Beyond the 6-Pack: 7 Refreshing Drinks to Impress Your Guests
Beach season is upon us and what better time to relax with friends and indulge in a delicious drink. No matter your location – be it city, country or beach – or attire –be it business, casual, or board shorts and a tee – there are many drinks from across the world that have become popular for dinner parties, after-work cocktails, or relaxing on the beach. Below, i’ve put together our favorite summertime drinks that will leave you feeling refreshed – all while impressing your guests. Let’s dive right in:
#1: Daiquiri – This popular drink originated in Cuba and is a staple at any beachside bar. The story goes that the drink was invented by Americans, working in Cuba because they had an ample supply of rum, lime, and sugar. Today, it’s most popular in frozen form and, can be found in nearly any tropical fruit flavor. Here’s how to make it:
- 3 oz. light rum
- 1 ½ T. lime juice
- 2 T. white sugar
- 2 cups of crushed ice
Pour all ingredients into a blender and blend together until smooth.
#2: Mai Tai – This Polynesian drink caught on after being featured in Elvis’s hit movie, “Blue Hawaii” and is found in tropical destinations around the world. Here’s how to create a passion fruit version of the drink:
- 4 oz. light rum
- 2 oz. dark rum
- 2 oz. of Triple Sec
- 8 oz. of passion fruit juice
- Lime wedge
Mix the light rum, Triple Sec, and passion fruit in a shaker and pour into glasses. Pour 1 tablespoon of dark rum over each glass and finish it off with a lime wedge.
#3: Piña Colada – This refreshing drink has been around for more than 100 years, but was made popular in the 50s when a bartender added cream of coconut to it. Here’s how to make it for your guests:
- ½ cup rum
- ½ cup coconut cream
- ¼ coconut milk
- ¼ cup pineapple chunks
Fill your blender half full with ice cubes, then pour in the above four ingredients. Puree and pour into glasses. For added flair, you can garnish it with a pineapple ring or cherry.
#4: Sex on the Beach – If you have ladies craving a fruity beach cocktail, look no further than a Sex on the Beach. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ oz. vodka
- 2 oz. orange juice
- 2 oz. cranberry juice
- ½ oz. peach schnapps
Pour all four ingredients into a shaker and blend well. Pour into a highball glass and garnish with a cherry.
#5: Mojito – Everyone knows you can’t have a proper summertime party without a mojito. Here’s how to give your guests what they want:
- 1 ½ oz. rum
- 1 T. mint leaves
- 1 T. sugar
- ½ oz. lime juice
- 2-4 lime wedges
- Soda, to taste
Before mixing this drink, grab a few tall glasses and cover the bottom of the glass with mint leaves. Then, add sugar, rum, lime juice and crushed ice. Muddle together. Finally, top it off with soda water and mint leaves.
#6: Cape Codder – As its name implies, the Cape Codder was created in Massachusetts and is an easy mix of spirits and fruit juice. If you’re looking for a quick and easy cocktail for your dinner party, this is definitely it:
- 3 oz. cranberry juice
- 2 oz. vodka
- Lime wedge
Pour the cranberry juice and vodka into a highball glass filled with ice. Stir it well, then squeeze lime juice over the top.
#7: Bahama Mama – Our final refreshing drink for your guests is a Bahama Mama, usually served in a highball glass with a garnish of pineapple on the side.
- 1 oz. coconut rum
- 1 oz. rum
- 1 oz. grenadine
- 2 oz. orange juice
- 2 oz. pineapple juice
Combine all liquids with ice and puree in a blender until the contents are slushy. Pour into a glass and garnish with fruit as desired.
Next time you’re planning a cocktail party, look no further than the tasty treats on this list. They’ll have your guests raving for weeks!
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Cindy Prosser modeled swimwear in a past life… but now that she’s a part-time freelance writer and full-time mom.