Weekend Toast: Cool off with these creative twists on a classic gin and tonic

How has nearly the entire summer passed without us talking about gin and tonics?  The classic summer sip is one of my favorites and always a crowd pleaser. Since you don't need help making the traditional version, I found a super creative take made with cucumber and turned into granita. And, because we never leave our non-drinking kids and friends out, I found a similar mocktail-inspired popsicle. So sit back and relax: Everyone gets to cool out with refreshing gin and tonic-inspired flavors at this party.

Related: A watermelon cocktail and mocktail recipe to drink our favorite summer fruit.

 

Cocktail: Cucumber Gin and Tonic Granita

What happens when you combine a refreshingly icy treat with the refreshing flavors of gin, tonic, and cucumber? This amazing Cucumber Gin and Tonic Granita (above & top) at Chew Town is what. This heavenly drink strikes me as the perfect way to sip your way to the end of August.

Related: Arnold Palmer cocktail and mocktail recipes to cool down in these dog days of summer.

 

Mocktail: Honeydew, Mint, and Cucumber Pops

There is no easy way to turn a straight gin cocktail into a mocktail so, if you're going to make a batch of Cucumber Gin and Tonic Granita, use the cucumber to also whip up a batch of these Honeydew, Mint, and Cucumber Pops at Pure Mamas. I know, popsicles aren't a mocktail, but you can easily freeze it partially to turn it into a granita, too, or just plonk the popsicle in a cup of ginger ale to make a fun drink.