Alcoholic (Non-Liquor) Drinks for Summer

Liquor and I seem to not be getting along too well lately. It's so unfortunate too, because I love it so much. I can't tell if it's the liquor, or the switching between non-liquor drinks (beer/wine) and liquor drinks that gets me in trouble.

Either way, I'm taking a bit of a break from liquor drinks for a while. I've been sticking to beer for the most part, even though I admittedly did take a few shots when I was out with my friends the other night and I was fine. 

Beer gets boring after a while, and I fear the dreaded beer belly especially with summer just beginning. I'm now on the hunt for some super delicious but still alcoholic drinks, just sans liquor. 

1. Strawberry Pineapple Mimosa

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Ingredients: 

- 1 1/2 cups orange juice 

- 1 1/2 cups pineapple juice 

- 1 bottle sparkling white wine, chilled 

- 1/2 cup strawberries, thinly sliced 

Instructions: 

- Mix orange juice and pineapple juice in a pitcher.  

- Pour mixture into champagne flutes until half full. Fill the rest with white wine. 

- Garnish with strawberries. 

- Serve immediately. 

2. Peach Bellinis 

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Ingredients: 

- 1 part peach puree or peach nectar 

- 2 parts Prosecco 

Instructions: 

- Place pureed peaches or peach nectar in a champagne flute.  

- Carefully pour in Prosecco, wait for bubbles to go down, continue to pour, and stir. 

- Serve immediately. 

3. Strawberry Rose Wine Mojito

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Ingredients: 

- 2 lime wedges

- 1 large or 2 small strawberries, diced 

- 6 fresh mint leaves

- 1 teaspoon agave 

- 1/2 cup chilled rosé

- 1/4 cup chilled club soda 

- Ice 

Instructions: 

- Combine the lime, strawberries, mint, and agave in a glass and muddle gently with a spoon. 

- Add the wine, club soda and ice. 

- Stir and serve. 

4. Year-Round Summer Shandy 

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Ingredients: 

- 1 part wheat or other light beer

- 1 part lemonade 

- Splash of ginger ale for extra fizz (optional) 

Instructions: 

- Mix beer, lemonade, and ginger ale in a glass. 

- Stir and enjoy! 

5.  Port of Havana 

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Ingredients: 

- 3 oz. white port 

- 0.75 oz. lime juice

- 0.5 oz. vanilla syrup

- 1 dash Angostura Bitters 

- 1 dash Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit Bitters 

- Ice 

- Lime wheels for garnishing 

Instructions: 

- Mix all ingredients together (except lime wheels) in a cocktail shaker until chilled. 

- Strain into a coupe glass. 

- Garnish with a lime wheel if desired.  

Hopefully these 5 cocktails will give you a little inspiration for the summer. Of course, you can always modify them if you'd like. 

It's always nice to have a break from your typical glass of wine or bottle of beer, especially if you're on a liquor strike like I am. 

What's your favorite summer drink right now? I'm really feeling the Bellini love myself!