Friday was a momentous day in which this country took a great stride toward equality. As with the Civil Rights Amendment much work is lefts to be done. Legally, however, love won.

It was a busy weekend for me, so I was not able to celebrate with friends until today. We had already planned a gathering for the World Cup semi finals, so I figured that would be a good opportunity. At first, I though about making a rainbow cocktail, but I then decided on a rainbow of cocktails so guests could have some variety.

This is the cocktail list I came up with. My favorites are the Blackberry Smash and Gingered Lemon Drop, but they all deserve a taste!

Strawberry Whiskey Sour

4 large strawberries

1 oz lemon juice

1 oz simple syrup

2 oz bourbon

Blend the strawberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup until smooth. Add bourbon and gently stir to combine. Pour over ice and serve.

The strawberry and bourbon both come through strong on this drink. I personally thought the flavors did not meld together especially well, but Fiance and friend enjoyed this cocktail immensely. Adapted from Krissy’s recipe.

Orange Ginger Fizz

4 oz ginger ale

2 oz ginger liqueur

2 oz orange juice

1 oz lemon juice

Shake the ginger liqueur, orange juice, and lemon juice. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with ginger ale.

This drink is quite sweet with a bit of a spicy edge from the ginger. Adapted from Tina’s recipe.

Gingered Lemon Drop

1.5 oz lemon juice

1.5 oz ginger liqueur

1 oz rich simple syrup

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

Similar to a normal lemon drop, this drink will make you pucker a bit while still hitting the sweet spot. The ginger adds an level of complexity which is quite pleasing.

Minted Cucumber Cooler

1 cucumber

2 tbsp water

1 oz lime juice

2 oz vodka

0.5 oz rich simple syrup

1 mint leaf

Peel the cucumber and reserve one thin slice for garnish. Deseed the cucumber then roughly chop before placing in a blender or food processor. Add 2 tbsp water then blend until no chunks remain. Strain the blended cucumber into a bowl or cup. You may need to press on the pulp with the back of a spoon to extract all of the juice. Gently muddle the mint leaf with simple syrup in the bottom of a shaker. You’re looking to release flavor, not grind it up. Add the rest of the ingredients and shake to thoroughly mix and chill. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

This drink is incredibly refreshing. To the point that you almost forget there’s alcohol it in. Which could be bad. But, enjoyed responsibly, it is a real treat. Adapted from Cara’s recipe.

Blue Lagoon

2 oz vodka

.5 oz blue curacao

1 oz lemon juice

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass.

This drink is very citrus forward. Fiance found it a bit tart, but I enjoyed the balance.

Blackberry Smash

4 blackberries

3 oz strawberry lemonade

1.5 oz vodka

Muddle blackberries in bottom of rocks glass. Add ice, vodka, and lemonade and gently stir. Garnish with an additional blackberry

This drink was my absolute favorite. I may have to make blackberries a semi-regular item on my grocery list because I enjoyed the sweet and mild cocktail. Adapted from Tom’s recipe.

I hope you enjoy these drinks and partake in one, two, or all of them to celebrate this milestone for love.