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Summer is the perfect time for get-togethers, when long days and warm nights invite us to step outside and enjoy the season with friends. Whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue, a sunset picnic at the park, or a rooftop hangout, these gatherings have a special kind of magic. The relaxed vibe of summer makes it easy to reconnect, share laughter, and create memories that last well beyond the season. And no summer hangout is complete without refreshing drinks to help us cool down and add to the festive mood. 

Cool Down with Summer Drinks

Fun summer cocktails like mezcal margaritas, watermelon martinis, or sparkling rose spritzers become staples at these events. With fresh ingredients like mint, citrus, and seasonal fruits, these drinks are as flavorful as they are colorful. Our Middlebury Martini is the perfect choice for a chilled drink, straight up.

For those who prefer zero-proof options, mocktails with muddled berries, soda water, and a squeeze of lime keep the vibe going without the buzz. Our hand thrown Tea Bowl is the perfect size. 

Summer is the perfect time for fresh ingredients

Make the most of season with fresh local produce with a summer salad. It's light, hydrating, and packed with  flavor and nutrition. During hot weather, heavy meals can feel overwhelming, but a crisp salad keeps you energized without weighing you down. Danforth's potters have created a customer favorite, the low salad bowl. It's just the right size for any summer dish. 

The beauty of summer gatherings isn’t just the setting or the drinks—it’s the people. There’s something about the sunshine and open air that makes conversations flow more easily, and laughter come more freely. Friends sit around fire pits or sprawl across blankets, catching up on life or just enjoying each other’s presence in the moment. Even spontaneous plans—a quick meet-up at the lake or a last-minute potluck—often become the highlight of the week.

Our favorite Summer recipes

Easy Limeade: 

Prep: 15 min, Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lime juice (from about 4-6 limes)
• 3 cups water, divided
• 1 cup sugar
• Grated zest of 1 lime
• Several sprigs of fresh mint

Instructions:

1. Combine lime juice and water: Add the lime juice to 2 cups of water and stir.
2. Make a lime zest infused simple syrup.
   1. In a small saucepan bring the sugar, remaining 1 cup of water and lime zest to a boil. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove it from the heat and let cool for a few minutes. 
   2. Place a strainer over a bowl and pour the simple syrup through it, straining out the zest.
3. Sweeten the lime juice mixture:
   1. Add 3/4 cup simple syrup to the lime juice mixture and stir to combine. Taste for sour/sweetness balance. If it's too tart, add more syrup.
4. Serve:
   1. Add several sprigs of fresh mint to the pitcher. Chill or serve immediately over ice.

Enjoy!

Recipe credit: Simply Recipes. 

Try this Negroni recipe for an easy and delicious treat. 

Super easy! Bridgetown Negroni:

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Coconut Rum 
• 1 ounce red bitter (Bruto Americano or Forthave Red)
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth (Dolin)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing vessel with ice and stir till chilled.
2. Strain into the hammered Jefferson Cup over a large ice cube. 

Enjoy!

Recipe credit: punchdrink.com

Feeling like a mixologist? Try this receipe for the freshest watermelon martini you've ever had! Its light, crisp and citrusy balance will have your friends asking for a second round. 

A little more advanced! Fresh Watermelon Martini:

Servings: 1

Equipment:

• 1 Middlebury Martini
• 1 muddler
• 1 cocktail shaker
• 1 jigger or shot glass
• 1 strainer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh watermelon
• Ice
• 1 1/2 ounce gin or vodka
• 3/4 ounce elderflower liqueur
• 1/2 ounce lime

Instructions:

1. Place Middlebury Martini in fridge to chill.
2. Add watermelon to cocktail shaker and muddle to form a puree (press down on the melon with the muddler and turn then repeat about 10 times).
3. Add ice to fill the cocktail shaker about halfway, followed by gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice.
4. Cover cocktail shaker and shake vigorously until thoroughly mixed and chilled to touch (about eight seconds).
5. Strain or double strain cocktail into chilled glass. Garnish with fresh or frozen watermelon. You can also garnish with a lime wedge or sprig of fresh mint.
6. Enjoy!

Recipe credit: dashofjazz.com