By Country
United States
France
Ireland
Japan
Italy
Mexico
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Spirits
Spirits Brands
Beer
By Type
IPA
Hard Seltzer
Ale
Lager
Pilsner
Stout
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Beer
Beer Brands
On Sale
Gift Cards
Tasting & Events
Info
Products
Wine
Beer
Direct to the Bear
About Us
Store Info
Delivery Info
Notifications
Donation Request
My Account
Order History
Wine Blog
Should You Try Menage a Trois Wine?
What is Shiraz Wine? A Guide to the Bold Red You’ll Love
Wine 101: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Boxed Wine: Quality, Convenience, and Value in Every Pour
Liquor Blog
Jack Daniel’s Whiskey: A Timeless Classic
The Rise of Canned Cocktails: Convenience Meets Quality
The True Art of Tequila: Beyond Shots and Savoring Craftsmanship
Whipshots: The Ultimate Boozy Whipped Cream Experience
Summer Cocktails 101: Mixing Basics and Popular Recipes
Try Surfside Cocktails Now!
Spirits 101: The Guide to Drinking & Enjoying Spirits
What Is Reposado Tequila?
What is Japanese Whiskey?
Crown Royal: Canada’s Classic Whisky
Samuel Adams Octoberfest Seasonal Beer: A Seasonal Staple in American Craft Beer
Summer Cocktails 101: Mixing Basics and Popular Recipes
As the sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, there's no better way to enjoy the warmth than with a refreshing summer cocktail in hand. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a barbecue, or simply unwinding after a long day, summer cocktails bring a splash of fun and flavor to any occasion. This guide will take you through the basics of mixing cocktails and share some popular recipes that are sure to elevate your summer gatherings. Learn more with Big Bear Wine and Liquor, located at
2037 S Pueblo Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81005, USA
and
940 Hailey Ln, Pueblo West, CO 81007, USA
.
Mixing Basics: The Essentials
Before diving into recipes, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of cocktail mixing. Here are the essential tools and tips to get you started:
Tools of the Trade
Shaker:
A must-have for mixing ingredients thoroughly. There are two main types: the Boston shaker, which consists of a metal tin and a glass or metal mixing glass, and the Cobbler shaker, which has a built-in strainer and cap. The Boston shaker is preferred by professionals for its capacity and ease of use, while the Cobbler is often favored by home bartenders for its convenience.
Jigger:
For precise measurements, essential to maintain the balance of flavors in a cocktail. Jiggers come in various sizes, typically marked with measurements on both ends, such as 1 oz and 2 oz, to help ensure consistency.
Strainer:
Used to ensure a smooth pour without ice or fruit pulp. Common types include the Hawthorne strainer, with a coiled spring that fits snugly into the shaker, and the Julep strainer, which looks like a perforated spoon and is used with mixing glasses.
Muddler:
Perfect for releasing flavors from herbs, fruits, and spices. A good muddler is made of wood or stainless steel and has a flat or slightly textured end to effectively crush ingredients without pulverizing them.
Bar Spoon:
Designed for stirring cocktails with ease. Bar spoons are long-handled and often have a twisted shaft for better control and to facilitate layering of ingredients.
Citrus Juicer:
Freshly squeezed juice makes all the difference in a cocktail. Handheld juicers or reamers are great for extracting the most juice from lemons, limes, and oranges without the bitterness from the pith.
Basic Techniques
Shaking:
Ideal for cocktails with multiple ingredients, especially those with juice, dairy, or egg whites. Fill the shaker with ice, add ingredients, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This technique not only chills the drink but also helps aerate and dilute it slightly for a balanced taste.
Stirring:
Best for spirit-forward cocktails like the Martini or Manhattan. Stir ingredients with ice in a mixing glass for about 30 seconds until well-chilled. This method ensures a silky texture and proper dilution without over-aerating the drink.
Muddling:
Gently press herbs, fruits, or sugar cubes in the bottom of a glass to release their essential oils and flavors. Be careful not to over-muddle, which can release bitterness, especially from herbs like mint or basil.
Layering:
Pour ingredients carefully to create beautiful, layered cocktails. Use the back of a spoon to slow the pour, allowing each layer to float on top of the other. This technique is commonly used in drinks like the B-52 or a layered shot.
Popular Summer Cocktail Recipes
Mojito
A Classic Mojito is a refreshing cocktail made with white rum, fresh lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and soda water.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
2 oz white rum
1 oz fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons sugar
6-8 fresh mint leaves
Soda water
Ice
Instructions:
Muddle mint leaves and sugar in a glass.
Add lime juice and rum.
Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water.
Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.
Aperol Spritz
An Aperol Spritz is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail made with Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water, garnished with an orange slice.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
3 oz Prosecco
2 oz Aperol
1 oz soda water
Ice
Orange slice
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice.
Add Prosecco, followed by Aperol and soda water.
Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
Pina Colada
A Piña Colada is a creamy, tropical cocktail made with white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
2 oz white rum
1 oz coconut cream
1 oz heavy cream
6 oz fresh pineapple juice
1/2 cup crushed ice
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Pour into a chilled glass.
Garnish with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry.
Vodka Seltzer
A simple, refreshing cocktail perfect for summer, combining vodka, soda water, and lime juice.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
4 oz soda water
1 oz fresh lime juice
Ice
Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice.
Add vodka and lime juice.
Top with soda water.
Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
Watermelon Margarita
A Watermelon Margarita is made with tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and blended watermelon.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
2 oz tequila
1 oz triple sec
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 cup watermelon chunks
Salt for rimming
Ice
Instructions
:
Blend watermelon chunks until smooth
Rim a glass with lime juice and salt.
In a shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and watermelon juice with ice. Shake well and pour into prepared glasses.
Find quality spirits at big bear wine and liquor – delivery available
Mixing summer cocktails is a delightful way to explore flavors and impress your guests. By mastering the basics and experimenting with these popular recipes, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the ultimate summer mixologist. So grab your tools, pick your ingredients, and get ready to sip your way through the season with these refreshing and delicious cocktails. Visit Big Bear - South at
2037 S Pueblo Blvd
or Big Bear – Pueblo West at
940 Hailey Ln
for all your cocktail needs. Call 719-561-8542 or 719-547-1786, or visit
https://bigbearwine.com/
for more details.