Here are some refreshing summer cocktail tips, recipes, and ideas to keep your gatherings cool and flavorful:

Tips for Summer Cocktails
    1.    Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh citrus juice, herbs like mint or basil, and ripe summer fruits (watermelon, berries, mango) enhance flavor.
    2.    Keep It Light: Use lighter spirits (vodka, rum, gin) and mixers (soda water, lemonade, tonic) to stay refreshed.
    3.    Make Big Batches: Punches or pitchers save time and make hosting easier.
    4.    Use Plenty of Ice: Not just to cool, but to dilute and mellow drinks slightly in hot weather.
    5.    Garnish Creatively: Edible flowers, citrus wheels, cucumber ribbons, or frozen berries add a festive look.

5 Great Summer Cocktail Recipes

Watermelon Mint Mojito
   •   2 oz white rum
   •   1 oz lime juice
   •   1/2 oz simple syrup
   •   Fresh watermelon chunks
   •   Mint leaves
   •   Soda water
Muddle watermelon and mint, shake with rum, lime juice, syrup; strain into ice-filled glass and top with soda.

Frozen Piña Colada
   •   2 oz white rum
   •   1 oz coconut cream
   •   1.5 oz pineapple juice
   •   1 cup crushed ice
Blend all ingredients until smooth; serve in a chilled glass with a pineapple wedge.

Cucumber Gin Fizz
   •   2 oz gin
   •   1 oz lime juice
   •   1/2 oz elderflower liqueur (optional)
   •   Cucumber slices
   •   Soda water
Muddle cucumber, shake with gin, lime, and liqueur. Strain into a glass and top with soda.

Peach Bourbon Smash
   •   2 oz bourbon
   •   1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
   •   Sliced ripe peach
   •   Mint leaves
Muddle peach and mint, shake with bourbon and syrup; strain over ice.

Rosé Sangria
   •   1 bottle chilled rosé wine
   •   1/2 cup brandy or elderflower liqueur
   •   Mixed berries, sliced oranges, peaches
   •   1 cup soda water
Combine everything except soda water in a pitcher, chill for a few hours. Add soda just
before serving.

Non-Alcoholic Sips

Virgin Piña Colada (Non-Alcoholic)

Ingredients:
   •   1 cup pineapple juice
   •   1/2 cup coconut cream (not coconut milk)
   •   1/2 cup crushed ice (more if you want it thicker)
   •   Optional: splash of lime juice for a tangy kick

Instructions:
    1.    Add pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice to a blender.
    2.    Blend until smooth and frothy.
    3.    Pour into a chilled glass.
    4.    Garnish with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry.

Tip: Freeze some pineapple chunks and use those instead of ice for extra flavor and texture.

Mojito (Non-Alcoholic Mojito)

Ingredients:
   •   10 fresh mint leaves
   •   1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
   •   1/2 oz simple syrup (or honey syrup)
   •   Club soda or sparkling water
   •   Crushed ice

Instructions:
    1.    Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and syrup in a glass.
    2.    Fill the glass with crushed ice.
    3.    Top with sparkling water.
    4.    Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of mint and lime wheel.

Tip: You can infuse the simple syrup with mint ahead of time for even more flavor.