There’s just something about a strong drink and a sunset over the water that make life seem a whole lot easier. Good news for you, because Julington Creek Fish Camp is the perfect venue to fulfill this real-life fantasy. There are a million reasons to love summer in the south, but one of our favorites is the abundance of sweet, fresh cocktails that are served by the tray-full. Next time you pop by the fun (fully-stocked!) bar at one of the Fish Camps, ask your talented bartender to whip up one of these babies:
Mint + Blueberry Julep
We love this refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Let’s be honest, almost any cocktail can be given a summer twist by adding some sort of berry. This one requires a little extra prep time for the simple syrup, but it’s well worth the effort.
For the mint simple syrup, add ⅓ cup sugar, ⅓ cup water and a handful of mint leaves to a small saucepan. Stir constantly over high heat until bubbling, then reduce to low for about a minute. Let your syrup completely cool.
Next, add ⅔ cup fresh blueberries and a couple tablespoons of the simple syrup to a blender or food processor. Voila! You’ve got a blueberry puree. Combine an ounce of the simple syrup, an ounce of the puree, two ounces bourbon, crushed ice and a few mint sprigs. Cheers to this.
Champagne Mojito
It’s hard to go wrong with this one. Champagne AND a mojito…all in one? Come on, it doesn’t get much better. Bonus: this champagne mojito is probably the easiest thing you’ll make all week.
Muddle a handful of mint leaves and basil leaves, three tablespoons of sugar and ⅓ cup of fresh lime juice in a pitcher. Add wedges of two limes, a cup of rum and ice to the mint mixture. Top with champagne and serve. Garnish with a few herb sprigs.
Cucumber Chillers
Not a fan of sweet drinks? We’ve got the cocktail for you. The citrus and herb are refreshing, while the cucumber gives it a subtle crunch. This is basically a spa in a glass, so we wouldn’t blame you if you used the leftover cucumbers as an eye mask.
Muddle 1.5 ounces gin (first sign this is going to be a good drink), ¼ lime (sliced and squeezed) and a handful of mint together in a shaker. Add a few cucumber slices and shake, shake, shake. Pour into your glass of choice and top with soda water.
Peach Mule
Another staple given a summer twist. If the traditional Moscow Mule is your drink of choice, you’ll love how the added fruit and herbs bring out the sharp flavors of ginger. It’s a tad sweeter than the original recipe, but that’s what summer’s all about, right?
Fill four copper mugs (duh, we’re making Moscow Mules) with crushed ice. Add 2.5 ounces of vodka and 6 ounces of ginger beer to each glass. Squeeze half a lime into each and a couple sprigs of basil. Stir together and you’ve got yourself one heck of a drink.
Want to try these summer favorites and even more? Pop into Julington Creek Fish Camp to cool off with a strong cocktail this summer. It’s hard to go wrong with seasonal citrus and fresh herbs, and our bartenders put them to use the right way.