Enjoying A Great DrinkEnjoying A Great Drink

Summer is the season for barbecues and pool parties. For many groups, these parties are not complete without a few alcoholic beverages. But stopping to shake cocktails every 10 minutes can really put a damper on your enjoyment. Instead, consider mixing up one or more of these large-batch drinks at the beginning of the party and then letting guests serve themselves. 

1. Raspberry Lemonade With a Twist

Who doesn't love lemonade? It's a classic summer drink, and this recipe has an extra hint of tartness from real, fresh raspberries. To make this cocktail, you need:

• 1 8-ounce can of frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
• 3 cups cold water
• 1 cup citrus vodka
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• Plenty of ice

Muddle the raspberries in the bottom of the pitcher. Pour in the remaining ingredients, and stir well. Add plenty of ice to the pitcher, and garnish with a few whole strawberries on the top.

2. Mojitos for a Crowd

The fresh flavors of mint and lime come together in this classic mojito, which you only need to mix once. You'll need:

• A generous handful of fresh mint leaves, torn into large pieces
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 cup simple syrup
• 2 cups soda water
• Plenty of ice

Muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup. Let them sit for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to diffuse. Stir in the lime juice. Then, add the ice and stir gently before topping with the soda water. Stir one more time, very gently, before serving.

3. Fruit Punch With a Bang

Fruit punch is thought of as a child's drink, but this version has three different types of alcohol in it, making it a great choice for adults. You'll need:

• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup cherry juice
• 1/2 cup cherry-flavored vodka
• 1/2 cup citrus-flavored rum
• 1/4 cup of your favorite tequila
• Plenty of ice

Mix all of the ingredients together in a pitcher, and serve. This one could not be simpler!

4. Beachy Booze

With flavors of banana, pineapple, and coconut, this one will make you think you're visiting Hawaii. You'll need:

• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 cups soda water
• 1/4 cup banana liqueur
• 1 cup coconut rum
• Plenty of ice
• Pineapple slices as garnish

Stir together the pineapple juice, lime juice, banana liqueur, and rum. Add the ice and soda water, and garnish the pitcher with a few pineapple slices.

Visit your local liquor store to get started.