As we sit on our beach chairs, back decks and patios and bid summer a fond farewell, I thought it appropriate to put together a sampling of my favorite summer cocktails. They are all easy to prepare, no mixology required, are perfect made in big batches for entertaining at home or on the go, and of course, tasty! Pick a few of your favorites, get mixing, and raise a glass to another fabulous season.
Endless Summer: Perfect for a last beach barbecue
Serves 4
8 oz. skinnygirl coconut vodka
4 oz. pineapple juice
4 oz. mango nectar
4 oz. sparkling water
fresh mango slice for garnish
In a cocktail shaker or pitcher mix all ingredients over ice. Pour into glasses and serve.
Lazy Labor Day: great for stirring up some fun with friends
Serves 4
8 oz. Brugal Extra Dry rum
2 oz. simple syrup
10 basil leaves
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
4 oz. sparkling water
Muddle together basil, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add rum and stir well. Pour into ice filled glasses, top with sparkling water and serve.
Summer Cup: great for porch parties
Serves 4
8 oz New Amsterdam Citron vodka
4 oz. King's Ginger liqueur
4 oz. lemonade
4 oz. cranberry juice
lemon wheels for garnish
Mix all ingredients in a pitcher with ice, serve.
Sangria Bonita: from brunch to lunch
Serves 4
1 bottle ( 750 ml) Simi Sauvignon Blanc
8 oz. Peach brandy
4 oz. lemon flavored sparkling water
3 cups sliced peaches, green apples,and strawberries
Mix all in a pitcher, stir well, add ice, and serve.
Sunset Beach: perfect for summers last hoorah
Serves 4
1 bottle ( 750 ml) Krug champagne
8 oz. passionfruit liqueur
4 oz. limoncello
In a small pitcher mix the liqueur and limoncello. Pour mixer into bottom of each glass, top with champagne, and serve.
Wine Time
My two favorites of the season were a Simi chardonnay, bursting with fruit and citrus notes perfect for summer's lighter fare, and a Rose' Mas Sainte Berthe, from the Provence region, light, refreshing, and so very on trend.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
