The arrival of summer means barbecues, pool parties, movie blockbusters and the return of hit TV shows such as “Stranger Things” on Netflix, but if you’re someone who likes to hit the bars with your friends it also means a new slate of seasonal cocktails at many establishments.
And if you’re wondering just what some of the season’s drink trends are, look no further. Mixologists from three Southern California casinos shared what’s on trend.
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Fresh and Fruity
Nick Hirsch, mixologist for Pechanga Resort Casino near Temecula, said that summertime cocktails this season will focus on fresh fruits and vegetables.
He said citrus is commonly used in drinks year-round, but it really gets to shine in summertime cocktails as do other ingredients such as berries, melon and even vegetables like cucumbers and beets.
Hirsch said fruits such as berries and citrus work particularly well in common summertime favorites such as mojitos and margaritas and those will remain surefire bets for the summer.
Some examples of recent drinks that Hirsch has devised include a handcrafted margarita with hibiscus syrup and fresh squeezed citrus and a watermelon mojito at Great Oak Steakhouse, and a mixed berry mojito at Coveside Grill.
Terry De La Rosa, a mixologist at The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, said she’s finding similar success with garden-based ingredients, noting that two of the most popular drinks she’s serving right now are a cucumber martini and a tangerine and ginger margarita.
