When most people host summer parties, they usually have the basic alcoholic beverages, like beer and wine, but rarely do you see a host offer a selection of really special summer drinks.

I have perfected my list of offerings over the years and now I share my "Top 5 Most Requested Summer Drinks" with you (in no particular order).

Number One Most Requested Summer Cocktail--Limoncello Mint Lemonade

1/2 cup lemonade concentrate 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice Ice cubes 1/4 cup Limoncello (lemon liqueur) 1/2 cup club soda Lemon slices and mint for garnish

In a small pitcher, "muddle" mint leaves together with lemonade concentrate and lemon juice. Muddle means to bruise the leaves so they release their flavor. I use the end of a wooden spoon.

Stir in ice cubes, Limoncello and club soda and pour into 4 glasses. Top them off with a lemon slice, a sprig of fresh mint and an umbrella.

Makes 4-10 oz. drinks.

Number Two Most Requested Summer Cocktail--Pomegranate Blueberry Martini

Made with 1/2 juice so not as strong as most martinis.

1/2 part vodka 1 part pomegranate mix (I use "Rose" brand) 1 part pomegranate blueberry juice (I use "Tropicana" brand) Orange slices for garnish

Shake ingredients with ice for 1 minute in a martini shaker. Pour into some martini glasses and garnish with an orange slice. Crisp and refreshing!

Number Three Most Requested Summer Cocktail--Pineapple Bleu

2-oz. Hypnotic Liqueur 1-oz. Grey Goose Vodka Splash of pineapple juice Lemon twist for garnish

Shake together Hypnotic, vodka and ice until chilled. Pour into a martini glass, top with pineapple juice and garnish with a lemon twist and an umbrella.

Number Four Most Requested Summer Cocktail--Sangria Punch

This one is great for summer barbeques because you can easily make it a pitcher at a time or can serve it from a punch bowl.

1 lemon 1 lime 1 orange 1-1/2 cups rum (spiced rum works well too) 1/2 cup white sugar 1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry red wine 1 cup orange juice Chill the fruit, rum, orange juice and wine. If desired, make ice cubes out of the orange juice. This is a good way to keep drinks icy cold without diluting them.

Slice the lemon, lime and orange into thin rounds and place in a large glass pitcher. Pour in the rum and sugar. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours to develop the flavors.

When ready to serve, crush the fruit lightly with a wooden spoon and stir in the wine and orange juice (cubes if you made them). Adjust sweetness to taste.

Number Five Most Requested Summer Cocktail--Fruited Brandy Punch

This one has become a favorite at my home and a lot of the parties I attend, most likely because everyone loves it and you can make a huge amount and serve it in a punch bowl.

1/2 part brandy (I use Christian Brothers brand) 1 part lemon-lime soda 2 parts fruit juice (Cranberry-Peach blend is my favorite) 1/2 bag frozen fruit (Blueberries and strawberries look great) 1 fruited ice ring (see recipe below) Slices of lemons, limes and oranges, if desired

Page 1 of 2 :: First | Last :: Prev | 1 2 | Next