June is National Camping Month! (we can only assume this was created in some northern state where it’s a high of 80 in June!) Camping is a great way to get out and see America the beautiful in all its glory. Gathering around a campfire with your favorite pals can be the perfect vacation from the everyday hustle and bustle of modern life. Some of us here at Spec’s are avid outdoor enthusiasts while others prefer a shower and a tv; so, for this collection of campfire cocktails we’ve relied on our campers to present you with tried and true beverages of a wilder nature.
(These cocktails were crafted with everyday items typically found in backpacks or camping sites as well as some preplanned items specific to cocktail preparation.)
Morning Woods
Two camping staples – coffee and whiskey mixed with the campfire classic marshmallow. The marshmallows replace the need for added sugar and provide just enough creaminess to make up for the lack of heavy cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly brewed coffee
- 1-2 oz. whiskey
- 1 bag of mini marshmallows
Directions
- Pour piping hot coffee into a mug
- Add whiskey
- Add mini marshmallows to taste
- Kickback and stare into the campfire!
Wandering Mule
A spin on the standard Moscow Mule that doesn’t require a fancy copper cup or ice.
Ingredients
- 1 American Lager Beer
- 5 oz. Vodka
- 3 oz. Ginger Ale
- 1 Single-Serving Packet of Instant Lemonade
Directions
- Drink a little more than ¼ of the beer.
- Add vodka to the beer
- Add Ginger Ale
- Pour lemonade into the can or bottle
- Swirl gently and enjoy!
Old Fashioned Pioneer
A rustic twist on the classic Old Fashioned.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Bourbon
- .75 oz. Maple Syrup
- .5 oz Club Soda
Directions
- Pour bourbon in a cup
- Add maple syrup and swirl briefly
- Add club soda
- Sit back and enjoy!
Backwoods BlackBerry Smash
This one requires a little foraging which you can disguise as an impromptu nature hike.
Ingredients
- 4 Blackberries freshly picked
- 2 oz. Whiskey
- Pinch of Sugar
Directions
- Use a fork to muddle the blackberries
- Add whiskey and sugar
- Add ice and shake (with your hand on top of course)
Tip: If you find mint on your hike, crush it up with your fingers and add it to the blackberry muddle)
Mountaintop Margarita
A super simple margarita that makes enough for the entire camp.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) can Frozen Limeade Concentrate (thawed but cooler-cold)
- 12 oz. Tequila
- 6 oz. 7up, Sierra Mist, or Sprite
- 6 oz. Cold Water
- 1 Bud Light Lime
- Ice
Directions
- Pour the limeade, tequila, soda, water, and beer into a pitcher or large ziplock bag.
- Pitcher – Stir with a long-handled spoon…or a stick stripped of bark.
- Bag – Shake it around a bunch.
- Pour over ice into cups.
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