Best cocktails for summer

Few things help you enjoy the warm summer sun setting just beyond the ocean waves better than a great summer cocktail. Whether you’re with a group of friends for happy hour in Pawleys Island or relaxing on the sand and need a simple drink to sip, the best cocktails for summer make the moment better. A number of Pawleys Island restaurants offer specialized drinks, so we’ve picked a few of our Chive Blossom favorites to recommend next time you’re sitting on the deck and need to cool off.

Classic Margarita

It’s an oldie but a goodie: the classic margarita. The secret, though, is finding the Pawleys Island bar that uses fresh squeezed lime juice to give the cocktail an authentic taste. While we can get behind a fruity strawberry or peach margarita on occasion, nothing beats a fresh margarita on the rocks with a lightly salted rim.

Lemonberry Bash

What better way to celebrate summer than with fresh lemonade? Fresh lemonade with muddled strawberries and vodka, of course. This is a perfect drink to prepare ahead of a cookout. Slice four lemons and rinse a handful of strawberries. Toss the fruit into a pitcher (squeezing the lemons) and muddle. Add one quart club soda and one cup of vodka. Stir and place the pitcher in the fridge until chilled.

Red Wine Popsicles

Here’s a cocktail you won’t find at most restaurants in Pawleys Island, but we promise it’s one of the best treats with an adult twist. In a small pot, combine ¼ C sugar and ¼ C filtered water. Heat over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves completely, squeeze one lime into the mix then set aside to cool.

Combine 1 ¼ cups red wine and 1 ¼ cups lemon-lime soda. Add cooled lime syrup and stir. Divvy the liquid into popsicle mold slots. Add the sticks and freeze overnight (or at least four hours).

Watermelon Sangria

Every Pawleys Island restaurant has its own special sangria recipe, but when summer finally arrives, there’s only way to enjoy this drink – with fresh watermelon! Cube watermelon and pineapple (about the size of ice cubes) and set it in the fridge to chill ahead of time. Once chilled, add pieces of fruit and ice cubes to your glass. Pour six ounces of Moscato wine and one ounce of brandy into the glass and stir. Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda and a fresh squeezed lime wedge.

Peach Basil Moscow Mule

If you love light, fresh cocktails from your favorite Pawleys Island bar, this Peach Basil Moscow Mule is perfect. Grab a few friends and fill four glasses with ice. Add 2 ounces of vodka and 6 ounces of ginger beer to each glass. Toss in a few pieces of fresh basil and squeeze one wedge of lemon into each glass. Stir and enjoy!

Of course, if you just want to relax and enjoy dining outside in Pawleys Island, come take a seat in the courtyard at Chive Blossom. Our comfortable environment and flavorful cocktails will help you enjoy the summer months just a little more.