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Summer Cocktails to Unwind and Beat the Heat

Texas Peach Sangria

Whether it’s a busy day at work, dealing with rambunctious kids all day, or just wanting something cold to cool down, these days 5 pm can’t come soon enough. None of us are following our typical summer schedule. It’s nice to take a little time at the end of the to relax and these summer cocktails are perfect to sip on.

Sangria in the summer is refreshing and, depending on what ingredients are added, you can change the flavor profile. Two I like are Tara Pancheco’s (Fall River, MA) Blueberry Hibiscus Sangria and Sue Weaver’s (Belton, TX) Texas Peach Sangria.

“This is a light, crisp, refreshing beverage – perfect for summertime,” says Tara. I love the tart flavor hibiscus tea gives the cocktail. Blueberry juice is used which is not overly sweet. It’s a great complement to the sweeter Riesling wine.

Sue’s sangria is slightly sweet and filled with peach flavor. “This is a quick and easy alcoholic punch/sangria that is fresh and fruity,” shares Sue.

Ginger ale adds a bit of bubble to this drink. Sue also uses Chardonnay in her version which, while fruity, is not as sweet as a Riesling. Peach nectar, peach vodka, and fresh peaches pack a punch of flavor. Yum!

Margarita’s your go-to? Give Susan Jackson’s (Bergman, AR) Italian Margaritas a try. Amaretto is a special touch that gives this drink its little Italian flair.

“If you love margarita’s I am sure you and your friends will enjoy this recipe,” thinks Susan. “My husband and I have margarita nights when we will invite a friend or two. One batch is not enough so I usually will double it.”

This refreshing margarita has citrus undertones and is the perfect mix of sweet and sour. It’s a little on the sweet side thanks to the amaretto. If you use the ingredients Susan recommends, you’ll have a tasty margarita.

Summer evenings will be a bit sweeter thanks to Ashley Lemon (Wichita, KS) and her Strawberry Lime Slush. “If you love tangy and sweet strawberries, this is for you,” says Ashley.

Do you gravitate toward frozen drinks? Try this. It will become your go-to summer cocktail. Made with frozen limeade concentrate, beer, frozen strawberries, vodka, and triple sec, it’s fruity, sweet, and tart. It’s an adult slushy that screams summertime.

Mary Lee’s Kahlua Mocha Frappe is the opposite of the other drinks I’ve shared. While all the ones above are lighter and fruity, this one is a bit heavier and full of coffee and chocolate flavor (more of an adult milkshake).

Mary Lee thinks that it’s “Mmmmm good” and I couldn’t agree more. If you like a White Russian (vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream), this is a riff on that. The recipe has Kahlua and instant coffee so the coffee flavor is evident. Milk and ice cream are used which makes it a decadent drink. Some may consider this a dessert. It’s so good.

These easy summer cocktails are a great way to beat the heat and unwind after a long day. If you try one of them, make sure to leave a review. Make sure to drink responsibly and Happy Pinching!