Summer Muddlin' Part Two

If you ask us, soft herbs are a source of celebration, especially when it comes to summer cocktails. If you find yourself with an abundance of oregano, consider making a Gin No. 1 Garden Smash. Think of it as a savory Mojito with deep herbal oregano notes swapped for cooling mint. The oregano’s earthy, peppery notes are a perfect match for the gin’s bright botanicals, making for a cocktail that’s both surprising and satisfying.

Perhaps you’re knee deep in dill? You could harness the cooling properties of cucumber, combine it with crisp, classic Portland Dry Gin 33, and craft a Cucumber Cooler. It's a perfect example of how to use herbs to create a truly refreshing drink. Fresh dill and cucumber are muddled together with simple syrup, creating a base that’s both vegetal and bright. When combined with Gin 33, lime juice, and a splash of bubbly water, the result is a cocktail that's as crisp and clean as a summer breeze.

Extra thyme on your hands? We would 100% suggest shaking up a Blueberry Thyme Vodka Smash. The classic flavor pairing of muddled blueberries and thyme with our all-Oregon-grown, grain-to-glass New Deal Vodka and lemon is outstanding, and it makes for a visually appealing drink. Plus, that hit of thyme when you bring the drink in to take a sip is a real chef’s kiss moment.

If you’re in search of sage advice, you might want to explore a refreshing  Raspberry Sage Vodka Collins. Earthy sage meets tart raspberries in this bubbly, citrus-forward sipper. And if you buy raspberries on repeat, you should check out our raspberry cocktail recipe roundup, all about making drinks with these ruby red gems of a cocktail ingredient.

Is your herb garden bursting with basil? This leafy, aromatic herb is perfect for summer cocktails. Love strawberries? Muddle them with basil for a fruity and herbaceous Strawberry Basil Cooler. This cocktail screams "peak summer" and will quickly become one of our favorite warm-weather drinks.

Do you have a bottle of our Old Tom Gin on your bar cart? Our barrel-rested gin, muddled basil, lemon, and egg white come together for this silky, inspired sour we call the Farm Cat. The basil’s gentle anise notes play beautifully with the botanicals of the gin, creating a drink that’s both elegant and intriguing.

Mint enthusiasts will be game for a classic, ultra-refreshing Mojito--a runner-up for one of the most famous mint cocktails, second only to the Mint Julep. Muddle fresh mint leaves and lime to create this timeless Cuban classic. Add some Distiller's Cut Rum and a splash of soda for summer in a glass.

Have you tried a Hugo Spritz? This newly popular low-abv cocktail combines our housemade Elder Flower Cocktail Syrup  with sparkling wine, lemon, bubbly water, and plenty of mint. It's light, aromatic, and perfect for long, sunny afternoons. Serve it in a big wine glass with lots of ice—and don’t skimp on the mint.

Any watermelon fans out there? Muddled fresh watermelon is the star of this Ginger Watermelon Margarita, a juicy and spicy twist on the classic. Ginger Liqueur adds warming spice, while silver tequila brings oak and depth. This is peak summer in a glass—perfect for porch sipping and taco pairing. And, if you’re expecting friends, you can easily multiply this recipe and have a pitcher ready for your guests. 

If you prefer vodka, you should try the Heat Exchange. It’s a vibrant vodka cocktail that features cooling mint, fresh watermelon, tart lime, and crisp, clean Portland 90 Vodka. What’s not to like? The gentle muddle extracts the pure, sweet essence of watermelon and the invigorating coolness of mint, making for a truly thirst-quenching drink that's perfect for a hot day.

But what about the cherries? We didn’t forget them. We know you have a bag of these Pacific Northwest gems in your kitchen right now. The sweet-tart combination of fresh cherries and lime in the Cherry Baby is pure summer magic. Muddling brings out the juicy complexity of the fruit, which is amplified by the rich depth of the Distiller's Cut Rum. Perfect for backyard hangs and fire pit nights.

Summer is synonymous with berries, and for good reason. Their sweet, tart, and complex flavors are a perfect match for a well-crafted cocktail. The Gin 33-based Picture It is a celebration of the humble blueberry. Muddled blueberries release their sweet juice and vibrant color, creating a drink that's as beautiful as it is delicious. This one’s for hammock lounging, beach reading, and backyard daydreaming.

If your summer mantra is “the spicier, the better”, This Spicy Little Number's for you! Muddle jalapeño slices with simple syrup, then shake with vodka and lemon juice for a cocktail that’s cooling, fiery, and garden-fresh all at once. This cocktail certainly brings the heat, but in a balanced, refreshing way that will ultimately cool you down.

And for those wondering if they can turn that juicy peach that’s sitting on the kitchen counter into a cocktail, the answer is yes. Our spicy Hot Monkey Pepper Vodka, sweet tea syrup, and summer peaches come together in the Ross Island Iced Tea, a Pacific Northwest riff on the Long Island Iced Tea.

Need an island escape but only have a staycation budget? We get it! In a Suddenly Summer, the tropical sweetness of fresh mango is the star of this aptly named cocktail, which will transport you to the tropics of your mind. Fresh mango is muddled with simple syrup before being shaken with New Deal Gin No. 1 and Dolin Blanc Vermouth. The result is a silky, vibrant cocktail that tastes like a vacation in a glass.

Promise us you won't go all summer without a Piña Colada! This stripped-down take on the classic skips the blender and gets straight to the good stuff. Juicy fresh pineapple meets our Distiller’s Cut Rum, a splash of lime, and the game-changing Liquid Alchemist Coconut Cocktail Syrup. The result? A frothy, fresh, ice-cold colada that’s creamy, bright, and utterly satisfying—without any fuss (or cleanup). Shake it up and let the sunset sipping begin.