With summer plans at a halt for the foreseeable future, we’re stuck at home, dreaming of remote locations far from the Midwest. 

Luckily, we’ve created a few drinks inspired by the places you could have gone to celebrate the semester’s end.

If you wanted to go hiking …

This drink is perfectly floral and even a little hydrating — because, you know, you’ve gotta stay hydrated on the trails and stuff.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces of St. Germain (elderflower liqueur)
• 1 can of Peach-Pear LaCroix
• 0.5 to 1 ounce of lemon juice

Directions

In a large glass with ice, pour the St. Germain in at the bottom. The ingredients call for 2 ounces, but it’s really up to you and how floral you want the drink. Then pour the Peach-Pear LaCroix and lemon juice. Garnish with lemon.

If you wanted to go to the beach …

While Minneapolis finally hit 70 degrees, we were left wishing to feel some sand between our toes. This drink brings you to the sunny beach of your dreams. 

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Malibu rum
• 1 cup peach juice, mango passion fruit juice or pineapple orange juice
• Club soda

Directions

In a glass filled with ice, pour the Malibu rum and juice, leaving room for the club soda. Add the amount of club soda you prefer or leave it out if you want a flat drink over ice. You can garnish with an orange wedge or peel. 

If you wanted to see the mountains …

This drink is exceptionally earthy and while drinking it, you’ll practically be able to smell the crisp mountain air you so wish to experience. 

Ingredients

• 2 ounces gin (Prairie Organic Gin preferred, but you can use whatever gin you want)
• Tonic water
• Rosemary simple syrup
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 cup rosemary leaves

Directions

To make the rosemary simple syrup, combine the three ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer, and let it simmer for one minute. Then take the syrup off the heat and let it sit for 30 minutes. Strain the rosemary leaves out before use. In a glass with ice, add the gin. You can add as much tonic water as you prefer and add the rosemary syrup to taste. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

If you planned on visiting the Southwest …

You could make a margarita, but this drink takes a little less effort. It still has the shot of tequila that you want, but you can lounge around pretending you’re among the cacti a lot sooner.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces tequila of your choice
• 1 ounce lime juice
• 1 can of grapefruit sparkling water or club soda with grapefruit juice
• Agave or honey
• Water 

Directions

Pour the tequila in a glass with ice and add lime juice. If you’re using sparkling water, just pour that in too. If you prefer to use grapefruit juice, try to get as much out of the grapefruit as you can. It’ll make your drink a little bitter, so depending on how sweet you want it, mix some agave or honey with water in a separate mug and warm it up in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Pour that into the drink after adding the grapefruit juice and add club soda to your liking.