Haven’t you heard? It’s a brat summer. At least, that is this summer’s vibe based on Charli XCX’s latest album brat. Released on June 7, the sixth album just feels like you’re in a club (hence ‘club classics’) and just being the ultimate it-girl while sprinkling in a bit of messy — aka, do it for the plot. A week after its release, the singer posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), “Thank you for all the support <3 brat summer activated.”
Now, that it's officially summer, we’ve compiled a list of foods for the ultimate brat summer.
What does brat summer mean?
Baby tees, self-love, sporty sunglasses, digital cameras, drinks, thigh-high boots, and LOTS of neon green. Charli XCX also honed in on the meaning in an interview on the BBC Sounds Podcast.
“It can go that way — quite like luxury,” she said. “But it can also be so trashy, just like a pack of cigs and a BIC lighter and a strappy white top with no bra.”
The most important aspect to achieve the "brat" look is neon green. The album cover is simple with a bright green with "brat" written in a basic font. This creative decision received lots of backlash from fans, calling the album cover “boring,” and were upset that Charli XCX herself was not on the cover. However, the singer clapped back with the question of why should fans believe they have “ownership of female artists” album art.
The reasoning behind her creative direction was to make a cover that has “an offensive, off-trend shade of green to trigger the idea of something being wrong,” she shared in an interview with Vogue Singapore. Her idea is to make society question the expectations of pop culture.
brat-inspired foods you should have this summer.
There is no better way to partake in the iconic brat summer than having green-colored food and drinks. Simple ways can be making a matcha latte or avocado toast with "brat" written on top with nori seaweed. Many fans have made cakes and cupcakes with neon green icing or green-colored drinks in celebration of the album's release.
If you’re planning a summer get-together with friends, you can make neon green Tokyo tea or margarita jello shots. If you have a sweet tooth, make sour patch grapes which encapsulate the idea of brat summer: green and has a punch with the sour flavor.
If you live in an area where there is an Erewhon, you can try out the viral brat smoothie. TikTok creator, Misterpreda, created a $31 smoothie that you can make at home for much cheaper if you aren’t near an Erewhon or want to save money.
It’s based on Brazilian lemonade with supplements that make sure you get all of your daily nutrients so you can live out your brat summer to the fullest.
I️f you're into having a boozy brat summer, embrace your new persona with Mi Campo. The Mi Campo “BRAT” Summer Cocktail features cucumber, apple (duh!), and a splash of Mi Campo Blanco tequila creating the brightest green drink. In a shaker, muddle four to five cucumber and green apple chunks, and 1/4 ounce of lime juice. Then add an ounce of apple liqueur, 1/4 ounce of agave nectar, and 1 1/2 ounce of Mi Campo Blanco. Shake well and then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. To add contrast to the bright green, rim your glass with activated charcoal and sugar, then top with a cucumber slice.