If you’re hosting a poolside party, backyard barbecue, or simply want a flavorful drink, there are tons of refreshing summer cocktail recipes to follow. However, the best ones are those made with fresh ingredients and filled with amazing colors and a lip-smacking taste. So, get the shaker out because it’s time to mix up the best cocktails ever! And, at JCPenney, we’ve got all the essentials you need to make them.
Let the summertime cocktail season begin!
Pina Colada
Pina Coladas are classic patio drinks that you’ll come back to all summer. They have the splendid flavor of coconut cream and pineapple that’s sure to capture your attention.
Ingredients:
6 ounces cream of coconut
6 ounces pineapple juice
6 ounces white rum
4 ounces dark rum
4 cups ice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
For Garnishing:
Lime wedge and a spring of mint
Frozen fresh pineapple chunks or maraschino cherries
Instructions:
Step 1: Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth and frothy.
Step 2: Pour the puree in highball glasses and add fresh pineapple slices or maraschino cherries on top.
Step 3: Garnish with a lime wedge and a spring of mint or whipped cream.
Step 4: Place the glasses in a beautiful round tray, and serve!
Tip: To make it fun for the whole family, just leave the rum out of the recipe, and you’ve got Virgin Pina Coladas for everyone.
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Strawberry Lemonade Sangria
Another signature summer cocktail: sangria! In the summertime, make this classic with a strawberry twist. It’s bold, fruity, and can be served with ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels or chicken and artichoke canapes.
Ingredients:
1 cup lemon vodka
1 bottle chilled white wine
3 cups lemonade
1/2 orange
8 ounces strawberries
2 tablespoon honey
1 lemon
6 mint leaves
Instructions:
Step 1: Slice one lemon and one half of an orange into ¼-inch slices.
Step 2: Remove the stems from about 8 ounces of fresh strawberries, and then slice them into 1/4 in thickness.
Step 3: Add the lemon slices, orange slices, and strawberry slices to a large pitcher.
Step 4: Then add the fresh mint leaves and honey.
Step 5: Top with chilled white wine (use a chillaerator to keep the wine cold), lemonade, and lemon vodka. Stir well to dissolve the honey.
Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to develop. Serve cold in stemless wine glasses.
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Raspberry Mojito
Raspberry mojito makes for the most satisfying party drink that you won’t want to end. It is a bubbly and fruity summer drink with a subtle tangy berry flavor and brilliant red color.
You will need a tool set for this one.
Ingredients:
20 raspberries (fresh or frozen)
1 cup white rum
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 teaspoons sugar (you can substitute for light brown sugar)
Club soda
A good bunch of fresh mint leaves (reserve some for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Place the mint in a cocktail shaker, then put the lime wedges (pulp up) and cover them with sugar.
Step 2: Muddle to release the juice, but without getting them beaten up too much.
Step 3: Add the raspberries to the cocktail shaker and crush them all together. Pour the rum and shake it vigorously for a few seconds.
Step 4: Pour your raspberry mint mojito into a pitcher and keep it cold
Step 5: When serving, pour the mojito in a glass or mug. Fill it with club soda and ice. Don’t forget to add a stirrer.
Step 6: Garnish with a few mint leaves, raspberries, and thinner lime wedges (optional).
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Capture the true taste of summer with these refreshing treats. Click pictures of your summer cocktails and show us your creations by tagging #AllAtJCP. Then follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to see if you get featured.
