Photo by Muffy Aldrich
The Modern Guide to The Thing Before Preppy

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Reader Question: Favorite Poolside Drinks for Guests

Photo by Salt Water New England

Hi Muffy,

Yesterday's post begs the most important question of all for readers.  What is your favorite poolside drink to serve to your guests?  

  

58 comments:

  1. I don't have my own pool around which to host guests, but I used to enjoy a vodka gimlet with a splash of club soda poolside at my old country club. They made theirs with Rose's sweetened lime juice, perfectly fine for guzzling out of a plastic cup and chatting with the crowd at the pool bar. But I use fresh-squeezed lime juice and homemade simple syrup when I make mine at home, and no soda.

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  2. The Arnold Palmer. Added bonus: if you have the makings of a good Arnold Palmer, you can satisfy the lemonade or iced tea crowd too.

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  3. Mai tai for Hawaii Pina Colada for Caribbean and Palm Beach.

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  4. Whatever they like. I enjoy bar tending!

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  5. I'll stay with my classic preppy drink, G & T's.

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    1. I'll drink to that!

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    2. Me too, we’re a simple bunch here.

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  6. Whatever our guests wish or a Pimm’s cup. Its nice to have a variety of fruity drinks alcoholic or non. The most important thing is to make everyone feel welcome and relaxed. Great quote from Emily Post “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness you have good manners no matter what fork you use.” Or in some cases “Hospitality is making your guests feel at home, even if you wish they were.Anon

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    1. I love that quote. I think it's important to be a 'good guest'; don't ask for something outrageous. A good host/hostess will have the basics: bourbon, gin, vodka etc.

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    2. Bully, Bully for Maine Wasp!
      Common decency requires that one should ALWAYS be a 'good guest.' There is always a certain amount of stress in hosting. Good guests should remember that fact. Something else: When one is being taken to dinner, one should remember who is paying and NOT order the most expensive item on the menu...something equivalent to what the host ordered is appropriate. Many years ago, I took my contracts law professor to dinner (along with my parents) to celebrate my first paycheck as a lawyer. He refused 2 bottles of expensive cabernet sauvignon before accepting the third bottle. I never invited him to dinner again.

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  7. A light local (or Belgian import) beer.

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  8. Pimm's Cup - light and refreshing

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  9. Mineral water with a squeeze of lemon.

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  10. G & T'S all the way! Thank you so much!

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  11. I have transition from G&T's to Gin Rickey's. It's not as preppy but much less sweet and lower in carbs.

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    1. Try Q tonic water with your G&T -- it's barely sweet at all.

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    2. Fever Tree Light Indian tonic water has less than half the calories of regular-strength tonic, but no artificial sweeteners - less sweet and a milder quinine taste. Worth trying if regular-strength tonic seems too sweet, or if you feel full strength overpowers the gin.

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    3. The Q products are outstanding. Their club soda makes the popular brand taste like an old gym sock left in your bag.

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    4. Of course a Gin Rickey. Tanqueray 47.3 % ,alcohol. Keep it iced down or in the freezer. Do not burn money on Tanqueray 10.Topo Chico Mineral Water is the coin of realm in a glass bottle. Keep it iced down. Learned about in the early 90's while working in Mexico. Used Mexican Key Limes from my tree in the backyard. Nothing but 16 oz styro cups for insulation & volume. Never a solo cup. It is considered bad form to put it politely. Strictly a post hunt drink while cleaning the birds under a mesquite tree in South Texas, temp 100 deg F. For pool action would gravitate to a
      Salty Dog with fresh grapefruit juice.

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  12. I second an Arnold Palmer. Also, how about a Dark & Stormy?!?!

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  13. If I'm drinking at all, it would have to be a G&T...with no consideration for whether it's "preppy" or not! I've been trying out some lovely Scottish gins, too, since Covid lockdown. My winter tipple would be a wee dram of good single malt.

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  14. Lately I'm enjoying Negronis, but Arnold Palmer's are delightful.

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    1. I have always loved the Negroni, but IME one is insufficient and two is often a mistake. I have learned to shift to a tall and light Campari or Aperol and soda with an orange wheel for any second drink.

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    2. I too love Negronis and many of the variations on this classic, such as the Americano, which leaves out the gin, but retains the Campari and whatever sort of Vermouth or aperitif you like. One has to be careful with the Negroni, as you say. A friend of mine calls the third Negroni "The Fool's Negroni."

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    3. There's a Negroni sitting beside my keyboard as I read this. No pool needed.

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  15. Jagermeister and roofies

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  16. Turmeric, ginger and cayenne shot with alkaline water chaser.

    I'm at that age where I tell friends and family that "age is just a number for government records". In reality, I'm doing everything holistically to sustain a healthy lifestyle and looking fit.

    With business associates and clients, it's usually Johnny Black. Neat and unpretentious.

