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I'm skipping the traditional recipes such as margaritas, mojitos, and standard daiquiris, because you can find recipes for those everywhere. Plus, if you're anything like me, it's fun to try out something new.
1. Strawberry-Basil martini
This is a super-seasonal drink right now because you can make it with fresh ingredients (before strawberries go the way of the dodo bird, for the rest of the year, at least).
Serves 1
3 strawberries, chopped
3 basil leaves
1/2 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
Muddle the strawberries and basil in a cocktail shaker with the simple syrup. Add ice, vodka, and lime juice, and shape well. Strain into a martini glass.
2. Watermelon Sangria
Serves 7
1 bottle dry white wine
3/4 cup watermelon schnapps
1/2 cup white cranberry juice
2 cups watermelon chunks
2 limes, sliced
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours. Serve over ice.
3. Pear Mojito
Serves 1
1/4 cup fresh pear, chopped
6 fresh mint leaves
3 lime wedges
1 ounce simple syrup
1 1/2 ounce pear-flavored vodka
1 ounce sparkling water
Muddle the pear, lime, and mint in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, syrup, and vodka, and shake. Strain into an ice-filled glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a lime wedge.
4. Kiwi Royale
Serves 1
2 slices kiwi, cut into quarters
1 ounce Midori
1 ounce pineapple juice
4 ounces sparkling wine
Combine the kiwi, Midori, and pineapple juice in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Pour into a highball glass, and top with sparkling wine.
5. Cantaloupe Martini
Makes 4
1 cup water
2 cups cantaloupe, chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
1 lime, juiced
ice cubs
Melon-flavored vodka
Combine the water, cantaloupe, sugar, and lime juice in a blender. Puree until it's a liquid consistency, and then strain into a measuring cup. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 1 part melon vodka to 2 parts cantaloupe puree. Shake vigorously and strain into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with lime slices.
Additional Reading:
Cocktails with a Beer Buzz (New York Times)
Summer Cocktails that are Pitcher Perfect (Chicago Sun-Times)
