How to Make Unforgettable Summer Cocktails

I am known for my porch parties or inviting people to come up and relax on our porch with a cocktail that I quickly whip up. Classic Margaritas and Raspberry Moscow Mules are my signature drinks, and once you figure out a drink you love and can make any time, then you’ll be ready to host those impromptu gatherings or plan ahead and create a memorable evening. Keep summer drinks light and take advantage of seasonal fruit to create signature drinks your guests won’t forget! Try one of my favorites this weekend!

Lime Margarita

My go to and quick when you keep limeade in the freezer - serves 2

• ½ c. tequila
• ¼ c. triple sec
• ¼ c. freshly squeezed lime juice (or my secret is to use 2 tbsp frozen limeade)
• Ice
• 2 lime wedges
• ¼ c. kosher salt or coarse sea salt for rim

Place salt on small shallow plate. Rim two glasses with lime wedge, then dip in salt to coat rim. Divide tequila, triple sec, and lime juice between 2 glasses and stir to combine. Top with ice, garnish with lime and serve.

Strawberry or Raspberry Moscow Mule

Raspberry is my signature - serves 2

• ½ c. raspberry or strawberry vodka
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 bottle ginger beer (I prefer Goslings)
• ½ c. strawberries or raspberries for garnish

Add ice to a mug or highball glass, then divide vodka, and lime juice between 2 mugs. Top off with ginger beer. Place cut strawberries or several raspberries in each cocktail and serve.

Blackberry or Blueberry Mojito

So yummy with in season fruit and quick when you have simple syrup made ahead - serves 2

• ½ c. blackberries or blueberries
• Handful fresh mint leaves
• Juice of 2 limes
• ¼ c. simple syrup
• ½ c. light rum
• crushed ice
• club soda to top off glass

Simple Syrup

This makes enough for 2 servings

• ½ c. cane sugar
• ½ c. water

Pour ½ c. sugar and ½ c. water into small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir. Boil until all the sugar is dissolved for just a few minutes. Pour into a lidded container for storage. I make this ahead and it keeps in the refrigerator until ready to use

In a small bowl, muddle blackberries or blueberries. Set aside. Place mint leaves in bottom of glasses. Divide and spoon blackberry mixture on top. Add rum, simple syrup, and lime juice and stir to combine. Top with crushed ice. Add club soda and garnish with mint leaves and more blackberries or blueberries.

Watermelon Sangria

Good to make ahead - serves 4

• 4 c. cubed watermelon
• 1 750-ml bottle moscato
• 1 c. rum
• Juice of 4 limes
• Zest of 2 limes
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• Lime wedges

In a blender combine watermelon, moscato, rum, lime juice and zest, and sugar and blend until smooth. Refrigerate until chilled. Garnish glasses with lime wedges and serve.

Moscato Lemonade

Easy to make quickly - serves 4

• 1 (750-mL) bottle pink moscato
• 6 c. strawberry lemonade
• ½ c. vodka
• Lemon wedges

Rim glasses with lemon wedge and dip in sugar. In a large pitcher, stir together moscato, lemonade, and vodka. Garnish with lemon slices and serve over ice.