As we head into the unofficial start of summer, many are looking for ways to get away and enjoy the stellar weather.
But if taking a trip isn't on your itinerary, simply finding a moment of Zen amongst the noise is still possible. West Michigan Woman caught up with Josiah Gentry, general manager, Wonderland Distilling, who offered three can't-miss summer cocktail recipes to create at home, whether you're entertaining a small group or soaking in a kiddie pool (hey, a pool is a pool).
Simple and refreshing, these cocktails are easy to make and call for ingredients you likely already have in your refrigerator or home bar. Count us in!
Bee's Knees
This classic prohibition era cocktail invented in 1921 is one of the first cocktails to use honey. Though it was originally crafted to cover up the taste of bathtub gin during prohibition, the cocktail was so delicious that it has been an essential classic for 100 years now.
- 2 oz Wonderland Gin
- .75 oz honey syrup (two-parts honey to one-part hot water, stirred to solution)
- .75 fresh squeezed lemon juice
Shake well and strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Cucumber Gimlet
Everyone knows and loves the gimlet—a drink that is as refreshing as it is strong! Muddling in some fresh cucumber takes this cocktail to the max level of refreshing.
- 2 oz Wonderland Vodka
- .75 oz fresh lime juice
- .5 oz simple syrup
Muddle three slices of fresh cucumber into the vodka. Add your other ingredients, shake well, strain into a coupe and garnish with a cucumber slice.
Strawberry Basil Smash
If a tropical vacation is on your mind, look to this fruity and refreshing cocktail for the escape you crave. Fresh, fruity and refreshing—you can't go wrong.
- 2 oz Wonderland Whiskey
- Heaping bar spoon of strawberry preserves (or muddled strawberry slices and .5 oz simple syrup)
- .5 oz lemon juice
- 3 basil leaves
Muddle the fruit and basil together in a shaker tin, add liquid ingredients and shake well. Dump entire contents into a rocks glass and garnish with a fresh strawberry (If no chunks of fruit or basil are preferred, strain over fresh ice).
For more sunny cocktails similar to the ones shared above, be sure to visit and check out Wonderland's summer cocktail menu.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
Photos courtesy of Wonderland Distilling.
