Summer is great time to entertain.  The sun is out late, the weather is perfect for lounging outside and catching up with friends after work.  While beer is a staple, sometimes you want to spice things up with a great summer cocktail.  Here a few simple recipes that are sure to be a big hit!

Watermelon Slush

Watermelon Vodka Slush

Watermelon Vodka Slush

This one does take prep time the day before, but it’s not too intense.  The drink will be worth it, trust me!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups watermelon flesh, seeds removed
  • 2 fluid ounces simple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 2 fluid ounces melon liqueur
  • 4 twists lemon zest, garnish
Day before: Puree the watermelon and pour into ice trays.
Day of: Blend the watermelon ice cubes, sugar, lemon juice, vodka and melon liqueur.
Serve in Martini glasses.  I think the pink of this cocktail would look so awesome in the turquoise base martini glasses!

Ginger Shandies

ginger shandie cocktail

Ginger Shandie

Ingredients

  • 3 bottle(s) (11.2-ounce) chilled Hoegaarden beer
  • 1 bottle(s) (12-ounce) chilled ginger beer
  • 1  thinly sliced lemon
  • Mint sprigs, for garnish

Prep: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher.  Serve in Double Old Fashioned glass with ice and mint sprigs.

Sour Cherry Gin Muddler

sour cherry gin muddle

Sour Cherry Gin Muddle

Ingredients

  • Three sour cherries per glass
  • Lemon (1 slice per glass)
  • Gin
  • Sugar

Put three sour cherries, one thin slice of lemon and a spoonful of sugar in the bottom of a glass.  Pound with muddler, or end of wooden spoon.  Add gin, enjoy.   Add more gin for a second round, the cherries will still flavor it very well.

Serve in a Double Old Fashioned glass or Hiball glass.

Hope you enjoy these delicious summer cocktails. Cheers!