It wouldn’t be fair to say Chelsea and Finn started out as drinking buddies- we started out as work buddies… and our office just happened to host a lot of after-work drinks.
The transition between a work friend and a real-life friend can be tricky, especially for two occasionally shy, somewhat socially anxious gals like us. To say a cocktail didn’t help in those early days of ‘friend-dating’ would be a lie- after a glass of wine, we relaxed and opened up and discovered we had endless things in common. Paired with our respective weirdo senses of humour… well, the rest is history.
Couples talk about their first few dates, they tell stories about the moment they knew their partner was special- we see no reason why not to tell the same kinds of stories about great friendships! The first time we knew we were Friends with a capital F, and not just work buddies, was over some very sunny patio drinks (okay, a lot of patio drinks). In tribute to that and the lovely summer season, we present to you our Top 10 Summer Sips List.
Not all of them are boozy (but all of them can be made so if you feel so inclined), but they are all 100% refreshing and perfect to cut the heat on a summer day. Enjoy with new friends and old friends alike!
xo,
Chelsea & Finn
Chelsea’s Top 5:
Rhubarb Mojitos. So pretty! So refreshing! A twist on a classic that’s sure to make you sing. These cocktails get their pretty tint from a simple, homemade rhubarb syrup (which, as a bonus, tastes fabulous drizzled over pound cake or ice cream!).
Cucumber Gin & Tonic Popsicles. Okay, so these are popsicles, not drinks. But teeeechnically it’s a frozen drink, so it counts, okay? These refreshing lollies might disappear a little too quickly, but don’t hold us responsible.
Iced Cappucino. There’s nothing like iced coffee in the summertime, especially when it’s sweet and blended and frothy. This recipe is a great copycat to the Tim Horton’s Iced Capp, which, if you’re Canadian, know is liquid crack.
Blueberry Lemon Sweet Tea. Here’s a refreshing summer sip that’s non-alcoholic, although we wouldn’t hold it against you if you added a splash of gin (we sure did! For research purposes, of course).
Mango Lassi Popsicles. Okay, another popsicle. But teeeechnically this one is also a frozen drink. If unfamiliar with a mango lassi, it’s a smoothie-type drink made from pureed mango and yogurt. Put it in popsicle form? Bliss.
Finn’s Top 5:
Naughty or Nice Ginger Lemonade. A hint of ginger and a sprig of rosemary makes this lemonade extra refreshing on a hot day. Add some bourbon if you’re feeling extra sassy (which, as discussed, we often are).
Summer Garden Gin Fizz. This cocktail takes its name from the bounty growing in our garden! Layers of fruity and herbal notes come together in this refresher- lavender, basil, peach, lemon and juniper. So very civilized, non?
Peach Julep. Take advantage of the extra juicy peaches in season now and mix up this twist on an old favourite. Recipe scales easily for a crowd so whip out your Pinterest-style spouted glass jug and do ‘er up!
Skinny B*tch Piña Coladas. I don’t know about you, but I’m partial to a summertime muumuu. Flowy maxi dresses ftw! In case you were hoping to squeeze into last summer’s jean shorts however, this pina colada recipe gives you all the flavour with a fraction of the calories.
The Hugo: Prosecco, Elderflower & Fresh Mint. Quick, easy and refreshing! The secret ingredient to this chic summer cocktail comes from IKEA. Seriously.
Hi Chelsea (and Finn)! I came across your blog. It is so colourful and food looks amazing!! will try out some when I have time 🙂 I am jealous I wanna go to some Canadian places you blogged about too
also, I’d like to let you know on this page the “rhubarb mojito” links to cucumber gin and tonic lollies, I don’t know if I am the only one experiencing this problem?
It is definitely on my to make list when the weather gets warm again <3