With the weather growing hotter and hotter here in North Carolina and elsewhere, it's officially the start of cocktail season.
Don't get me wrong, there are a ton of delicious cocktails for the winter months, but nothing beats the summer heat like an ice-cold cocktail. And if you know me, you know I love to try my hand at making fun mixed drinks while entertaining. There's just something about the science and artistic creativity behind it.
Not to mention, cocktails are an easy way to make your party stand out. There are plenty of recipes you can mix up in large batches ahead of time so your guests can serve themselves and you won't need to play bartender all night. You can also hire someone to mix signature drinks for you. But if you're looking to really make your party special, a signature cocktail is the perfect way to spice things up.
During the summertime especially, I crave juicy, refreshing cocktails or even something of the frozen variety. They're like adult slushies - and who doesn't love a nice frozen drink while sitting pool-side or at a backyard barbecue?
Another way to really take it up a notch with your adult beverages is to serve them in a fun glass. Take this fun boombox container I found to make a few drinks in - this was a super cute, Instagram-worthy way to enjoy a drink. These don't have to cost a ton either. Head to your local dollar store or Target to check out some really creative vessels you can use. Just don't forget to clean them well first.
Since today is National Pina Colada Day and tomorrow is National Mojito Day below are two classic cocktail recipes that I consistently turn to on the hottest days of summer. If you try them out, remember to tell me what you think!
Of course, please remember that you should drink responsibly and drink plenty of water anytime you're indulging in a little alcoholic refreshment.
Piña Colada
Here's what you do:
1. Throw all those ingredients except the wedge and pineapple leaf into a shaker with ice and shake it baby, shake it. Just 20 or 30 seconds should do.
2. Strain into your glass of choice over pebble ice. These drinks are typically served in a hurricane style glass, if you want to keep it traditional.
3. Throw your garnishes on top, and drink up!
Classic Mojito
Here's what you do:
1. Add the sugar, mint leaves and a splash of club soda into a highball glass or whatever you'll be serving your cocktail in.
2. Muddle these items just enough to dissolve the sugar and release the mint flavor. If you're new to this, to muddle the ingredients you just press the juices out of them. You can just use a fork for this if you don't have something more official on hand.
3. Squeeze the juice from the lime wedges into hte same glass. Then drop two wedges into the glass.
4. Add the rum and stir it al up.
5. Fill up the glass with ice cubes - no one likes a lukewarm mojito.
6. Top it all off with your club soda and garnishes! Serve and enjoy!
Have a favorite cocktail recipe for summer? Be sure to share it with us!
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