A Good Summer Cocktail recipe
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A Good Summer sits firmly in the easy-drinking, fruit-liqueur highball family: a simple, modern mixed drink built for sweetness, colour, and effortless sipping. Rather than leaning on a well-documented classic backstory, it feels like the kind of contemporary bar or home creation that prioritises crowd-pleasing flavours and a familiar cola finish. With a lowball serve and a top-up lengthener, you get something that reads like a relaxed, summery twist on a liqueur-and-cola.
You’ll find cherry brandy brings a rich, rounded cherry sweetness up front, while Cointreau adds a brighter orange-liqueur lift that keeps the fruit from feeling too heavy. Crème de cassis deepens the profile with dark berry richness, layering blackcurrant sweetness over the cherry. The cola top-up ties everything together with its caramel-like sweetness and gentle fizz, smoothing the edges and stretching the fruit liqueurs into a long, soda-like finish.
Serve it when you want something uncomplicated and sociable—ideal for warm afternoons, casual BBQs, or a laid-back evening where you’re chatting more than analysing. It suits anyone who enjoys sweet, fruity drinks with a familiar cola backbone, and it’s an easy pick when you want a colourful, approachable pour in a rocks glass.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Cherry brandy leads with ripe stone-fruit sweetness, Cointreau adds bright orange lift, and crème de cassis deepens everything into a dark berry syrup, all stretched by cola’s caramel fizz. It works because the cola’s bubbles lighten the dense liqueurs while orange and berry keep it from tasting flat; ideal for sweet-tooth sippers and casual summer highballs.
Method
How to make a A Good Summer
- Cherry brandy 30ml, Cointreau 30ml, Creme de cassis 30ml, Cola Top up
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- Add all the fruity alcohols to a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well and strain into a lowball glass over ice, then top up with coke to serve
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FAQ's
How do I properly shake 'A Good Summer' cocktail?
To properly shake 'A Good Summer' cocktail, first, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour the Cointreau (30ml), Cherry Brandy (30ml), and Creme De Cassis (30ml) into the shaker. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly. Strain the mixture into a lowball glass over ice, and top up with cola. This method will ensure the drink is well-mixed and chilled, enhancing its flavors.
What is the ideal way to serve 'A Good Summer' to enhance its flavor?
The ideal way to serve 'A Good Summer' is in a lowball glass over ice to maintain its cold temperature, enhancing the refreshing taste. After shaking the alcoholic ingredients and pouring them over ice, topping up with cola adds a fizzy texture that complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the liqueurs. Serving it cold will emphasize the refreshing qualities of the drink, making it more enjoyable during summer days.
Can I substitute any ingredients in 'A Good Summer' if I don't have them available?
Yes, you can make substitutions in 'A Good Summer' cocktail. If you don't have Cointreau, you can use another orange liqueur such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier. For Cherry Brandy, a suitable substitute could be Maraschino liqueur, though the flavor will be slightly different. If Creme De Cassis isn't available, blackberry liqueur can be used as an alternative, though this will also slightly alter the taste profile of the cocktail.
What garnishes work well with 'A Good Summer'?
For 'A Good Summer', fresh fruit garnishes complement its fruity and refreshing profile. A slice of orange, lemon twist, or a cherry can be placed on the rim of the glass or dropped into the cocktail. You could also consider a sprig of mint for a touch of color and to add a fresh aroma that enhances the drinking experience, making it more enjoyable.
How does the alcohol content of 'A Good Summer' compare to other cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 8.14%, 'A Good Summer' is on the lower end of the spectrum compared to many classic cocktails. For example, a classic Margarita has an alcohol content around 13-15%, while a Long Island Iced Tea can soar up to 22%. This makes 'A Good Summer' a more moderate option, suitable for those who prefer lighter drinks or wish to enjoy several cocktails over a period without overwhelming alcohol consumption.
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