We can’t wait to make these Chicken Cock Whiskey cocktails for the holidays

For me, a solid liquor cabinet holds the absolute basics— vodka, whiskey, gin, tequila, bitters, and a few home bar essentials for crafting cocktails. But my less-than-impressive shelf had a fundamental flaw—I focused on variety instead of craftsmanship, barely looking beyond the label. So I amassed a dozen award-winning spirits to see if I could taste the difference. 

The results? I learned that much of what I blamed on my technique was actually due to my spirits’ quality. With better bottles in hand, straight pours brought on deeper complexity, and cocktails achieved effortless balance, without a single skill set shift.

While there’s no wrong time of year for tequila-based cocktails, summer just might be the best. Also, when it comes to warm-weather spirits, it’s hard to beat the appeal of agave-based tequila, with flavors like citrus, vanilla, vegetal agave, cracked black pepper, and other spices. Aging only adds to the nuanced flavor profile, making tequila a great choice for warm-weather mixed drinks like the Margarita, Paloma, and more.

While I’ve sung the praises of gin-based cocktails during the summer months, I have the same affinity for tequila. There’s something special about sitting on a deck (or dock) overlooking a pond, lake, or river while you sip a tequila-based cocktail on a warm, humid afternoon. When you’re sipping your drink and taking in the picturesque view, there are no deadlines and emails waiting for response. You’re in the moment and just going with the flow as jet skis, pontoon boats, and sailboats glide by.

If you’re anything like me, you’re going to spend at least another day or two on the golf course before the end of summer. You might not notice it, but the days are growing shorter, and fall is lurking on the horizon like a pumpkin spice-fueled monster. Your chances of spending sunny, humid days on the links are quickly dwindling. And while where you’re golfing and who you’re with is important, so too is what you’re drinking.

In my years of golfing and drinking, I’ve encountered myriad golf course cocktails, and I’ve found that while you can’t beat the classic flask of whiskey, there’s nothing better than a crisp, refreshing beer on a warm summer day spent enjoying 18 holes. Who cares if you’re hitting eagles or double bogeys left and right if you have a nice beer to sip?