Ask An Atlanta Expert: Best Summertime Vodka Cocktails

The Daily Meal Staff|

Bar tending is an art and Fado Irish Pub's Trey Bower considers himself an artist. Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Bower has been tending bar in Atlanta for 15 years and has been serving patrons at Fado in Atlanta for two years. Bower is creative in that he also has worked as a stylist at a hair salon for eight years. On the surface, he is just a bartender, but as you will see, he has honed his craft.

Here are Bower's vodka cocktail picks for this summer.

Trey Bower
 273 Buckhead Ave. N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 841-0066
www.fadoirishpub.com

"Less is more, but just don't ever compromise on the ingredients," explains Bower.

We asked this bar tending veteran his picks for the best summer vodka cocktails and he was happy to give his picks. You may recognize some traditional favorites, but the artist in Bower comes out with his own special twists. Bower says a vodka cocktail is a great pick for a refreshing summer drink, but he warns that one shouldn't forget a good drink's main staple.

"Quality banter or conversation behind the bar is the most important ingredient in any cocktail," adds Bower.

Berry Good

  • 1.5 oz. American Harvest Organic Vodka
  • 75 oz. agave syrup
  • Muddled strawberries
  • .75 oz sparkling wine 

Directions:

  1. Stir the ingredients into a glass
  2. Use fresh muddled strawberries
  3. Garnish if desired

Note: Bower says this is featured on Fado's summer drinks menu and is a favorite this summer for Sunday brunch. It's so freshening and colorful!

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Crabbie's Moscow Mule

  • 2 oz. vodka
  • 1 half lime
  • 4 to 6 oz. Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer

Directions:

  1. Squeeze lime into Collins glass or mug
  2. Add 2-3 ice cubes
  3. Pour in vodka
  4. Fill with Crabbie's Ginger Beer
  5. Serve with stirring rod

Note: Bower says this is dangerously tasty and he always recommends it when someone orders a Moscow Mule. Crabbie's is worth the add.

Bloody Mary

  • 2 oz. Grey Goose vodka
  • 4 oz. Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix
  • Fresh veggies like a celery stalk
  • Lime wedge 
  • Splash of Guinness

Directions:

  1. Fill glass with ice
  2. Squeeze in lime
  3. Add remaining ingredients including splash of Guinness
  4. Shake gently and strain into new glass
  5. Add celery stalk and garnish with lime if desired

Note: Bower adds that Sundays are as important as Saturday night in regards to anyone's social calendar and, since he works for a pub, a splash of Guinness is the secret ingredient here.

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Rick Limpert is a freelance writer/photographer in Atlanta and he loves covering anything Falcons-related. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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