Summer entertaining is in full swing and I know we’ve all got a lot of BBQ recipes on the agenda! We’ve got the food nailed down thanks to these 65 Easy Grilling Ideas and 50 Best BBQ Sides now let’s talk Easy Summer Cocktails like this Paloma Spritz!
Table of Contents
SPRITZ COCKTAILS:
Classic Aperol Spritz - If you’ve never had a Classic Aperol Spritz before, let me be the first to welcome you to what could be your new favorite light summer spritzy drink of choice. You really only need 3 things. Aperol, Prosecco and a club soda.
Mandarin Spritz - We drank a version of these BY THE BUCKET one summer while we were in Europe. Fresh mandarin juice, a touch of lime juice, sparkling water to get it that fizz, and alcohol if you want. It’s so refreshing!
Paloma Spritz - Tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice and a splash of sparkling water… that’s basically the Paloma Spritz in it’s simplest form and I can guarantee if you’re a fan of a skinny margarita, you’ll love this!
White Wine Spritzer - This classic and EASY White Wine Spritzer is the most simple drink you could prepare for an al fresco meal!
Campari Rosé Spritz - This Campari Rosé Spritz takes all the components of a traditional spritz but with a spin. Campari instead of Aperol. Rose instead of Prosecco and Lemon instead of Orange. It’s an easy swap and equally as delish.
Strawberry Thyme Lillet Spritzers - These Strawberry Thyme Lillet Spritzers are legit. I mix Lillet with Champagne, because I’m extra fancy, and some gorgeous strawberries and thyme. It’s insane and beyond easy.
MARGARITA RECIPES:
Strawberry Jalapeño Margaritas - These are sweet from the strawberries, a little spicy from the jalapeño and the perfect refreshing cocktail after a long week!! The recipe below serves 2, but you can easily batch these up and make them ahead of time if serving a crowd.
Skinny Margarita - The best skinny margaritas out there - hands down, no questions asked, end of story! Get prepared!
Blackberry Margaritas - Muddled blackberries give this that extra punch of flavor and a lot of color! Add to that some Cointreau to smooth it out with the tequila and you’re in business.
Pineapple Margarita - This gorgeous pineapple margarita is perfection. Made with a combo of pineapple juice, orange juice and lime juice plus a splash of tequila and some sparkling water, it’s the perfect refreshing cocktail. And we’re making them extra jazzy with a Tajin rim.
SANGRIA RECIPES:
Stone Fruit and Strawberry Sangria - It only requires a few minutes to pit the cherries and then another second or two to combine the sugar and the brandy. Then a few hours in the fridge so the fruit can really infuse the wine and make the Stone Fruit and Strawberry Sangria picture perfect.
Sparkling Citrus Pineapple Sangria - This Sparkling Citrus Pineapple Sangria is loaded with all the flavor from lemons, lime, oranges, pineapple, basil AND mint. It’s also the perfect batch cocktail to make and let sit for the day while you serve yourself and your friends/family while you hang outside in your backyard.
Strawberry and Peach Rosé Sangria - Rosé, strawberries, peaches, and basil! What could be better?
TEQUILA COCKTAILS:
Ranch Water - If you’ve been anywhere in Texas recently, I’m sure you’re well aware of the phenomenon known as Ranch Water. It’s essentially a super skinny margarita. Blanco tequila, sparkling water (Topo Chico is our preference obviously) and lime.
El Sueno Cocktail - A vanilla based tequila cocktail inspired by our trip to Mexico City!! It's a fun spin on a margarita and honestly – it's life altering!! Also very easy to make in batches!
Watermelon Tequila Punch - The most summer-y batch cocktail there is! Watermelon Tequila Punch with plenty and lime and mint to make it extra refreshing!
Blackberry Pineapple Smash - It’s a simple cocktail of muddled blackberries, blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice and a touch of mint. Done. Easy as that.
VODKA COCKTAILS:
Strawberry Basil Lemonade - Strawberry Basil Lemonade was basically the first drink recipe I ever post on WGC and it's been my most requested drink ever since. It's a refreshing blend of homemade lemonade that gets fresh strawberries and basil pureed into the mixture
Spiked Pink Lemonade - It’s not too sweet and the strawberry syrup is so easy to make. Add to that a homemade lemonade, and then splash in some vodka to give it an extra kick and you're in business.
Crushed Blackberry Moscow Mules - A fun spin on everyones favorite Mule – this smashed Blackberry Moscow Mule is the PERFECT summertime drink. Grab your favorite kind of vodka, some really great ginger beer, some blackberries and lime juice and that’s it!
BOURBON COCKTAILS:
Kentucky Lemonade - This super easy bourbon cocktail is fantastic and can easily be prepped ahead. All you need is some lemonade, your favorite Bourbon, fresh mint, and some Ginger Ale to give it a bubbly finish.
Blueberry Mint Bourbon Lemonade - Bourbon and Lemonade are one of those perfect combos! Serve this for an uber refreshing summertime drink that goes perfectly with the muddled mint and sweetness from the lemonade. Watch just how easy it is to make here.
Classic Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- crushed ice
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 3 ounces dry Prosecco
- 2 ounces sparkling water / soda water (while not authentic, we really love this with a plain Topo Chico)
- Orange for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to a wine glass until it is nearly full. Pour in the Aperol followed by the prosecco and give it a quick stir.
- Top your drink off with a splash of sparkling water and add a slice of orange.
