Head to the hottest rooftop in Chicago to learn how to make the perfect summer cocktail from Ruben Mendoza, bartender at theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel. | By Alison Cavatore | May 25, 2023
Summer is upon us. Picture it now: blue skies, warm, golden light and a light breeze that makes you dream of long weekends and alfresco evenings with friends. And if you’re in the Windy City city, this means one thing: it’s time to bring out the cocktail shakers, gather your people and head for a rooftop — specifically one that is renowned for being Chicago’s ultimate destination, day and night.
Located on the 27th floor of the theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel, ROOF is the place to be and be seen in Chicago. So, where better to get your summer cocktail inspiration from than this award-winning indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge and nightclub that offers locals and visitors a unique, friendly and high-energy space to unwind.
Enter the light and bright Summer Blossom cocktail. Bartender Ruben Mendoza explains that keeping it simple is the best way to ensure a good time for all — especially when creating a show-stopping drink for your next summer soiree. Follow along to see how a few simple ingredients (and a touch of bubbly, of course) will keep you and your friends refreshed for endless summer vibes all season long.
- 1 ¼ ounces guava juice (equal parts of guava puree and simple syrup)
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- 1 ½ ounces peach and orange blossom vodka*
- Prosecco (to top off)
- ½ orange wheel for garnish
- Ice
*To make a non-alcoholic version of this drink, use these mocktail ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces lemon juice
- 1 ½ ounces guava syrup
- ½ ounce orange juice
- Soda water or Sprite (to top off)
In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 ¼ ounces guava juice and ½ ounce of fresh lemon juice.
Note: the lemon adds acidity, balancing the guava’s sweetness.
Add 1 ½ ounces of peach- and orange blossom-flavored vodka to the shaker. Top with ice.
Give shaker a quick shake to chill contents.
Strain and pour into a wine glass with a few ice cubes until the glass is three-quarters full.
Top with prosecco.
Garnish with orange peel.
(Recipe from bartender Ruben Mendoza, theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel, 2023.)
Alison Cavatore is the assistant editor for the content marketing team at Hilton. She has written and copyedited for numerous print and digital publications in the U.S. and abroad. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Alison has lived in Miami, Scottsdale, Holland, France, Switzerland and Canada. She currently resides in the Washington, D.C. area.
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