When the sun comes out, it’s time to stick on your best summer outfits and a top-level playlist, then get everyone around for some summertime fun. Of course, the key ingredient is an ice-cold drink, and that’s where these eight excellent summer cocktails come in.
We’ve got something guaranteed to keep any guest happy, from sweet-tasting party drinks to more refined concoctions that’ll dazzle any palate.
Best of all, you won’t need any complex ingredients or obscure mixology kit, just a few simple items and a crew of party people. Get ready to mix up a storm!
Extra Colada
Nothing says summer more than an ice-cold, creamy Piña Colada. And now this new and improved version not only levels up the creamy citrus flavours but it’s also a whole lot easier to make. Start with the Chivas Extra 13 Rum Cask* to get on that authentic Caribbean vibe, pour in a few key ingredients, then shake. Chivas 12 is a good alternative, if you fancy more of those delicious wild heather and sweet honey flavours. There’s no need for a blender with this quick and simple take on the tropical classic, but if you do have one handy, you can quickly turn this into a slushy-style drink for a throwback to those beachy summer holidays.
EXTRA COLADA WHISKY COCKTAIL RECIPE >
Hoots Mon Spritz
This cheeky Scottish-themed number is an easy one to kick things off. It makes full use of the sweet notes in Chivas Extra 13 Sherry Cask* by whipping up the aromatics with some sweet vermouth and a dash of fruity Lillet Blanc. Fill it up with ice, soda water and a sharp little lemon garnish, and you’ve got yourself a spice-rich twist on the classic Highball that stands out from the crowd.
HOOTS MON SPRITZ WHISKY COCKTAIL RECIPE >
Tropical Chivas Sour
This summertime take on the traditional Whisky Sour will dazzle your guests’ tastebuds. It’s a punchy combination of tropical fruit juice and Hungarian dessert wine, with velvety Chivas XV at the heart of it all. Thicken it up with an egg white, then balance out the powerful flavours with some calming green tea, and you’ve got a multi-layered creation full of exotic flavours, made in no time.
TROPICAL CHIVAS SOUR WHISKY COCKTAIL RECIPE >
Extra Sangria
Sangria might be closely linked with Spain and Portugal, but this Extra Sangria recipe takes it to new heights, tweaking the old school method to make it more refreshing for those summer parties. Using Chivas Extra 13 Sherry Cask as the base spirit not only adds more depth, but the Oloroso sherry casks used in maturation means that Southern Spanish flavour can be tasted in every sip. Best of all, this beautifully pink drink is heavy on the ice and soda water, making it the perfect frosty party drink. And if you have a blender to hand, you can turn this fruity favourite into a thick slushy drink for an instant cool down.
EXTRA SANGRIA WHISKY COCKTAIL RECIPE >
Mizunara Iced Coffee
Love coffee? This unique take on the refreshing iced coffee will hit the spot. Chivas Mizunara is the core of this rich, indulgent concoction, thanks to the Japanese oak casks used to selectively finish it, which infuses gentle floral flavours into the cocktail and works wonders with the creamy condensed milk. Whether they prefer a latte or a shot of espresso, this one-of-a-kind drink is bound to wow your guests.
MIZUNARA ICED COFFEE WHISKY COCKTAIL RECIPE >
Chivas Martinez Highball
Time to step things up. This Chivas Martinez Highball is a surefire way to get people’s attention so prepare for a bit of showmanship. This is a variation on the classic Martinez cocktail, but with a little more sparkle. Chivas Extra 13 Sherry Cask is the base, plus a host of different spirits that blend successfully with those rich sherry flavours. If you have an atomiser, fill it with gin and spray a light mist over the lot, then top it all off with a slice of lemon. It’s a long, sophisticated drink with years of history, and this upgrade is perfectly balanced for those peak-summer parties.
CHIVAS MARTINEZ HIGHBALL WHISKY COCKTAIL RECIPE >
The Vinivius
Citrus and summer are a perfect fit. Those sharp, zesty flavours are exactly what you need whether you’re enjoying the sun or dancing through to dusk. The Vinivius is the ultimate tangy whisky cocktail, mixing powerful orange and lime flavours with the deep flavours of Chivas Extra 13 Sherry Cask*, along with a shot of an Italian liqueur to tie all those intense tastes together. Shake it all together, carve out an elegant lime zest garnish to go alongside it, and you’ve got yourself a sharp-tasting cocktail that looks as great as it tastes.
THE VINIVIUS WHISKY COCKTAIL RECIPE >
Masters Peat and Pina
This tropical treat is a new kid on the block, created at the Chivas Masters in 2019. Chivas 12 provides the base, along with plenty of fresh, fruity pineapple and lemon juice, balanced out with a little savoury Fino sherry. The secret showstopper is the seaweed syrup which delivers a subtle but important umami element - it’s worth the extra prep. You won’t have tried anything like this before, and more importantly, neither will your guests.
