by Robert Giles

With the weather warming up, I find myself wanting to spend more of my evenings on the patio. It's the perfect time to catch up on my reading, have a get together with friends, or just to relax and enjoy the moment. Regardless of the reason, here are some of my perfect sipping drinks for these warm evenings.

Limoncello is a classic Italian liqueur made with the zest of lemons. When well chilled and served on its own, it makes a fabulous drink to sip on. I pair mine with prosecco to make a zesty spritzer. Il Tramonto is one of my favorite limoncellos. The expected sweetness is there but it’s balanced with light poppy seed muffin flavor and plenty of fruitiness.

Seltzers have been all the rage the last few years and now there are hundreds of brands available from malted to liquor based. One of my favorites is The Long Drink. This is based off a Finnish classic cocktail made with gin and grapefruit juice. This one comes in both original flavors as well as peach and cranberry.

Another classic warm weather drink is Pinot Grigio. This light Italian wine can run the gamut from boldly fruity to refreshingly acidic and everywhere in between. Paisley Pinot Grigio from the Friuli region is a great example of what this classic wine can be. Rounded and floral flavors with bright acidity and crisp minerality are highlights of this light, refreshing wine.

Sake is a category that I have just recently delved into and it’s been an eye opener. These rice wines range from light and fruity to medium bodied and bursting with umami. Arkansas' own Origami has created their Thousand Cranes sake to be a complement to almost any gathering. Notes of pear and honeydew melon give way to light acidity and umami that combine for a wonderfully refreshing drink. It may be different, but I bet it will be a hit.

As you can see, there are multiple options available and they’re just the beginnings of what's possible. The key is to celebrate the things that make you happy and we’re here to help. Cheers!