The official start of summer is just a week away.  With it comes relaxing evenings on the deck, feet up, and a cocktail in hand.  Today I am sharing 5 refreshing summer cocktails including my own creation I call Canadian Sunset!

This gin cocktail reminds me of a perfect summer evening at the beach.  The sun casting a golden hue on the sand while the sky is aflame in red giving hope of delightful weather to come.

I have always wanted to try a layered cocktail, but was always a bit unsure of how.  Turns out, it isn’t difficult at all.  

How to Layer Cocktails

•  fill a glass with ice 
•  use a “heavier” liquid for the bottom layer – I have read that generally the lower the percentage of alchol, the more sugar hence the heavier – for this recipe a simple sugar syrup is added to Rose Gin (35% alcohol) making it much heavier than the Rosè wine used for the top layer
•  hold a spoon upside down over the bottom layer without touching it and slowly pour the top layer over the back of the spoon, raising the spoon as the glass fills up – it will gently spill over the first layer without sinking in
• see the video below that shows you exactly how this is done

This recipe will make two cocktails using a low ball glass (also known as an “old fashioned”). 

It is a slightly sweet cocktail with a fruity flavor.  If you prefer a sweeter drink, simply add a bit more simple syrup.

Just like shopping for produce, I also shopped local for this recipe! I used Dillon’s Rose Gin and 2018 Homegrown Rosé from Megalomaniac.  It is a medium dry wine, but you could also use a dry wine if you like.  Simply adjust the amount of simple syrup to get the sweetness that you prefer.  

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice combine 2 ounces rose gin, 3/4 ounce simple syrup, and 3/4 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice.  Shake well, strain into 2  ice filled low back glasses.  Turn a spoon upside down over each glass and slowly pour 1 ounce medium dry Rosè over the back of the spoon into each glass, allowing it to “float” on top of the gin layer. See the full printable recipe card down below.

How to make simple syrup

Bring one cup of water to a boil in a saucepan.  Add one cup of granulated sugar and stir until dissolved.  Remove for heat and allow to cool.  May be kept in a covered glass jar for up to two weeks in the refrigerator)

I am all about the sweet and fruity cocktails, so I used a full ounce of syrup.  If you prefer it less sweet, try 3/4’s of an ounce. Like it sweeter, add a bit more!

And, of most importance, always drink responsibly and NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE!

There is a lot of summer to come, find 4 more links to summer cocktails below!

Easy Salty Dog Cocktail from Family Around the Table

Blueberry Pomegranate Martini from Weekend Craft

Red, White and Blue Jello Shots from Creative Ramblings

Irish Whiskey Summer Iced Tea from Our Crafty Mom

PIN IT FOR LATER

Until next time……