Summer Sipping

Summer is just about here and we're beyond excited and ready for sunshine, beautiful flowers, summer getaways, and of course, cocktails! And there's no better way to kickstart summer than to have your favorite cocktails at home! From brunch favorites to martinis to crafty cocktails, you can sip them poolside, cozied up late night by the fire pit, or when hosting an outdoor dinner party for your friends and family.

So, find a reason to celebrate, keep the oven off, eat grapes out of the freezer, and get sipping! Let's mix up these refreshing recipes that are easy to make and easy to enjoy, made with fresh, summery fruits, simple syrup, and citrus.

Paloma

• 2 oz. tequila

• 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice, with wedges for garnish

• 2 oz. sparkling water

• 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

• 1/4 oz. simple syrup

Salt the rim of your favorite glass by rubbing a grapefruit wedge around it and dipping it in sea salt. Mix all ingredients in the glass, and fill the remainder with ice. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

Cucumber Watermelon Martini

• 2 oz. cucumber vodka

• Handful of seedless watermelon cubes

• 2 limes, diced

• 2 oz. simple syrup

Combine vodka, watermelon, and lime in a cocktail shaker. Muddle all ingredients well. Add simple syrup. Fill with ice, cover, and shake until cold. Fill your favorite glass with ice and pour the cocktail over the ice.

Frozé

• Bottle of Rosé

• 2 cups of frozen strawberries

• 2 cups of frozen watermelon

• 2 oz. lime juice

• 2 oz. agave syrup or honey

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Garnish your favorite glass with lime wedges and strawberries.

Thai Basil Sangria

• 2 bottles chilled Pinot Grigio

• 1/2 cup basil simple syrup

• 3/4 cup Brandy

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• Club Soda

Make basil simple syrup by boiling 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar, 8 basil sprigs, 1 orange zest and peels, and 1 lemon zest and peels. Discard sprigs and peels, and cool. Mix basil syrup with the wine, brandy, and orange juice. Pour the sangria into an ice-filled glass, top with club soda, and garnish with an orange slice.

Summer is the season of sunshine and outdoor celebrations, and these refreshing, cool cocktails capture the season perfectly. At The Leaf, prepare to embark on a journey of taste and discover a delightful assortment of libations that will elevate your summer experience. Mixology is an art form and our skilled bartenders have crafted a selection of cocktails that capture the essence of the season. Come in and see us, cheers!

The Leaf, located in downtown Wooster, offers a vast menu, making breakfast through dinner a delightful experience! Open Tuesday through Sunday, our culinary team creates fantastic dishes that are sure to delight you. Bring a friend or dine solo for a relaxing meal away from home.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest specials and new menu items. Make your reservations at OpenTable or by calling 330-804-0126. Interested in holding your next event at The Leaf? We are happy to accommodate larger parties or planned gatherings.