The sun is out and the weather is getting warm so you know what that means—it’s officially time to kick off our summer plans.
While the days are longer and the beach is calling our names, we know that one thing is for sure : we want to get our drink on. There’s something about sunshine and good cocktails that make us feel amazing.
Summer BBQs and rooftop bars are what we all live for.
In the warm weather, there’s nothing better than getting together with friends and family to celebrate a bit. Cocktails and sunshine are synonymous with a good summer. But, not all cocktails are equal.
Drinking in the sunshine can be dangerous.
For one, the sun is a brutal dehydration station. The more you’re outdoors in the sunshine, the hotter and more drained you feel. Drinking alcohol, of course, dehydrates you, too. The two can be a crazy combination if you are not careful.
We’re definitely not trying to pound shots in the sun.
Drinking alcohol in the sun has to be done in moderation and, if you’re as smart as my mom, you’d supplement with water in between all of your drinks.
To last in the sun, you should drink responsibly.
Many experts say that drinking in the sun requires some good tips. First, you should try to eat if you’re going to be drinking for a while—food will ensure you don’t get trashed super easily and quickly.
You should also drink alcohol with less ABV.
ABV is about how much alcohol percentage is actually in a beverage. The lower ABV drinks are perfect for a day when you are going to be in the sun, so you don’t get blackout drunk or dehydrated.
Not to mention, it can save you some calories.
You can also cut down on the sugar and calories in drinks when your ABV is lower. Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a delicious cocktail that met all of your needs?
Fortunately, we’re here to help.
Bartender Natasha David came up with a great drink in her new book, Drink Lightly that will help keep you hydrated but also give you a little buzz on the days with the ladies out by the pool.
Called “Jam Session,” it’s a 3-ingredient cocktail that’s easy to make.
The cocktail combines fino sherry, ginger kombucha, and fresh watermelon juice. Yes, that’s it. It’s refreshing, delicious, and also pretty low-cal so you can cut back on those extras.
The kombucha is actually a huge helper.
Kombucha has a ton of health benefits and it’s great for your body and your mind. Having it in a drink gives you some flavor and helps you feel good, too—so it’s a win/win.
Plus, watermelon is hydrating.
The watermelon juice in the drink leaves your body hydrated, so you won’t feel hot and faint in the summer sun. Plus, the sherry isn’t as strong as say, tequila, so you won’t get too drunk too fast.
Here’s the recipe!
1 (750 ml) bottle fino sherry
1 (375 ml) bottle ginger kombucha, such as Health-Ade Ginger-Lemon
12 ounces fresh watermelon juice
5 cucumber slices (seedless), plus more for garnishing each glass
Combine all the ingredients in a huge pitcher with ice. It’ll serve about 6 to 8 of your favorite friends. Cheers!
