We are supposed to be working while balancing the shuttling of kids to and from camp or letting them be free and active in the yard. I’m not feeling the ‘easy breezy summer’ quite yet. I think it must indicate that I need a break – maybe a vacation for the first time in what feels like ages. (Or more Pokemon GO and fewer invoices deadlines!) Maybe some perfect fresh summer cocktails would help ease me into the guise of a vacay at least! I’ve got some delicious ideas to bring the feeling of vacation to your backyard.

Summer is about to be in full swing and with it comes countless backyard BBQs, cottage weekends with friends and family and any number of impromptu surprise events. With so much home (and patio!) entertaining, summer is the perfect time to hone your own bartering skills with a few expertly crafted DIY cocktails that are actually not too hard to pull off. Drink in the very best of summer and say cheers to warm weather and a season of fun in the sun! 

Bailey’s Shiver

Smirnoff California Lemonade

• .75 oz. Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
• .25 oz. Tanqueray London Dry Gin
• .25 oz. cognac
• .25 oz. grenadine
• 2oz. orange juice
• splash lime juice
• splash sugar syrup
• slice(s) lemon wedges1. Blend all ingredients in a shaker
  2. Serve over ice in a hurricane glass
  3. Garnish with lemon wedge

Smirnoff Hibiscus Fresca

• 1.25 oz. Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
• .25 oz. Grand Marnier
• 2 oz. hibiscus tea
• .5 oz. honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
• .25 oz. squeezed lime
• 5 raspberries1. Combine all ingredients in ice-filled shaker
  2. Serve over ice in a highball glass
  3. Garnish with raspberries and/or hibiscus flower