Summer time is here! It’s the start of beach bonfires, pool parties and fresh mani’s and pedi’s. It is also the perfect time of year for outdoor entertaining. Here are a few of our favorite summer cocktails. And don’t forget about the glassware…there are so many fun glassware options at your local stores this time of year! A cocktail tastes so much better in a cute glass! Send us a photo of you and your guests sipping your Summer cocktails poolside. Raise your glass to sunny days…cheers!
RAINBOW SANGRIA via Gimme Some Oven
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated bottle dry white wine
- 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar or honey
- 2 Tbsp. lime juice
- 8 cups diced rainbow fruit (*see below)
- 2 oz. brandy (optional)
- 1/2 cup club soda or ginger ale (optional)
Method
- In a pitcher, combine wine, sugar/honey, lime juice, and stir until combined.
- Add fruit to your pitcher.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. For round two, waiting 15 minutes is optional. J
- Top with a splash of brandy and club soda if desired.
Fruit suggestions:
- Red: strawberries, raspberries, pomegranates
- Orange: mandarin oranges, any other kind of orange/clementine wedge, cantaloupe
- Yellow: fresh pineapple
- Green: kiwi, honeydew, green grapes
- Blue: blueberries
- Purple: red grapes, blackberries, dragonfruit
SKINNY BLOOD ORANGE MARGARITAS via Cookie + Kate
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver/blanco tequila
- 2 ounces fresh blood orange juice (about 1 large blood orange, juiced)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice (about 1 lime, juiced)
- 1 teaspoon light agave nectar
- 1 tiny drop pure vanilla extract (optional)
Salt and brown sugar rim (use all salt if you want)
- 2 teaspoons kosher sea salt and/or Himalayan salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Lime wedges
METHOD
- Fill a small cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the tequila, freshly squeezed blood orange and lime juice and agave nectar. If desired, add a drop of vanilla extract.
- Put on the lid and shake for 30 seconds. Salt/sugar your rim then strain the liquid into your glass.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange.
WHISKEY SMASH via Bon Appetit
Ingredients
- 7 fresh mint leaves
- 1 lemon half
- 1 Tbsp. Simple Syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- Crushed ice
- Garnish: Mint springs
Method
- Using a muddler, mash 7 fresh mint leaves, 1 lemon half.
- Combine with 1 TBSP Simple Syrup in a 16-oz. glass.
- Add 1/4 cup bourbon.
- Pour in an Old Fashioned glass filled halfway with crushed ice, stir. Then mound more crushed ice on top.
- Garnish with mint sprigs.