Recipes: Up Your Cocktail Game

Let the summer celebrations begin! Whether you are preparing for a July 4th outdoor gathering or practicing a virtual happy hour with friends, we’ve got some great recipes that will elevate your cocktails. Infuse your drink with some Miami spice by trying out the Lychee Moscow Mule, add international intrigue with a refreshing Cuban Special, or taste the essence of summer with a Watermelon Margarita. You really can’t go wrong by boldly expanding your bartending skills. Drink responsibly, stay socially distant and be sure to share some laughs with friends and family! 

Lychee Moscow Mule

When on Miami Beach, be sure to taste this delicious treat from Sushi Garage. Until then, you can re-create the magic at home with this easy recipe. 

  • 1 ½ oz vodka
  • ¼ oz lychee liqueur, such as Soho Liqueur
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 ½ oz lychee puree
  • 1 ½ ginger beer
  • Fresh mint sprigs

Add all ingredients into a shaker and strain into a copper mug with ice. Garnish with 2 mint sprigs and 1 lychee. 

Cuban Special

"Que Rico!" ("So Delicious!") is what you'll be saying once you've tried this tasty cocktail. Given that Cuba is only 90 miles from Key West, we love to bring the tropical influences of this island nation into our daily lives (and flavors) in Miami. You’ll be Salsa dancing in no time!

  • 1 ½ oz Light rum
  • ¾ oz Triple sec liqueur
  • 2 oz fresh pineapple juice
  • ¼ oz fresh lime juice

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled old fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange zest twist. 

Watermelon Margarita 

What captures the magic of summer better than the invigorating, refreshing taste of watermelon? Cool off with a salty/sweet margarita that is blended to perfection. You’re just five easy steps away from cocktail heaven with this recipe from www.magicskillet.com (makes 4 cocktails). 

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 4 cups watermelon, cubed
  • 2 cups strawberries, cleaned & hulled
  • 1 ½ cups tequila
  • ½ cup orange liqueur
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice
  • Salt and sugar for rims of glasses
  • Cubed watermelon & blueberries for garnish
  1. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar & orange zest. Mix well & bring to a boil. Boil for approx. 1 – 2 minutes, until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, strain out orange zest & set aside. Allow to completely cool.
  2. Meanwhile, in a blender, combine cubed watermelon and strawberries. Blend until smooth. Poor mixture over the strainer into a large bowl to remove solids.
  3. Return juice to a blender, add remaining ingredients and blend well. Pour mixture into a pitcher & refrigerate for 2 hours. 
  4. In a small mixing bowl, combine salt & sugar. Stir well. Put mixture on a plate. Rub the rim of glasses with a ¼ lime slice and dip them in salt/sugar.
  5. Pour watermelon mixture into glasses filled with cubes of ice. Garnish with watermelon cubes & fresh blueberries.


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