My favourite homemade ‘sunny season’ beverages to be savoured in the sunlight!

By Charline Chatelain | Apr 22 2025

The arrival of spring has brought with it an increase in sunshine and bright skies that extend into the evenings. This means it’s the time for Dubliners to catch up on all the outdoor activities we are kept from during the damp colder months of the year, such as barbecues, picnics, or walks in the park, enjoying the opportunity for evening drinks with friends while it’s still bright outside. While terrace or garden bars are a great option, if you are looking to save money while still appreciating the spring weather over a drink, hosting and making them yourself is an even better one. 

I am excited to share my favourite homemade ‘sunny season’ beverages to be savoured in the sunlight, alone or in good company, at the park, in your yard, balcony, or even on your doorstep.

Basil Smash

Among my favorite cocktails is the Basil Smash, very easy to make, only requiring London dry gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a dozen fresh basil leaves and sugar syrup, mix it all together and serve with ice. For an alcohol-free alternative, try swapping out the gin for soda water. 

Rose Lychee Martini

For a more adventurous and grandiose gustatory experience, I recommend trying the classic Rose Lychee Martini. There are several variations of it such as the sparkling or creamy rose lychee martini, however for this recipe you will simply need vodka, lychee liqueur or lychee syrup (from canned lychees), rose syrup, and lime juice. Mix everything in an ice-filled shaker, then strain into a glass, and garnish with a rose petal or fresh lychee. This cocktail bursting with unique flavours will have you savouring every sip. An alcohol-free alternative to try is rose lemonade, either homemade with a lemon juice and water base, or store bought, my favorite is Fentimens (sparkling) Rose Lemonade. Both are great served in a stemmed glass with a fresh lychee or lemon slice for flavour and decoration.

Spicy Margarita

As for Margaritas, I never understood what made them so popular worldwide,. I simply never liked the flavours... until I tried a Spicy Margarita. Something about the spice mixed in and the salt and chili rim instantly changed my perspective on this signature cocktail. First, prepare the rim of the glass: feel free to experiment with your mix of spices to suit your personal preferences, however I love a blend of sea salt and chili flakes. As for the potion itself, you’ll need to mix together the following: blanco tequila, jalapeño pepper, orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Triple Sec, fresh lime juice, and any kind of sweetening syrup. After thoroughly shaking it, pour the mix into your prepped glass, naturally on the rocks, and enjoy every sip. If you can, try drinking it by the pool while the sun hits your skin, it is an experience to be had.

Butterfly Pea Iced Tea

With all this Dublin heat you may feel in need of some sober hydration, that is why this homemade butterfly pea iced tea is the ideal fix. The main challenge is getting your hands on the butterfly pea flowers, but once you do, the preparation is rather straightforward. Nevertheless, you will need to plan slightly in advance as it needs time to cool down before serving. To make the concentrate, add one cup of butterfly pea flowers into one litre of boiled water in a pot, cover with a lid, let it sit and infuse for 3-5 minutes. Then strain and pour it into a jar and refrigerate. To serve it, add 1 part concentrate to 5 parts cold water, add with honey or sweetener of your choice, and fresh lime juice for flavour.

When making these, be sure to check recipes online for the specific ingredient dosages and for step by step instructions. I hope you’ll love these drinks as much as I do and perhaps discover a new favorite. 

Tag us on your instagram pictures @universityobserver when trying out these recipes, I would love to hear your thoughts!