    When I'm Asia, hosts will usually insist on Suntory Yamazaki 12 or Hakushu 12. I wonder if Heavy Tweed Jacket keeps a few bottles of these fine whiskey brands.

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  17. Dark 'n Stormies all 'round.

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  18. Dark & Stormies but, if you don't have the necessary ingredients for those, then G&Ts!

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  19. Cape Codder or a Cape Cod Cherry Soda (which I first had at the Lobster Pot in Provincetown).

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    1. Yes to both of these, as well as the Arnold Palmer someone else mentioned.

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  20. It's always nice to have good booze on hand with the basics but I do a signature cocktail upon arrival to put anyone at ease. I like to do fresh-squeezed lemons and make Gin & Lemonade or fresh squeezed orange juice with a good vodka( I like Twenty2 Vodka, made in Maine) or anything refreshing on a hot New England day.
    I don't know if The Castine Inn in Maine still does fresh-squeezed blood orange and Vodka but they are to die for.

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  21. We just made up a drink (possible not that original) and have found it delicious. We call it the Jean Shaheen. Named, I believe, after a NH politician. It's seltzer water, Massachusetts cranberry juice, crushed ice, and two lemon wedges: one for the bottom of the glass, the other split for the rim. It's an incredibly refreshing mocktail to be enjoyed after mowing the lawn and listening to your favorite losing baseball team. Oh, and it's good for kids too.

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  22. Planter's Punch [h/t to The Crab Hole at Chappaquiddick Beach Club...]

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  23. G & T with a good twist of lime!

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  24. My grandmother always had a bottle of Veuve Clicquot on ice when sitting by the pool. She loved her bubbles.

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  25. As a guest, by a pool, which I am about to be in 24-odd hours, I always appreciate a really well-made gin and tonic. It doesn't need to be fancier than that for me. I'm unimaginative and easily satisfied that way.

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  26. scotch and soda, gin and tonic, bottles of beer in a bucket of ice. or cans, i guess they're 'in' now at the microbreweries.

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  27. For something different, try a Flor de Cana 9-year-old dark rum with a Topo Chico and lotsa lime. FDC is made with pure cane sugar and contains no molasses. Very refreshing on a hot day.

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  28. Aperol spritz, per favore

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  29. I recently discovered the Mark Twain cocktail. Very refreshing with fresh lemon juice. Restorative after a day out in the garden, etc.

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  30. Percy AndrΓ© IIIMay 17, 2023 at 10:05 AM

    Zima, with avocado slices on white bread with the crust trimmed off. Absolutely divine!

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    1. Is Zima still a thing? Girlfriend in college liked them. Wine coolers were big too. Some things about the '80's are best forgotten.

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  31. what Chat GPT would serve

    "Ah, summertime bliss by the pool! 🌞☀️ When it comes to keeping your guests refreshed and cool, you can't go wrong with these delightful poolside beverages:

    🍹 Tropical Paradise: Serve up some refreshing piña coladas garnished with fresh pineapple wedges and colorful cocktail umbrellas. It's like sipping vacation in a glass!

    πŸ‰ Watermelon Splash: Keep it light and hydrating with watermelon agua fresca. Blend juicy watermelon chunks, a squeeze of lime, and a hint of mint for a revitalizing and Instagram-worthy treat.

    πŸ“ Berry Breeze: Cool off your guests with a pitcher of sparkling strawberry lemonade. Muddle ripe strawberries with tangy lemon juice, add a splash of sparkling water, and top with ice. Cheers to the perfect balance of sweet and tart!

    πŸ₯€ Mocktail Magic: For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, create a stunning mocktail station. Offer sparkling mocktails like a virgin mojito, a fizzy cranberry spritzer, and a zesty ginger lime refresher. Don't forget to garnish them with fresh herbs and citrus slices for an extra touch of elegance.

    Remember to provide plenty of chilled water and infused water options to keep everyone hydrated throughout the day. πŸŒŠπŸ’¦ Mix and match these poolside delights, and watch your guests dive into a sea of summertime satisfaction! Enjoy the sun, fun, and incredible sips! 🍹🌴"

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    1. That sounds exactly like what some gushing young Gen Z person would write for a magazine like Cosmo, Glamour, Marie Claire, or Elle.

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  32. A Bay Breeze, Madras or Gin Rickey are all very refreshing.

    JRC

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  33. Water. Alcohol is terrible for you.

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    1. Sparkling water, preserved and imported, with lemon. Better yet !

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  34. Lemonade with a generous splash of Grenadine. Garnish with a lemon slice & fresh mint. Wonderfully refreshing poolside drink! Cheers

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  35. My family loves the 1-2-3. 1-frozen minute maid lemonade (thawed). 2-fill can twice with bourbon of your choice. 3-fill can with water three times. Always a hit! Works well with tequila and limeade!

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