It’s summertime, and the sippin’ is easy. But if you plan on day-drinking under the hot sun, you better pace yourself. Might we suggest a low-ABV cocktail? Using vermouths, liqueurs, and sparkling wines, these drinks pack all the flavor of a regular cocktail but with less alcohol, making them a perfect fit for long, lazy days by the pool or extended backyard revelry. Here are five fresh takes on low-ABV cocktails, plus two classics, that will quench your thirst and keep you upright all summer long.
Bitter & Twisted
Created by: Tim Harris, Burke & Wills, New York
Ingredients
1.5 oz Aperitivo Cappelletti (or substitute a 50/50 mix of Aperol and Campari)
1.5 oz. dry white wine
1.5 oz. club soda
2 dashes grapefruit bitters
Directions: Build in a large wine glass with ice, and stir. Garnish with a grapefruit peel.
The Golden #1
Created by: Enzo Cangemi, Babbalucci, New York
Ingredients
1.25 oz. Frangelico
1/4 oz. coffee syrup
2 dashes chocolate mole bitters
Prosecco
Directions: Build in a champagne flute. Top off with chilled prosecco.
Make it Count
Created by: Pamela Wiznitzer, Seamstress, New York
Ingredients
2 oz. Campari
1 oz. Perfect Puree Blood Orange
1/2 oz. Honey Syrup
Splash Soda Water
Directions: Build drink in a Collins glass, add ice, and stir. Garnish with the orange chip clipped to the side of the glass.
