The Best Drinks for Lake Days Mon, Sep 18, 23 The sun is shining, the water’s calling, and you’re ready for an epic lake day. But what’s missing? The perfect drink! Whether you’re floating on a raft, grilling on the shore, or showing off your cannonball skills, these best drinks for lake days will keep you refreshed and ready to soak up the summer vibes. From timeless classics to tropical delights, here’s your ultimate guide to lake-worthy beverages. From timeless classics to tropical delights, here’s your ultimate guide to lake-worthy beverages. The Tequila Sunrise History & Pop Culture:Originating in the 1930s at the Agua Caliente Resort in Tijuana, Mexico, this cocktail's layered appearance inspired its name. It became iconic in the 1970s thanks to its simplicity and the Eagles' song "Tequila Sunrise." Why It’s Perfect for the Lake:With its vibrant layers resembling a sunrise, this cocktail is visually stunning and easy to make with just three ingredients. It's sweet, fruity, and low in alcohol—perfect for leisurely lake days. Cox’s Tequila Sunrise Recipe Ingredients: 2 oz tequila 4 oz orange juice 1/2 oz grenadine Ice Orange slice and cherry for garnish Instructions: Fill a glass with ice. Pour tequila and orange juice over the ice and stir gently. Slowly pour grenadine into the glass. It will sink and create the sunrise effect. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry. 🎶 Tequila Time Awaits! From sipping neat to mixing the ultimate cocktails, discover the best tequila for every moment. Find Your Perfect Lake Day Tequila. 🌊🍋 The Pink Lady History & Pop Culture:The Pink Lady gained fame in the 1930s as a glamorous drink for high-society women. Its frothy texture and delicate color made it a hit, with appearances in classic films and TV. Why It’s Perfect for the Lake:Sweet, tart, and with a light, frothy finish, the Pink Lady is as refreshing as it is photogenic. Cox’s Pink Lady Recipe Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz gin 1/2 oz applejack 1/4 oz grenadine 1 egg white Ice Lemon twist for garnish Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker without ice and shake vigorously. Add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist. 🌸 Mix Magic with Gin! Discover the perfect gin to create Pink Ladies, refreshing G&Ts, and more. Explore Our Gin Collection today! 🍸 The Classic Mimosa History & Pop Culture:A brunch classic invented at the Ritz Hotel in Paris in 1925, the Mimosa has become synonymous with daytime celebrations. Why It’s Perfect for the Lake:Light, bubbly, and citrusy, it’s a simple drink that pairs well with lake snacks like fruit and pastries. Cox’s Classic Mimosa Recipe Ingredients: 3 oz sparkling wine 3 oz orange juice Orange slice for garnish Instructions: Pour orange juice into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine and stir gently. Garnish with an orange slice. 🍾 Pop, Pour, and Sparkle! Brunch at the lake isn’t complete without a classic Mimosa. Explore our selection of premium sparkling wines to start sipping! 🥂 Caribbean Rum Punch History & Pop Culture:This tropical classic hails from the Caribbean, where rum punches have been a staple of island life for centuries. Why It’s Perfect for the Lake:Fruity, refreshing, and shareable, it’s ideal for serving in large batches to keep your crew hydrated and happy. Cox’s Caribbean Rum Punch Recipe Ingredients: 3 oz light rum 1 oz dark rum 1/2 oz grenadine 2 oz pineapple juice 2 oz orange juice Ice Lime wedge and cherry for garnish Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and a cherry. 🏝️ Set Sail with the Perfect Rum! Nothing says lake vibes like a tropical Caribbean Rum Punch. Stock up on premium rum and craft the ultimate boating cocktail. Shop Rum Now and make a splash! 🍹⚓ The Tom Collins History & Pop Culture:A 19th-century creation, the Tom Collins was immortalized in print by Jerry Thomas, the “father of American mixology.” Why It’s Perfect for the Lake:This gin-based cocktail is fizzy, lemony, and incredibly refreshing—perfect for sipping while you lounge on the dock. Cox’s Tom Collins Recipe Ingredients: 2 oz gin 1 oz simple syrup 1 oz lemon juice Club soda Ice Lemon slice and cherry for garnish Instructions: Combine gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry. 🍋 The Perfect Gin for the Perfect Collins! Mix up a refreshing Tom Collins with the smooth, slightly sweet flavor of Hayman’s Old Tom Gin. Crafted to enhance this classic cocktail, it’s the ideal choice for your next lake day. Try Hayman’s Old Tom Gin Now and sip in style! 🍸🌞 The Mint Julep History & Pop Culture:First appearing in the 18th century, the Mint Julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938. Why It’s Perfect for the Lake:Minty, sweet, and served over crushed ice, it’s cooling and elegant—ideal for hot afternoons. Cox’s Mint Julep Recipe Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon 1/2 oz simple syrup 10 mint leaves Crushed ice Mint sprig for garnish Instructions: Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in a julep cup or glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice and add bourbon. Stir well and garnish with a mint sprig. 🌿 Perfectly Minty, Perfectly Easy! Crafting the ultimate Mint Julep has never been easier. Pair Woodford Reserve Mint Julep Simple Syrup with your favorite bourbon for a refreshingly smooth lake-day cocktail. Shop Woodford Reserve Simple Syrup Now and sip Southern perfection! 🥃🌞 The John Daly History & Pop Culture:A cheeky twist on the Arnold Palmer, this cocktail was named after professional golfer John Daly, known for his love of boozy beverages. It’s a staple at golf clubhouses and a favorite for summer sippers. Why It’s Perfect for the Lake:Combining iced tea, lemonade, and vodka, this drink is light, hydrating, and super easy to make in large batches for sharing. Cox’s John Daly Recipe Ingredients: 2 oz vodka 4 oz lemonade 4 oz iced tea Ice Lemon wedge for garnish Instructions: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour vodka, lemonade, and iced tea into the glass and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon wedge. 