The warm days are winding down, but there’s still time to soak up the sunshine with refreshing cocktails and delicious bites. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a casual dinner party, or just looking for an excuse to sip something special, these nine food and drink pairings will help you celebrate the last golden moments of summer.
1. Honey-Habanero Paloma
This spicy-sweet cocktail is the perfect way to toast the season. A touch of honey softens the heat from habanero, while tequila and grapefruit juice bring a bright, citrusy balance.
How to Make It:
- 50 ml tequila reposado
- 120 ml fresh grapefruit juice
- 15 ml lime juice
- 15 ml honey-habanero syrup (made by simmering honey with sliced habanero)
- Sparkling water
- Salt for rimming the glass
Shake all ingredients except the sparkling water with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed glass over fresh ice, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
2. Raspberry-Rose Paloma
Floral, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet, this twist on a classic paloma features raspberry syrup and a touch of rosewater for an elegant summer sip.
How to Make It:
- 50 ml tequila reposado
- 120 ml fresh grapefruit juice
- 15 ml raspberry syrup
- 2-3 drops rosewater
- Sparkling water
Shake ingredients (except sparkling water) with ice and strain into a tall glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with fresh raspberries.
3. Santa Fe Sage Cocktail
This earthy cocktail highlights fresh sage and orange bitters, making it the perfect drink for a golden hour toast.
How to Make It:
- 50 ml tequila reposado
- 15 ml sage-infused simple syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 120 ml soda water
Shake tequila, syrup, and bitters with ice, strain into a glass, and top with soda water. Garnish with a fresh sage leaf.
4. Ginger Devil
A bold mix of tequila, ginger beer, and crème de cassis, this cocktail has just the right amount of spice and sweetness.
How to Make It:
- 50 ml tequila blanco
- 15 ml ginger syrup
- 15 ml crème de cassis
- 120 ml ginger beer
Shake tequila, ginger syrup, and crème de cassis with ice. Strain into a glass, top with ginger beer, and garnish with a lime wedge.
5. Longhorn Tequila Wings
For those who love bold flavors, these tequila-marinated wings bring heat and depth to the table.
How to Make It:
- 1 kg chicken wings
- 60 ml tequila reposado
- 30 ml lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Marinate the wings for at least 2 hours, then grill or bake until crispy. Serve with cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing.
6. Tacos Norteños with Chunky Guacamole
These cheesy, skillet-cooked tacos pair perfectly with a crisp cocktail.
How to Make It:
- 500 g beef or mushrooms (for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 200 g shredded cheese
- Corn tortillas
- Chunky guacamole for serving
Cook the filling, assemble the tacos, and enjoy with your favorite paloma.
7. Pita Chip Dinner Salad with Stone Fruit & Chickpeas
A fresh, crunchy salad that balances sweetness with a hearty bite.
How to Make It:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 2 nectarines or peaches, sliced
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- Handful of pita chips
- Dressing: olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Toss everything together and serve chilled.
8. No-Mayo Peperonata Pasta Salad
This pepper-forward pasta salad skips the heavy mayo for a lighter, brighter flavor.
How to Make It:
- 300 g pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp capers
- Olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper for dressing
Sauté the peppers and onions, toss with pasta and capers, and let cool before serving.
9. Grilled Tofu Cabbage Cups with Garlicky Yogurt
A fresh, plant-based dish that pairs beautifully with any summer cocktail.
How to Make It:
- 300 g firm tofu, cubed
- 1/2 head cabbage, leaves separated
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Grill the tofu, mix the yogurt sauce, and serve in cabbage cups.
Cheers to the End of Summer!
These vibrant cocktails and easy dishes make for the perfect end-of-season celebration. Whether you’re sipping a Honey-Habanero Paloma or enjoying some grilled wings, these recipes will help you send off summer in the most delicious way possible!
