Fun Summer Drinks (Part 1)

I have something a little different lined up for the blog today and am proud to introduce you to one of my very best friends, Laura Iosue. This is the first guest post on The Lifestyle Project, and despite the fact that Laura isn’t a blogger herself, she offered to write an amazing two-piece article about this summer’s hottest (yet coolest) drinks. Considering that yesterday was the first day of summer, I think it’s perfect timing to share some Fun Summer Drinks (Part 1)! 

Image via Sarah Hearts

After what felt like the longest winter ever, the summer is finally showing its beautiful sun-kissed face and what better way to celebrate this long awaited season than to kick back and pour yourself a glass of awesome.


Last summer kick-started some great new trends in the wonderful world of alcoholic beverages and these trends have continued to grow in popularity for the summer of 2013, with even more new brands and flavours hitting the shelves.   

Premixed cocktails

Whether I'm entertaining or just relaxing with a few drinks out on the patio, pre-mixed cocktails are definitely this season's must-haves in my fridge. Step one: crack open. Step two: pour over ice. With all the hundreds of different flavour combinations available now, it's an easy and budget-friendly way to enjoy a bevy without having to buy several different kinds of alcohol and mixers.
  
My favourite pre-mixed drinks are the products that are low in sugar, made with natural flavours and even organic ingredients. These products are not only easy on the calorie in-take, but you also get less of that sugar-induced intoxication (ie: less of a hangover the next morning). Here are some of my personal favourite summer drinks:
  
1. Betty's Vodka Iced Tea (Peach and raspberry flavours) 5% alc/vol. Lightly carbonated and made with certified organic fair trade white peony tea and natural flavours of peach or raspberry.
  
2. Black Fly Vodka Citrus and Vodka Cranberry 7% alc/vol. This Canadian-made brand is a perfect example of a low sugar cocktail. Real fruit juices, slightly sweetened with cane sugar and lightly carbonated for a really refreshing drink.

3. Palm Bay Coco-Melon Paradise 5% alc/vol. Yummy! Think of honey-dew and coconut with a slight twist of citrus for this new flavour in the Palm Bay line of premium vodka coolers.

  
4. Cayman Jack Spiced Rum Blood Orange and Prickly Pear 5% alc/vol. For the spiced rum lovers, here is a really unique combination of tropical flavours mixed with spiced rum. Surprisingly delicious and made in Canada! 
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Now you know I love me some wine (as you might have seen here or there) but I'm always open to mixing it up! All of these drinks are personal recommendations from Laura and I'm so excited to try them out on this first weekend of summer. Cheers to a great weekend everyone :)

See ya next week for Part 2!