By: Lindsay Heller

Unless you're fortunate enough to live in a climate where the sun shines and the temperature is warm year-round, it's fair to say the advent of summer is always met with excitement. Longer days and warmer nights mean more time to do what you enjoy: relax with a good cigar and a proper drink. While pairing a premium with a cocktail doesn't always have to be complicated, our experts have selected four highly-rated blends, and tested them with a variety of different drinks to give you a refreshing guide to the summer season. 

ROMEO Y JULIETA RESERVA REAL TORO

The '91' rated Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real features notes of roasted nuts, wood, molasses, and hints of baking spice. If you’re looking to brighten up the taste of this Romeo y Julieta on your palate, look no further than this summer spin on a Lubbock Texas favorite: the Rosé Chilton.

Rosé Chilton
INGREDIENTS
Serves: 2

3oz Three Olives Rosé Vodka
3 lemons, juiced (keep rinds for garnish)
Club soda
Ice

CREATE
Pour ice into glass. Add 3oz of vodka along with the juice of lemons into cocktail shaker, shake to combine. Pour equal amounts into each glass, top off with club soda.

HC SERIES HABANO BELICOSO

The most highly-rated HC Series blend of the entire portfolio, the '92' rated HC Series Habano needs a drink that’s both refreshing as well as having the ability to assert itself without getting lost on the palate, and that’s why the following twist on a classic Mint Julep works perfectly.

Mint Julep
INGREDIENTS
Serves: 1

10 fresh mint leaves, (extra sprig for garnish)
2tsp pure maple syrup
2oz Bourbon (recommended, Bulleit)
Crushed ice

CREATE
Place mint leaves in the bottom of a sturdy rocks or old-fashioned, muddle until leaves are dark, fragrant, and broken down. Add maple syrup and bourbon. Fill glass with crushed ice and stir for a few seconds. To garnish, gently clap mint sprig between your palms to release oils. Place in glass, serve and enjoy.

CAMACHO ECUADOR ROBUSTO

'91' rated by Cigar Aficionado, the bold Camacho Ecuador creates an interplay between coffee, brown sugar, pepper, floral qualities, and citrus undertones. Uniquely suited to complement Camacho Ecuador is the Prohibition Era cocktail known as “The Last Word.”

The Last Word
INGREDIENTS
Serves: 1

3/4oz Mezcal
3/4oz Luxardo Maraschino
3/4oz Green Chartreuse
3/4oz lime juice
Ice
Twist of lime peel, for garnish

CREATE
In cocktail shaker, shake all ingredients (except garnish) with ice. Strain mixture into coupe glass. Garnish with lime peel, serve and enjoy.

OLIVA SERIE 'G' BELICOSO

The '91' rated Oliva Serie ‘G’ was their first introduction to a true Cameroon wrapper. Nuances like toast, chocolate, turbinado, earth, and roasted nuts adds another dimension that allows for optimum pairing with Cold Brew Coffee Negroni.

Cold Brew Coffee Negroni
INGREDIENTS
Serves: 1

3/4oz Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur
3/4oz Gin
1/2oz Campari
1/3oz Sweet Vermouth
Orange peel for garnish

CREATE
Combine all ingredients (excluding orange peel) into a double old-fashioned glass. Briefly stir with ice to chill. Garnish with an orange peel, serve and enjoy.