Are you ready to kick off your summer fun on July 12 at 303’s second pool party of the season? It’s only days away, so hopefully you’ve got your tickets bought, outfit planned and your tan ready. But to really get in the mood to party, we’ve got four cocktails that are perfect for summer poolside sipping courtesy of some of our favorite Denver restaurants.

 

Wazee Supper Club’s Watermelon Rita

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Photo courtesy of Wazee Supper Club

Nothing says summer like a big, juicy slice of watermelon. But for a grown up take on this classic warm-weather favorite, take Wazee Supper Club’s advice and toss in some tequila for a fresh version of a classic cocktail:

  • 1.5 ounce silver tequila
  • .5 ounce Triple Sec
  • 4 ounce of watermelon puree
  • A splash of sweet and sour

Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin with ice and shake.

Strain mixture into a sugar rimmed glass with ice.

Garnish with an orange slice.

 

Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill’s Grapefruit & Basil Martini

Grapefruit-Basil-Martini (1)

Photo courtesy of Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill

One of my favorite additions to a summer cocktail is fresh herbs because they instantly brighten any drink. Thirsty Lion Gastropub in Union Station has created a cocktail that combines the tartness of grapefruit and the sweetness of fresh basil for the ultimate refreshing summer martini.

  • Absolut Ruby Red Vodka
  • St. Germain
  • Grapefruit Juice
  • Fresh basil
  • Fee Brothers Grapefruit Bitters
  • Lime
  • Simple Syrup

Chill martini glass prior. Muddle basil leaves, and lime wedge with ice.

Add fresh grapefruit juice, vodka, grapefruit bitters, simple syrup and St Germaine. Shake 12 times.

Strain into a sugar rimmed martini glass.

Garnish with a fresh basil leaf (hand slap to release the oils) in the center.

 

Linger’s Mai Tai

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Photo courtesy of Linger

Rum lovers rejoice: the classic Mai Tai makes it easy to bring beachy flavor to your Denver summer days. This version, courtesy of popular Highlands restaurant Linger, is sure to leave you feeling fully relaxed and ready to soak up some sun.

  • 1.5 ounceJamaican white rum
  • .5 ounce dark rum
  • .5 ounce Orange Curacao
  • .5 ounce Luxardo amaretto
  • .75 ounce lime juice
  • .25 ounce simple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

Strain into a double old fashioned glass filled with ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Buy your ticket NOW to 303 Magazine‘s Pool Party Series