There are a lot of festival drinks options available these days. If you want to avoid a hangover but still enjoy music, these are some great alternatives.
1. Vodka Soda
A cousin of the classic Vodka Tonic, vodka soda is a refreshing two-ingredient drink that’s a favorite at festivals. This simple mixture is low in calories, and can be served a variety of ways, including with fresh lime wedges.
This is a great drink for those who want a little alcohol without the calories and intensity of a cocktail. It’s a good option for people who have food sensitivities or are new to alcohol. Pour a shot of club soda over vodka to make a vodka-soda.
It’s essential to use a high-quality vodka, like Ketel One. This will give you a crisp and clean taste without any bitterness. You can also experiment with different flavors of club soda. There are many brands available, so you can try several to find the one that you like.
2. Vodka Cranberry
One of the most common drinks at festivals is a flavored vodka and soda. These drinks are easy to make and perfect for those who prefer a fizzy beverage with a little more flavor. If you’re looking for even more flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of sugared cranberries.
The classic cocktail Vodka Cranberry will be a hit at any festival. It’s very easy to make and uses ingredients you probably already have. This recipe relies on a high-quality, smooth vodka. You can use a smooth Tito’s, but you could also try Deep Eddy’s lime vodka or Grey Goose Essences white peach and rosemary.
The other ingredient is cranberry. Fresh cranberry juice is the best ingredient for this drink. So, try to find a local source. Don’t forget to add a lime wedge as a garnish! The zest gives the drink a nice citrusy and fresh taste.
Pour this drink into a highball glass, add vodka, cranberry and lime juice. Stir together and enjoy! This recipe calls only for an ounce, but you could easily bump it up to two without changing the flavor. If you’re planning on having multiple of these at your next fest, try prepping the mix ahead of time in a pitcher or punch bowl. This will save you time and ensure everyone gets the same drink.
3. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule combines vodka with ginger beer. Its enduring popularity and eye-catching copper mug have made it one of the most familiar drinks on the back bar. The drink was developed in the 1940s, by a Heublein representative and owner of Cock ‘n Bull Pub in Hollywood. It was designed to promote vodka in the U.S. at the time. The simple ingredient list and affordable price make it easy to make at home. Its success has inspired variations, such as substituting the vodka for gin (a Kentucky Mule), mezcal and reposado Tequila (a Mexican Mule), dry rum with ginger beer (a Jamaican Mule).
4. Vodka Lemonade
Lemonade can be a refreshing and light drink. This is especially true when you add vodka. This is a great drink to enjoy on a hot summer afternoon with friends or while sitting out on the porch.
This is a simple drink that can be made using homemade lemonade, or your favorite store bought variety. I recommend using a high-quality vodka that will complement the lemon flavor, such as Grey Goose or Ketel One. They are both smooth vodkas that will elevate your lemonade spritzer.
You can also experiment by adding different flavors to lemonade. For example, you could add berries or even basil. Basil lemonade tastes great and is easy to make. Simply add the basil to simple syrup and then combine it with lemonade and the vodka. Strawberries also make a tasty addition. To make strawberry lemonade, simply muddle a few strawberries with the lemonade.
This is a fun and easy drink to make in a large pitcher for parties, picnics or weekends with friends. You can also serve it in individual glasses over ice to enjoy a chilled drink. This vodka cocktail infused with lemonade tastes refreshing, is light and slightly boozy. Enjoy!
5. Vodka Mojito
This is an excellent drink to bring along if you are not planning to purchase your drinks from festival vendors, which will be expensive, or local bars. It’s simple to make.
Most mojitos contain rum. This vodka version has a refreshing and clean taste. Just muddle mint leaves, lime juice and simple syrup with Polar Ice Vodka over crushed ice. If desired, add a handful fresh seasonal fruit to the mix for an extra flavor boost. Pour a more upscale mojito, double the ingredients and add extra mint, sugar, or artificial sweetener.
If you can’t be bothered making cocktails yourself, a bar-quality ready-to-serve cocktail is a godsend at festivals. These bottles are a bit pricey but they keep your drinks cool and are better for the planet than plastic bottles. They’re also reusable so you can take them to future festivals. Remember to bring along a pair of coozies or insulated bottle sleeves so that your bottles don’t get frozen in the field.
6. Dark Rum And Ginger Beer
This classic drink stands out in a sea of garish, tropical drinks. This simple cocktail combines dark rum with ginger beer to create a mysterious and elegant look. The rum is gently poured over the ginger beer, allowing it to float on top. The result is reminiscent of stormy skies, giving this cocktail its name. The drink is served in a tall glass filled with crushed ice. Before drinking, it is often gently stirred to blend the flavors. It can be garnished by adding a wedge lime to make it more appealing.
It is important to use a good quality dark rum for this drink, as it will provide the best flavor. Goslings Black Seal has been the traditional choice, but any dark-colored rum will do. However, you should avoid using a spiced rum, as it will add too much extra spice to the mix.
To make the drink, fill 2 tall glasses with ice, and squeeze 1 lime wedge into each glass. Then divide the ginger ale between the glasses. Pour the dark rum slowly over the ginger ale to create a layering effect. Garnish each drink with a slice of lime, and serve immediately. This drink is a great addition to any festival. The rum and ginger ale will provide a refreshing taste after a day of festival.
