Easy Drinking

There's a noticeable shift toward low and noABV drinks, and for good reason. When I'm looking for something easy drinking, it likely checks off that box, plus, not overly sweet or bitter (read: smooth!), and usually bubbly.

My goto for a park hang or barbecue is a Chelada. Light beer, such as Pacifico or Modelo, fresh lime juice, and a heavily salted rim. That's it. Perfect in all its simplicity: crisp, hydrating, and made for day drinking. A Michelada will do the trick for a more complex but equally delicious take. Layered with lime, tomato, or Clamato juice, a kick of chili, and a chamoy and Tajín rim. It's the lowabv sibling of the Bloody Mary, with a spicier and considerable kick.

Then there's the spritz, or wineforward cocktails like a Ros Royale, which isn't too sweet as it uses elderflower liquor, a dry, crisp ros, and is finished with club soda. Then there's your classic, Aperol Spritz, or its sister, Sun Kissed Spritz, , where peach liqueur adds a juicy undertone. I think white sangria is the perfect batched drink for a crowd, but honestly, I never know which fruit to use, so I start with a base recipe like aCitrus Rose Sangria and go from there. Not low ABVbut very drinkableis aBees Knee, a timeless balance of tart and smooth. This lemonforward classic uses gin, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice for a cocktail that's effortlessly elegant.

Tropical Paradise and Poolside Fun

Soft, tropical, and just the right amount of floral, the Coconut Rose Margarita will transport you to a beautiful beachside paradise. Then there's the bold, golden punch of pineappleforward drinks like the Perfect Pineapple Margarita and Pineapple Highball. Or, something a bit more refreshing, like a Watermelon Mint Mojito or Watermelon Basil Margarita. If you're leaning into the blended vibes, go for a Cloudburst Colada: a little banana, a little pineapple, a little coconut.

Timeless Classics Elevated 

Call me a purist, but a good Martini tells a lot about a person. Because you shouldn't have to choose between vodka OR gin, there's the 50/50 Martini, the slightly refined take. For those looking to try something a bit more unique, how about Coco Chanel's Favorite Martini? Another staple, ohsofrothy and a bit sweet, is the Clover Club, which, fun fact, originated in my hometown: Philly. For something more lowkey, you could try the Bloom and Breeze, which is still gin and equally impressive but more gardentea partyesque.

My Top 3 for 2025 

Remember when you could walk into a bar, tell them what you were into, and they'd justmake you something based on vibes alone? These three drinks make me feel seen in that same way. The top of my list for this summer is the Oaxacan Gold. Mezcal brings the smoke and depth while the lime keeps it light. It feels simple and yet sophisticated, served in a coupe. Then there's the Overdrive Tonic. I usually steer clear of super sweet drinks, but this one's made with Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur, and it just sounds so bright and tangy in all the right ways. But, I fear the one I will keep returning to is The Night Before. Tart and refreshing with grapefruit, just a touch of honey simple syrup, and juniper notes from gin (or totally NA), it's going over ice and maybe even with a splash of seltzer.