The Batanga Is the Drink of the Summer

Every summer, we crown an official song, an official shoe and even an official vegetable of the warmest season of the year. But what the all-important cocktail of the summer? In recent years, we’ve seen drinks like the Aperol spritz, espresso martini, paloma and ill-fated Dirty Shirley all take the crown, but this year we’re after something a little simpler to beat the heat. Enter: the batanga.

Bartenders, drink experts and even the godmother of entertaining Martha Stewart all seem to agree that this deceptively simple cocktail of lime juice, tequila blanco, and Coke is ready for the spotlight. Whether you’re sitting poolside or hosting a backyard barbecue, the batanga is easy to drink and tastes familiar (with its similarities to the classic Cuba Libra) while still bringing a little twist by adding tequila. Whatever you do, make sure you serve your batangas in tall glasses, make sure to salt the rim, and make sure to stay hydrated out there too.