Caroline’s Picks: 5 Drinks to Try this Summer

Last year I made a list of 5 beers to try during summer, so this year I added some cocktails into the mix. Without further ado:

Seventh Son Brewing: Nimbus Iceberg

Seventh Son Brewing: Nimbus Iceberg

Nothing says “I’m a true adult” like a beer slushie! Seventh Son’s offering consists of their own Humulus Nimbus Super Pale Ale, topped with a frozen scoop of a homemade Paloma slushie. It’s bitter, citrusy, and drowning in tequila, guaranteed to cool you down once warmer temps hit.

http://seventhsonbrewing.com/

Condado Tacos: Margarita Flight

Condado Tacos: Margarita Flight

The only thing better than one fruity margarita? Three! Wash down Condado’s guacamole and salty chips with your choice of 3 mini margs, and you’ll be ready for sunshine. Choices include typical flavors such as strawberry and peach, but blood orange, prickly pear, and kiwi are wonderful selections too.

http://www.condadotacos.com/

Brothers Drake: Summer Apple Mead

Brothers Drake

I love Brothers Drake’s Apple Pie mead as much as the next gal, but it can evoke fall more than summer. The solution? Give their Summer Apple mead a whirl! This new offering is made with crisp, tart Granny Smith apples and no cidery spices. The result is all the apple goodness you want in your mead, in a much lighter version.

http://www.brothersdrake.com/

Land-Grant Brewing: Greenskeeper Session IPA

Land-Grant Brewing: Greenskeeper Session IPA

Since session IPA’s are the ideal summer beer, I had to include one on this list. Land-Grant recently started canning this drinkable brew, and it’s available in stores all over the city. With the Memorial Tournament coming up, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the start of patio season than by cracking open this 4.7% beer.

https://www.landgrantbrewing.com/

Rhubarb Sunrise

Rhubarb Sunrise

Rhubarb is one of those rare Ohio garden items that is ready early in the season. Track some down at your local farmer’s market or in the freezer section, and whip up a tangy-sweet syrup that is delicious for cocktail-making. I like to mix a few tablespoons of rhubarb syrup with Watershed vodka, a splash of orange juice, and top it off with sparking water for a perfect summer sipper. The natural pink hue can’t be beat!

See my recipe for rhubarb soda:
http://columbusculinaryconnection.com/rhubarb-soda/