10 Cocktail Recipes from Two Favorite Local Restaurants

Last week, I did a round up of some of our favorite mocktail recipes for summer. If you’re in the mood to enjoy a cocktail, I’ve picked some of my favorite recipes for you to try at home. Going out to restaurants and ordering cocktails feel so fun and luxurious but it can get pricey. Making fresh cocktails at home is actually much easier than you may think and super fun. Especially during the summer when you can use fresh mint, rosemary, strawberries, jalapeños and lemon thyme right from your garden or the farmer’s market.

I reached out to some of our favorite local restaurants for the inside scoop on how to recreate their specialty drinks at home. Simon Pearce Restaurant in Quechee and Ransom Tavern in South Woodstock, Vermont are two of my favorite places for a one of a kind cocktail experience. Check out some of my favorite cocktail recipes below and please share some of your own in the comments below!

10 Cocktail Recipes from Two Favorite Local Restaurants

Cocktails from the Ransom Tavern in South Woodstock, VT

The Ransom Tavern in South Woodstock, Vermont is a lovely place to dine on a summer evening. Sit nestled amongst their gorgeous gardens and enjoy a delicious cocktail made by their skilled bartender/mixologist, Joe. Joe shared some of his favorite cocktail recipes from Ransom and the fine details that make it special.

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Hibiscus margarita

The Hibiscus Margarita from Ransom is one of my favorites. The perfect amount of subtle sweetness and sour create a refreshing beverage for a summer evening out in the sun. The hibiscus petals are optional but add a special touch and authenticity.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Hibiscus infused Tequila
• 3/4 oz. Orange Curacao mix
• 3/4 oz. lime juice
• Pinch of salt
• Hibiscus petal/salt garnish

Instructions:

Add ingredients to a tin and shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and hibiscus/salt rim.

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Habanero margarita

Another favorite marg from Ransom, this habanero adds the perfect amount of zip and life to your cocktail. It wakes you up and enhances your mood for a fun evening with family or friends.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Tapatio Blanco Tequila
• 3/2 oz. Orange Curacao mix
• 3/4 oz. lime juice
• 5 chunks of cucumber
• 5 drops habanero tincture
• dried lime wheel garnish

Instructions:

Add cucumber chunks to a tin and muddle. Add other ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with dried lime.

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Elderflower mezcal margarita

As I mentioned in my mocktails post last week, Elderflower is one of my favorite flavors. Over the past few years it has become popular in cocktails because of its fresh, fruity, subtle floral flavor with some hints of pear, lychee and a tropical twist. It actually has been known to have medicinal benefits especially for the immune system.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Blanco Tequila
• 1 barspoon Mezcal
• 1 o.z Elderflower Liqueur
• 3/4 oz. lime juice
• dried peashoot flowers 

Instructions:

Add ingredients to a tin and shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with pinch of dried flowers and fresh lime wheel.

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First Blush gin and tonic

This mixture of pink peppercorn and grapefruit is genius. The tartness in combination with the smokey pepper, compliments each other wonderfully and makes for a delicious summer cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Pink Peppercorn infused Gin
• 2 dashes Grapefruit Bitters
• Fever tree Grapefruit Soda
• Pink Peppercorn/Grapefruit slice garnish

Instructions:

Build ingredients in a bulb glass over ice. Stir gently. Garnish with pink peppercorn and a grapefruit wedge.

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Green Thumb gin and tonic

I love the name of this one for summer and the addition of dill, lime and citrus. Suze is also a game changer in a cocktail and the beefeater gin is so classic for a yummy G & T.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Beefeater Gin
• 1/2 oz. Suze
• 3/4 oz. Dill Syrup
• 1/2 oz. Lime Juice
• Citrus Tonic
• Dill Sprig/Lime garnish

Instructions:

Build ingredients in a bulb glass over ice. Stir Gently. Garnish with fresh dill sprig and lime wheel.

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Rosebud gin and tonic

I haven’t had this one yet, but am dying to try it! Featuring Vermont’s very own Green Mountain Gin and Cocchi Rosa with some lemon and tonic for a bit of sour and bitter to balance the sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Green Mountain Gin
• 1 oz. Cocchi Rosa
• 1/2 oz. Lemon juice
• Indian Tonic
• Lemon wheel/dried rose petal garnish

Instructions:

Build ingredients in a bulb glass over ice. Stir gently. Garnish with a lemon wheel and dried rose petals

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Cocktails from Simon Pearce Restaurant in Quechee, VT

Simon Pearce Restaurant in Quechee, Vermont was voted one of “America’s most romantic restaurants” by Time and Leisure and there is no doubt it in my mind about it. Aside from the gorgeous views of the falls, classic white tablecloths, and their exquisite glassware on display, the cocktails at Simon Pearce take the magic and romance to a new level. Below are a few of our favorites from their blog.

Cucumber Margarita

This cucumber marg from Simon Pearce is oh so refreshing and delicious. The cucumber adds such a nice touch. I love a marg and tequila is my favorite spirit. For this cocktail you will need to prep ahead of time in order to make the cucumber infused tequila.

Honey Grapefruit Martini

This honey grapefruit martini with Vermont’s Barr Hill Gin and a delicious homemade honey, lime and grapefruit mix and topped with a sprig of rosemary or thyme is delish. Simon Pearce recommends the Benson Martini glass for an optimal drinking experience. Bon appetite!

Negroni Sbagliato

There is nothing better than a nice refreshing spritz on a warm summer evening. Simon Pearce’s Negroni Sbaliato is so lovely. Pour it into a Vintner Flute for an authentic, fancy feel.

Watermelon Lime Cooler

What’s better than the refreshing taste of watermelon in the summer? This cocktail recipe is super simple with a lime simple syrup, watermelon juice and vodka. Yum!

What are your favorite cocktail recipes for summer? Let us know if you try any of our favorites and how you like them!