Part 2 of our Summer Series :
Summer Cocktails – created by Melanie Abrantes

Fresh Herby Lemonade 

1.5 oz of Gin
1 oz of Herb Simple Syrup*
1/2 Cup of Fresh Lemon Juice (2-3 Lemons)
1 Cup Water
Ice
*Fresh Herb Simple Syrup
Handful of basil (8-10 leaves)
Handful of mint (8-10 leaves)
1/4 cup of Sugar
1 cup of Water
To make simple syrup:
Add the sugar and water into a pot and bring to a boil. Keep stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Turn off the stove and cook the mixture, about 3-5 mins. Add the herbs to the pot and stir until completely submerged. Wait at least 30 mins until the herbs are completely steeped. Store in the refrigerator overnight for an even deeper herby flavor.
Cocktail Instructions:
In a large glass add the gin, simple syrup, water and fresh lemon juice in a cup with ice. Stir to combine. Adjust for sweetness. Garnish with a basil leaf or mint sprig.
Easy Coconut Water Cocktail 
1.5 oz of Tequila
6 oz of Coconut Water (fresh or not from concentrate is best)
1 Lime
Fill a glass with ice (you can also make coconut water ice cubes beforehand if you don’t want the cocktail diluted) Add tequila and coconut water; stir to combine. Squeeze a lime for juice and garnish with a lime twist.
“My number one drink this past summer has been this stupid easy coconut water cocktail. It’s 3 ingredients and it’s incredibly refreshing on a hot day. You would be surprised by how well the coconut water masks and balances the taste of alcohol. I would splurge on a good coconut water since this is such a simple drink. Enjoy this drink while camping or picnicking, it’s super easy to pack and drink! Winning all around!”
Melanie is a cocktail drinking, adventure seeking, cork-loving author, designer, carver, and small business woman extraordinaire. (Can you tell she’s one of our BFF’s and we just LOVE her?!?) Huge thanks to Melanie for sharing these fun + easy recipes. CHEERS to making the most of this Summer, we’re raising a glass to all of you from afar!