As many posts and articles start, what a strange time we are in. The world seems to be in a crazy state, and given quarantine, partial openings, canceled vacations and sporting events, and several random cold snaps, does it really feel like summer? At YPK we were reminiscing about plans and events we would have been attending if the pandemic never arose, which brought us to this conclusion: It might be time to step-up our summer quaran-tini game!

No one wants to invest in a full bar at home, but maybe you’re looking for something a little more adventurous than a local craft beer. Until our favorite haunts open again, here are a few cocktails and mocktails we’d like to suggest to help bring the summer sips to your home!

But first, knowing how to make your own simple syrup is essential. This key ingredient is used in a lot of drinks, and who wants to buy simple syrup when you have everything you need in your house?

Simple Syrup Recipe

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup water

Pour ingredients into a small pan on the stove over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Once the syrup is cool, pour it into a glass jar with a lid. Keep in the fridge for up to a month!

The Summer Classic: A Margarita

A classic, refreshing, summer drink with some simple ingredients. Grab a short glass, rub the rim with a slice of lime, then dip the rim in salt. In a cocktail shaker, shake together two parts quality tequila, one part lime juice and one part triple sec with ice. Strain, serve and enjoy.

Mocktail substitute: Wanna take the alcohol out? Simply leave out the tequila and sub in some orange juice for the triple sec!

New Original: The Moscow Mule

It seems like just a few years ago that copper mugs showed up all over the place and Moscow mules were the new rage. And, did you know that this drink actually originated in the 1940’s in Manhattan and not Moscow? It turns out that a couple of traders wanted to sell more of their product, made with vodka and ginger beer, and thus the Moscow mule was born! A Moscow mule is typically made and served in a copper mug. Squeeze around 1 tablespoon of lime juice over ice cubes then add a lime wedge. Pour in one part vodka, top with three parts ginger beer, stir and serve.

Mocktail substitute: This substitute is possibly the easiest! Just get some spicy ginger beer or regular ginger ale that is free of alcohol and follow all the same steps.

Use What Ya Got: Dark ‘n’ Stormy

Need to use up some of that ginger beer or ale you got for your Moscow mule? Try out a dark ‘n’ stormy by adding in some dark rum! Fill a highball glass with ice cubes and add two thirds dark rum and one third ginger beer. Add a tablespoon of lime juice, garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

Mocktail substitute: Mellow it out by using extra-spicy ginger soda to replace the alcohol's distinctive bite. Then use allspice syrup (you can use the traditional liqueur for a low-alcohol version) to replace the complexity of rum.

Derby Throwback: The Mint Julep

If you’ve got some whisky or bourbon around, maybe some mint in your herb garden and the simple syrup from earlier, this will make a great summer cocktail. Muddle eight mint leaves with one quarter part sugar syrup. Add one part bourbon and pack tightly with crushed ice. Stir with a long-handled spoon and top with more ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Mocktail substitute: Take out the bourbon, and sub in 2 oz (1/4 cup) of lemonade!

Browse more fun, summer cocktail recipes at  Love Food. 

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