Food & Wine // 2 min Read

The Spirits of Summer

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Nothing beats the swelter of a Lowcountry summer like a cool cocktail sipped on a porch overlooking the May River. It’s even better when someone else makes the drink for you.

Belly on up to the River House bar at Montage Palmetto Bluff for some of the summer’s most refreshing libations made from a variety of spirits and tonics. Here’s our picks of this season’s cocktails crafted just for you. Just remember, a cocktail always tastes better with a date and a view.

Bonjour L’été’

A bright and aromatic libation, Bonjour L’été’ combines three different versions of wine – vermouth, sherry, and blanc – to compose a deliciously easy (or perhaps dangerous) day drinking cocktail. Reward yourself after a long bike ride through the Bluff’s bike trails with this refreshing drink and take in a sunset from the porch on the May.

1.5 oz. Oloroso Sherry (El Maestro Sierra or Bodegas Dios Baco are both inexpensive and work well; needs to be an off-dry or medium-sweet sherry)

1 oz. Dolin Vermooth Blanc

1 oz. Lillet Blanc

3 Strawberries

Muddle two of the strawberries. Add sherry, vermouth and Lillet. Shake well, strain and serve on the rocks in a Collins or Belgian beer glass. Garnish with Strawberry fan.

Spring Awakening

This herbal drink is complex yet balanced with a delicate recipe of bitter and fruity components to create a cool cocktail that won’t overwhelm the palate. Throw in a few fresh local blackberries to complete the botanical taste, then take your cocktail on a stroll down to Wilson Village.

1.5 oz. Hendricks Gin

1 oz. Giffard, Crème de Pamplemousse Rose

¼ oz. Fernet Branca

½ oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice

3 slices cucumber

Muddle two of the cucumber slices. Add gin, Giffard, Fernet and lemon juice. Shake well, strain and serve straight up in a martini glass. Garnish with a cucumber wheel.%GALLERY%The Heat Wave

Spicy yet hydrating, The Heat Wave uses coconut water, tequila, homemade jalepeno simple syrup and fresh lime juice to elevate your everyday margarita. Philip recommends using Herradura Silver Tequila because of its reasonable price point yet high quality taste – it is made with 100% agave juice and on par with other top shelf tequilas. And did you know? Tequila is one of the only liquors not made from grain – it is plant-based and therefore will not metabolize into sugar, so you can sip on this by the pool with no regrets.

1.5 oz. Herradura Silver Tequila

3 oz. Coconut Water

½ oz. Jalapeno Simple Syrup (See recipe below)*

½ oz. fresh squeezed lime juice

Add all ingredients to mixing glass. Shake well, serve on the rocks in a Collins glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh jalapeno slice.

Jalapeno Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 jalapeno pepper

Slice jalapeno in large strips, removing seeds. Add water, sugar and jalapeno slices in to small saucepan; simmer for 15 minutes, stirring periodically. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before using and/or storing. The syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

Artist in Residence
Sewing Sweetgrass

On a warm summer afternoon in Moreland Village, light streams in the windows of the Conservancy classroom as Michael Smalls and Dino Badger lay out bunches of sweetgrass and curling palmetto fronds. The workshop today is part of The Arts Initiative at Palmetto...

Jan 2025
bluffton south carolina upcoming events

Club Life
9 Can’t-Miss 2025 Events in the Lowcountry

2025 Events Near Palmetto Bluff Positioned in the heart of the Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff stands as a beacon of coastal elegance, offering an unparalleled blend of luxurious living and unforgettable events that capture the essence of this charming region. In ...

Jan 2025
james swift, director of golf at palmetto bluff

Sporting Life
Behind the Bluff with Director of Golf: James Swift

James’ Journey to Palmetto Bluff At Palmetto Bluff, golf is more than a sport—it's an experience deeply rooted in the Lowcountry's natural beauty and unique culture. James Swift, the Director of Golf, brings a lifetime of dedication and passion to this except...

Jan 2025
palmetto bluff homes for sale

Architecture & Design
Real Estate Spotlight: Palmetto Bluff Builders Projects

Projects By the Palmetto Bluff Builders Team A home is more than just bricks and mortar; it's where cherished memories are made and dreams come to life. At Palmetto Bluff, the Palmetto Bluff Builders team brings your dream home to life by offering a curated c...

Jan 2025
palmetto bluff real estate co

Real Estate
Behind the Bluff: A Journey with Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Agent Martin Roache

Martin’s Journey to Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Situated in the heart of Bluffton, South Carolina, Palmetto Bluff is more than just a community—it's a place of magic and wonder. For Martin Roache, a dedicated sales agent with the Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Com...

Dec 2024
fishing in the lowcountry

Sporting Life
Cast a Line: Guide to Fall & Winter Fishing in the Lowcountry

Fishing in the Lowcountry is a beloved pastime year-round, but fall and winter bring a unique charm to the waters of South Carolina. With cooler temperatures, serene surroundings, and the promise of a great catch, the autumn and winter months offer some of the...

Dec 2024

Culture
2024 Wrapped: Top 10 Unforgettable Moments at Palmetto Bluff

Tis’ the season for wrapping, and we have plenty of gifts to share from 2024! This year was filled with exciting new beginnings and continued growth at Palmetto Bluff. From two new golf courses to awards for both Montage Palmetto Bluff and FLOW...

Dec 2024

Architecture & Design
Holiday Home Decor: Southern Charm and Timeless Traditions

Photos courtesy of Leah Bailey DesignPhoto credit: Kelli Boyd PhotographyAs the holiday season descends upon the Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff becomes a festive haven, where classic Southern architecture meets personal style. Whether you prefer timeless elegance ...

Dec 2024

Food & Wine
From the Kitchen: Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe

Executive Chef Beth Cosgrove and Registered Dietician Lindsay Ford recently led a Healthy Cooking Demonstration for residents interested in cooking healthy, delicious food to promote wellness. Attendees left with new recipes and flavors to try at home. The But...

Dec 2024

Sporting Life
4 Tips for Winterizing Your South Carolina Golf Game

Ways to Enhance Your Winter Golf Game Winter is quickly approaching, which means peak golf season is coming to an end. Although this is a slow time for golf, it doesn’t mean you can’t play or even enhance your game during this season. To keep your game in top...

Dec 2024

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us