The Best Things I Drank This Summer

I know, I know, I know. I can read your mind from here.

“Well, she’s finally done it,” you’re thinking, “She finally wrote content that I actually want to read.”

I have not been shy about my love of my family, my appreciation of a good movie, and my love of alcohol. This has been a wild summer, full of visits to exciting locations and plenty of time sipping on a few delicious beverages.

So if you’re in the market for a strong cocktail, let me share a few of my favorite places to get one.  (Or two. I wont judge.)

Butterbeer

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando

To kick off the summer, I spent a long weekend at Universal Studios Orlando to celebrate the bachelorette weekend of one of my oldest and dearest friends, Lisa. (Details of her super adorable wedding coming soon!)

Lisa and I met when I moved to Indiana but became besties when we lived in Germany and founded the GAPP Girls Book Club. As someone who has a love of books (she’s an actual librarian), jumping into the world of our favorite boy wizard seemed a pretty obvious choice to celebrate Lisa going from Muggle to Mrs.

Butterbeer is served three different ways: Hot, Frozen or cold. I, personally, LOVE cold Butterbeer. I’m obsessed with the thick foamy head and the chilled, sweet beer. No alcohol is this one either, so enjoy sharing with your kiddos. Or don’t share. You wont want to anyway.

Swizzle Rum Punch

Swizzle Lounge, Cabana Bay Resort, Universal Studios Orlando

Same weekend, different bar. While visiting Universal Studios for Lisa’s bachelorette, we stayed at the totally retro, absolutely adorable Cabana Bay Resort.

After a day at the parks, we all gussied up and headed over to Universal City Walk for a night of dancing, scream-singing and copious amounts of alcohol. We were, however, completely bummed out to learn that the majority of City Walk was closed for a private party. (The worst.)

So after several attempts to sneak into a corporate event, we decided to head back to Cabana Bay to grab a drink at the hotel bar, The Swizzle Lounge. When we walked into the lobby, we made a bee line for the bar, looked the bartender in the eye and said “What will get us drunk the fastest?” The answer? This rum punch.

The Swizzle Rum Punch went down SUPER smooth, and with a floater of 151, man-oh-man it hit you hard. Still dreaming about it to this day.

Hippopoto-Mai Tai & Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, Disneyland Resort

When we visited Disneyland, our family spent almost two entire days inside Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Justin and I went for the atmosphere and strong cocktails, the girls came along for the ride (and the copious amounts of maraschino cherries).

My two favorite drinks at Trader Sam’s are available on each coast, so if you’re in the Central Florida area, you’ll be able to sip these at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

The Hippopoto-Mai Tai is – you guessed it – a Mai Tai, and the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum is a traditional blended painkiller. Both served their country and this body well.

Gin & Tonic

Carthay Circle, Disney California Adventure

The most spectacular things happened to me on our trip to Disneyland. I was finally reunited with the best gin and tonic I’ve ever had. The gin and tonic that started all gin and tonics for me.

When we visited Disneyland about 4 years ago, I had a gin & tonic at Carthay Circle. Up until that point, I was never a real gin drinker. But something about that day made me want to give it a try, and (no lie) I had not stopped thinking about it since then.

Naturally, when we were in Cali in May, Justin and I enjoyed a blissful evening where both kiddos were passed out in their strollers and we could sip a couple perfect G&Ts in the peaceful silence of Carthay Circle.

Carthay Circle offers a variety of gin & tonics, but guys. You’re not going to go wrong wtih the classic. Hendrick’s Gin, house made tonic, lime wedge. Absolute perfection.

 

Cascadia Sangria Cocktail & Black Cherry Mule

Geyser Point Bar & Grill, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Walt Disney World Resort

In early June, my parents came into town to celebrate Maisy’s Graduation and stayed at Disney’s Wilderness Resort. With them staying there, our family had the opportunity to explore the beauty of this resort, and grab a couple cold ones at Geyser Point.

Justin has been on a mule kick all summer, and we both really dug the Black Cherry Mule. Refreshing with a ginger spike and just a subtle hint of black cherry, we both enjoyed several of these while dining.

I also really liked the Cascadia Sangria Cocktail. It was not as sweet as you would think a sangria cocktail would be and perfect on a hot Florida day. Not to mention, that wine ombre had my Instagram feed feeling something fierce.

Mint Julep

New Orleans Square, Disneyland Resort

Another one I was so happy to be reunited with after our first trip to Disneyland: the New Orleans Square Mint Juleps. Like, y’all, there is nothing that hits the spot quite like these little beauties.

I maintain my belief that New Orleans Square is the most exquisite of any land at a Disney Park. The atmosphere buzzes with live music, the food is to die for, and with the best company, you’re set to make some amazing memories as you watch the time go by (and eat a bunch of beignets).

Until we meet again, my sweet!

Mickey’s Fun Wheel

The Bar formerly known as The Cove Bar, Disney California Adventure

Friends. The secret menu at The Cove Bar (Now the Lamplight Lounge) was the real deal. Some grade-A choice bevvies. When The Cove Bar officially closed to make way for it’s grand make over, I wept for the Mickey Fun Wheel and all it’s Long Island iced tea goodness.

Can someone please let me know if it’s still available?

RIP sweet friend. You will live on forever in our hearts and in our livers.

 

Dole Whips

Adventureland, Disneyland

Do they really need an introduction? Like, do they REALLY?

If you haven’t had a Dole Whip in your life time, look at yourself in the mirror and evaluate the decisions you have made to get yourself to this point.

Do you like to be happy? Do you believe happiness tastes like pineapple? Then what the heck are you waiting for, friend? Get out there and get one of these beauts.

 

Watermelon Vodkarita

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Cheddar’s has a special place in my heart and my liver. Their sweet summer Watermelon Vodkarita was refreshing, delicious, and HUUUGGGEEEEEEEE.

It’s a seasonal cocktail only avail-bale through the end of the summer, so get in there and give it a try ASAP.

 

Cloud Chaser Heffeweisen

Crooked Can Brewery, Winter Garden, FL

Guys.

If you plan to visit the Orlando area, get off the beaten path a bit, and dedicate a half day to spend in Downtown Winter Garden and grab a pint at Crooked Can Brewery.

My favorite beer of all time is the Cloud Chaser Hefeweizen. Like, guys. It’s my FAVORITE beer. Crooked Can also just happens to be my favorite PLACE on earth.

I have spent many zen moments among good friends at this brewery, and if you get the opportunity to do so yourself, do it here. You’ll thank me later.

So there you have it.

Some of my favorite drinks this summer. There were definitely more, including this bangin’ bloody Mary from Earl’s Orlando.

Sip on anything tasty lately? Let me know in the comments below.

Want more delicious drinks? Follow along with all my adventures on Instagram.