When you are finally done building your gorgeous custom home this summer in the luxurious Shoal Creek Community, you will surely be eager to entertain. Summer is a time for relaxation and beating the heat with refreshing cocktails at the end of long, hot days in the south.

Whether hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging by the pool, or simply savoring a rare summer breeze on a warm evening, these easy summer cocktails are guaranteed to delight. We’ve compiled a list of our summertime favorites, including rum, bourbon, gin, and other cocktails for every palate.

Citrus Splash

This summer cocktail is a zesty and refreshing choice, perfect for any summer gathering. This beverage is delicious and filled with “immune-boosting” ingredients. It also contains zero sugar, a win-win for the health-conscious imbiber.

This citrus summer cocktail will remind you of drinking lemonade on the porch while listening to cicadas sing their summer song.

Here’s a link to the recipe. 

Iron City Cranberry Gin Fizz

The Iron City Cranberry Gin Fizz is a Southern spin on a classic. This summer gin cocktail is perfect for family picnics because you can make a delicious non-alcoholic batch for the kids. The refreshing flavors of cranberry and juniper-bright gin combine into a fizzy and cool reprieve from the heat, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

To kick up the flavor, try freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh thyme sprigs. For the gin, try Redmont Distilling Company Vulcan Gin, a local favorite in Birmingham, Alabama. Finally, using Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale, a beloved local brand, will surely add that regional spicy flavor the bolder amongst us have come to love.

Get the recipe here.

Tropical Rum Punch

If you want to bring the tropics to your backyard barbecue, this is the cocktail for you. This cocktail is best when served as a batch in a punch bowl or pitcher, which makes it perfect for sharing and hosting. Also, the tropical flavors are a perfect pairing for sweet Alabama-style barbecue sauce.

With its blend of rum, coconut, and fruity flavors, you could easily imagine your feet buried in soft gulf sand while sipping this punch. In fact, why not make a batch after you head down to the Gulf Coast? It’s only a short drive away from Birmingham, so why not? You know you want to. Just be sure to make this cocktail its best with Magic City spirits, like Dread River Distilling Co. Rum.

Check out the recipe here. 

Bourbon Peach Smash

This summer bourbon cocktail is a Southern classic. After all, it doesn’t get more southern than peaches and bourbon (except maybe a proper apple pie). This delightful beverage combines the sweetness of peaches with rich vanilla and caramel and the robust flavor of bourbon. Lemon juice and fizzy ginger ale keep it bright and refreshing for summer enjoyment. Keep it local and fresh with local-sourced Clanton peaches, Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale, and Cahaba Brewing Company’s Bourbon Whiskey, made right here in Birmingham.

Here’s the recipe. 

Watermelon Mojito

If you grew up in the South, you know how much we love our giant, juicy watermelons fresh from the vines of our local farms. Southerners may also be familiar with the unique ways we use our favorite fruit in cocktails. One such cocktail is the watermelon mojito. You can make this summer cocktail with white rum or gin and enjoy the refreshing taste of watermelon, mint, lime, and ginger ale.

Find the recipe here. 

Relax in Luxury this Summer

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a cool beverage on a hot day, these summer cocktails will keep you cool and in good spirits. May your luxury custom home be full of fun and relaxation this summer!

SHOAL CREEK LIVING: ENJOY YOUR SUMMER IN LUXURY

Shoal Creek gated community is a gem nestled at the edge of Birmingham, Alabama. Shoal Creek is the ultimate place to get away every day, featuring an abundance of magical natural landscapes, luxury amenities, and opportunities to fulfill your architectural dreams. To learn more about living at Shoal Creek, call (205) 304-5817 or contact us here.