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Refreshing Summertime Cocktails for Your Next Happy Hour

On the Beach

It’s cocktail time! I seem to say that a lot in my house during the summer. Whether it’s alcoholic or non-alcoholic, it’s nice to sit outside, catch up with my husband or neighbors and enjoy a refreshing drink. Here are a few cocktail recipes members have shared that will have you wishing it was Friday.

“I love this for a cool drink by the pool,” says Nikki Smith (Hemet, CA) of her delightful On the Beach cocktail. “Summer’s coming!”

This is a cool and refreshing tropical drink perfect for the summertime. We really enjoyed the mixture of the peach and citrus in this drink. If you love a fruity beverage, try this recipe. It’s great for a party.

Another fabulous fruity drink is Jennifer Enders’ (Tucson, AZ) Frosty Cranberry Shrub. It’s quite the treat on a hot afternoon. “I love anything with cranberry in it,” shares Jennifer. “It’s great for anytime – winter or summer.”

This cocktail sets the mood for a holiday dinner but is light enough to enjoy in the summer. In the Test Kitchen, we tried this with and without the vodka. Both ways were really good and refreshing. We may have favored the vodka version slightly, but this is a great non-alcoholic cocktail option.

Who doesn’t love lemonade in the summertime? Maggie O’s Tipsy Peach Lemonade is a delicious kicked-up lemonade. One sip of this cocktail and we guarantee this will be your new favorite summertime drink.

“This one is very inviting on a hot afternoon but be careful… it’s a sneaker,” jokes Maggie. The lemon and peach juices make for a tasty combination. The peach juice adds a bit of sweetness to the lemonade. Feel free to leave the vodka out if you’re looking to avoid alcohol. It’s just as refreshing.

I love a good margarita while relaxing by the pool and Grace Pulley’s (Gillette, WY) Pomegranate Margarita is one I frequently make. Five simple ingredients create one enjoyable cocktail.

Grace used fresh pomegranates she got through her local co-op which I’d recommend. Otherwise, a bottled pomegranate juice works perfectly. Grace’s recipe is a nice twist on a traditional margarita. It’s sweet, tart and delightful!

“I made this little concoction yesterday for a barbecue and everyone enjoyed them,” says Tara Pacheco (Fall River, MA) of her White Sangria.

Tara’s sangria is the perfect balance of fruit and wine. Using white zinfandel rather than red wine lightens up the sangria a bit. Eating the fruit at the end is one of my favorite parts. I put some grapes in the freezer and used those to help keep the sangria cold. So yummy!

These cocktails are perfect for a summer party, sipping by the pool or relaxing on the porch. Do you have a summertime go-to drink? Make sure to share the recipe so we can try it too. Or, if you’re looking for a new drink check out our Summer Sippers recipe collection. Remember, drink responsibly and Happy Pinching!