🍋 Tee Off Your Lake Day! Named for the legendary golfer, the John Daly is the boozy twist your lake day needs. Start with premium vodka from our Vodka Collection and enjoy the perfect sip! 🛶🍹 The Bloody Mary History & Pop Culture:The Bloody Mary dates back to the 1920s and has become a brunch mainstay. With its rich flavor and versatility, it has appeared in countless movies and TV shows as the ultimate “morning-after” drink. Why It’s Perfect for the Lake:Packed with tomato juice, spices, and savory garnishes, it’s basically a meal in a glass. Great for mornings by the water when you need a little pick-me-up. Cox’s Bloody Mary Recipe Ingredients: 2 oz vodka 4 oz tomato juice 1/2 oz lemon juice 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce 2 dashes hot sauce Pinch of salt and pepper Ice Celery stick, pickle spear, or olives for garnish Instructions: Fill a shaker with ice and add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with your favorite savory toppings. 🍅 Bloody Brilliant! Take your Bloody Mary game to the next level with Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix. Skip the tomato juice and enjoy the perfect blend of spices and flavor in every sip. Shop Zing Zang Now and make every lake day unforgettable! 🍹☀️ The Piña Colada History & Pop Culture:Invented in Puerto Rico in the 1950s, the Piña Colada is a tropical icon. Thanks to its creamy, fruity flavor, it’s been featured in songs, movies, and beach bars worldwide. Why It’s Perfect for the Lake:This coconut-pineapple dream is a mini-vacation in a glass. Its creamy texture and tropical flavors make it a fun and indulgent treat for sunny days. Cox’s Piña Colada Recipe Ingredients: 2 oz white rum 2 oz coconut cream 4 oz pineapple juice Ice Pineapple wedge and cherry for garnish Instructions: Add rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and ice to a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into a chilled glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry. 🥥 Your Piña Colada’s Best Friend! Bring the tropics to your lake day with the smooth and versatile flavor of Bacardi Superior White Rum. It’s the perfect base for crafting creamy, fruity Piña Coladas that’ll transport you to paradise. Shop Bacardi Superior Rum Now and start blending! 🍍🍹 The Classic Sangria History & Pop Culture:This Spanish classic has been a go-to party drink for centuries, mixing wine, fruit, and spirits. Sangria is beloved for its versatility and has appeared in countless celebrations worldwide. Why It’s Perfect for the Lake:Refreshing, fruity, and easily customizable, Sangria is a crowd-pleaser that can be made with red or white wine and tailored with your favorite fruits. Cox’s Classic Sangria Recipe Ingredients: 1 bottle of red or white wine 1/2 cup brandy 1/4 cup orange liqueur 2 cups soda water 2 tbsp sugar (optional) Assorted fruits (e.g., oranges, lemons, berries) Ice Instructions: In a large pitcher, combine wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar. Add sliced fruits and stir well. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Serve over ice and top with soda water. 🍇 Brandy Makes the Sangria! Elevate your Sangria with a splash of premium brandy for that perfect balance of flavor and depth. From classic recipes to creative twists, the right brandy makes all the difference. Browse Our Brandy Selection and start mixing your signature Sangria today! 🍷🍊 The Classic Margarita History & Pop Culture:While its origins are debated, the Margarita became widely popular in the 20th century. Its refreshing combination of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur makes it a timeless favorite. Why It’s Perfect for the Lake:The tangy citrus and salted rim make it refreshing and hydrating. Serve it frozen for extra chill factor on hot afternoons. Cox’s Classic Margarita Recipe Ingredients: 2 oz tequila 1 oz lime juice 1 oz orange liqueur Ice Salt for rimming the glass Lime wedge for garnish Instructions: Rim the glass with salt and fill with ice. Combine tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into the glass. Garnish with a lime wedge. 🌞 Patrón + Margaritas = Perfection! From the tang of lime to the smoothness of Patrón, this is how Margaritas were meant to be made. Find Patrón Tequila and get mixing! 🍹 The Classic Gin and Tonic History & Pop Culture:This classic cocktail originated in the 19th century when British soldiers in India mixed quinine (found in tonic water) with gin to combat malaria. Today, it’s a staple of elegant and casual gatherings alike. Why It’s Perfect for the Lake:Light, crisp, and endlessly customizable with flavored tonics or herbal garnishes, the Gin and Tonic is a refreshing choice for relaxing by the water. Cox’s Gin and Tonic Recipe Ingredients: 2 oz gin 4 oz tonic water Ice Lime wedge or cucumber slice for garnish Instructions: Fill a glass with ice. Pour gin and tonic water over the ice and stir gently. Garnish with lime or cucumber. 🍸 Staff Pick for the Perfect G&T! Castle & Key Roots of Ruin Dry Gin is our staff’s top choice for crafting the ultimate Gin & Tonic. Its bold botanical flavors pair perfectly with your favorite tonic for a refreshing and sophisticated sip. Shop Castle & Key Gin Now and discover why it’s a standout! 🌿✨ Cheers to the Perfect Lake Day! Thank you for choosing Cox’s to help you craft the ultimate lake day experience. Whether you’re shaking up Margaritas, blending Piña Coladas, or sipping on a classic Gin & Tonic, we’re here to make sure you have everything you need for refreshing, lake-ready cocktails. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram—we’d love to see your lake-day adventures and the delicious drinks you create. Here’s to great times, tasty cocktails, and unforgettable memories. Cheers! 🍹🌊☀️ By inquiries@coxslouisville.com