Buzz
In the summer, many people love to drink, especially outdoors, but this can result in dehydration and higher levels of intoxication. While staying hydrated and being a moderate, responsible drinker is the best way to avoid these issues, opting for lighter, low-proof cocktails can also be beneficial.
How low should the alcohol content be? That’s up to you. You can get precise by calculating ABVs using this classic dilution equation, or you can think about the ingredients. For instance, a martini, which is made entirely of alcohol, isn’t ideal for a sunny day, but an Aperol spritz works much better. Not only is Aperol already lower in alcohol, but it’s mixed with soda water. It may not be a sports drink, but it’s definitely less intense than a straight-up, stirred martini. Here are a few of my favorite ‘sessionable’ drinks, in no particular order.
Shandies
These simple beer-based cocktails are perfect because they are affordable, require no special equipment, and can be customized with any sour drink of your choice. They work best with inexpensive, nearly tasteless, highly carbonated beers, so leave your IPAs and Belgians aside. Just fill a glass with ice, pour in some beer until it’s halfway full, then top it with lemonade, limeade, grapefruit soda (the fizzier, the better!), or even a splash of kombucha.
Spritzes and Spritzers
While the Aperol spritz is the most popular, you can actually create a spritz with any amaro by following a simple formula: three parts sparkling, two parts liqueur, and about one part soda water. Amari like Cynar, Campari, Suze, and Avèze make wonderfully bitter spritzes, but sweeter alternatives such as Crème Yvette and Lillet can work too, especially when paired with a dry sparkling wine.
Spritzers are a bit different, primarily because they skip the liqueur. You mix wine (typically white) with something fizzy (usually soda water), and voila, you’ve got a spritzer. The key to crafting the ideal spritzer lies in choosing the right wine. You need one with enough character to hold up against all that soda water, while avoiding overly delicate wines. (And, of course, I’d recommend steering clear of expensive bottles, but I can’t speak to your wine budget.) My favorites are Riesling and Gewürztraminer, as even cheaper, slightly too sweet varieties can be saved with a bit of dilution. For the best ratio, I prefer three parts wine to one part soda, but feel free to adjust to half-and-half if you need extra hydration or are dealing with an overly syrupy wine. For an extra touch, consider adding some bitters.
Don’t hesitate to replace plain seltzer with soda pop, or even swap out white wine for another variety. Squirt—especially the Mexican version—adds a delightful grapefruit twist, and Coca-Cola (both regular and cherry), Cheerwine, and Dr. Pepper all surprisingly pair well with bold reds. (This is called a 'kalimotxo.' It’s a drink popular among Spanish teens! Want to feel cool like a Spanish teen?)
Sodas and Tonics
Next, we have the ‘something and soda’ or ‘something and tonic’ category. These drinks pack a little more punch, as they include some 80-proof spirits, but they are still much lighter than a martini. The method is straightforward—pour in an ounce or an ounce and a half of a spirit you enjoy, then top it with soda water, and maybe add a wedge of citrus for extra zest.
If you're going the tonic route, be sure to choose a high-quality one (check out our guide on that here), and remember that you can always dilute it with plain soda water if you prefer just a hint of quinine (and sugar). Don’t limit yourself to gin—consider lower-proof options like aperitif wines and liqueurs as well.
What do you reach for when it’s unbearably hot outside? Does your drinking preference shift with the seasons? And, is the term “sessionable” just plain silly? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
