If you’re me, the things you love most about summer include: tanning, eating, drinking and generally hanging out in the sunshine while listening to good music. Above is a visual example of me basking in the glorious sun at Trinity Park. It also happens to be a sneak peek from the extra special What I Wore (revealed tomorrow) shot by the incredibly talented Petra Collins.To celebrate the summer solstice (aka the first official day of summer) happening tomorrow, Hennessy VS  has provided two summer cocktail recipes (yes, you can really make a summer cocktail with this delicious cognac!), while DJ HUGGS has created an exclusive free-download mixtape called Summer Fling. Summer happiness for all, enjoy! See below to begin prepping.

Here’s a picture from my girls weekend at the cottage spent drinking man drinks. Don’t think that’s a bad thing, these Hennessy VS Caipirinhas (recipe featured below) were so tasty and refreshing, it really  is my new signature summer cocktail. Also note the special edition bottle, designed by NYC-artist KAWS, on sale at the LCBO until July 16th.

Hennessy VS Caipirinha 

1/2 a lime quartered

1.5 oz Hennessy V.S

.5 oz simple syrup or a spoonful of sugar with a splash of  soda water

Orange twist to garnish

Method: Place 4 slices of lime in the bottom of a rocks glass and muddle to extract all juice and essential oils.  Add all other liquids with ice and stir to mix all ingredients together.  Garnish with an orange twist.

Game Changer

1.5oz Hennessy VS

1/5oz Ardbeg 10year old single malt scotch

.5oz Fresh Lime Juice

.25 Agave Nectar (or simple syrup)

2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

3 x 1 inch by 1 inch fresh pineapple cubes

Grated cinnamon

Method: In a rocks glass, add the Ardbeg, rinse the inside of the glass with it and dump the excess.  In a shaker tin muddle the cubes of pineapple, then add all other liquid with ice and shake until well chilled. Fine strain over ice into the rocks glass. Garnish with two pineapple leaves and grated cinnamon over the top.

Old lady garage sales at the cottage are great for finding a) paintings their friends made them for $2, and b) vintage unused tennis rackets that say “Princess” for another $2. Last year, my big summer goal was to learn to play tennis, since I never did, it is once again a goal over the next few months. Buying the racket was good, leaving it behind at the cottage was bad.

Big BIG love to HUGGS for making this awesome summer mix for all of us! Now we have sweet new tunes to play while we dance and makeout with our summer crushes. Get your FREE download of Tiny Dancer: Summer Fling right now by clicking HERE!

HAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE!