The summer months mean weekends by the pool and a regular gathering with friends. I’m sharing some of my favorite summer cocktail party recipes we enjoy during the summer when hot temperatures call for refreshing drinks. Nothing too sweet or too heavy and certainly ones that are easy to prepare and pair well with swim suits and floating in the pool.
I got a little festive with the dogs and served them chilled water in their own martini glasses.
With Penny in my arms and Lucy admiring the water, we were ready to greet our guests.
It was Penny’s turn for a cool down drink.
A few drinks we’ll be mixing for the weekend with friends:
Summer Cocktail Party Recipes
Refreshing choices:
Cranberry Splash
1 part vodka
2 parts club soda or sparkling water
A splash of Cranberry juice
Mix with ice and garnish with a lemon wedge or or orange slice.
Spiked Lemonade
1 part vodka
2 parts lemonade
Mix and serve over ice.
Add in a muddled mix of fresh watermelon or raspberries a fruitier mix.
Negroni
For my husband, a Negroni is his drink of choice during the summer months. It reminds him of our trip to Italy when he had the drink each evening along with a plate of pasta because isn’t that what one should do while on holiday?
2 tablespoons gin
2 tablespoons Campari
2 tablespoons sweet vermouth
1 orange twist
Prosecco (optional)
Combine in an old-fashioned glass; stir gently and garnish with an orange twist. Add Prosecco for a celebratory addition.
Photos captured by my friend and talented photographer, Julie May. Find her photographs on her Instagram page @JulieMayPhotography.