Summer Sips

When it comes to liquid refreshment, there's no reason you own deck or patio should't rival the finest pub or restaurant. Let one of these refreshing seasonal cocktails be your well-earen reward at day's end.

When it comes to liquid refreshment, there’s no reason your own deck or patio shouldn’t rival the finest pub or restaurant. With the trio of distinctive summer cocktail recipes below, you can create libations that will dazzle the eye as they delight the tongue and soothe the spirit. Cheers!

Tequila Sangria

What you'll need:
• 2-3 pineapple slices
• 2-3 orange slices
• 2-3 blackberries
• 2-3 blackberries
• 2-3 lime wedges
• 1/4 cup tequila
• 2 Tbs. elderflow-flavored liqueur
• 2 Tbs. simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, cooked until the sugar dissolves and then cooled)
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• splash of orange juice
• ice, as needed
• red wine, as needed

Combine pineapple slices, orange slices, blackberries and lime wedges in a glass. Next, add the tequila, elderflower-flavored liqueur, simple syrup, pineapple juice and splash of orange juice. Add ice to glass and stir to mix ingredients. Top with red wine—as much as desired.

Watermelon Mojito

What you'll need:
• 2 watermelon chunks
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tsp. sugar
• handful of mint leaves
• 2 oz. white rum
• handful of ice
• splash of ginger ale

Muddle watermelon chunks with the lime juice and sugar in a glass. Stir in the mint leaves and add the white rum and ice. Top with ginger ale and garnish with more mint.

Blue Lagoon

What you'll need:
• 1/4 part Blue Curaçao
• 1 part vodka
• 1 part pineapple juice
• ice, as needed

In a blender, add the Blue Curaçao, vodka, pineapple juice and ice. Blend well, adding more ice for a slushier texture (if desired). Serve in a hurricane glass.