There are two basic requirements for a summertime drink here in Florida.  First, it has to be cold.  Second, it has to be easy.  Why spend time with the blender when you can spend time actually having fun? 

 Of course, one of the great things about summertime entertaining is there are so many options that it is easy to satisfy everyone, with just a little creativity (and if your creativity is on vacation, well, you can borrow ours).

The Choices

Summertime entertaining calls for drinks that are light, so we start with lighter spirits, or what are sometimes called “white” spirits.  Rum, vodka, and tequila are all popular at this time of year, and with the continuing popularity of flavored rums and vodkas, you can turn even an ordinary drink spectacular with no trouble.  Choose a flavor that complements your mixer, or one that offers an interesting contrast.  Vanilla-flavored rum, for example, makes a great Rum and Coke.  Top it with lemon instead of lime.  Coconut rum adds a nice tropical twist to nearly any fruit juice. 

 Fruit-accented vodkas – citron, orange, apple, mango, and others—make wonderful twisted screwdrivers, or can be combined with each other for cool summery takes on the martini.  Make a Moscow Summer Night by pouring an ounce of Kahlua and 1½ ounces of Van Gogh Chocolate Vodka over ice in a tall glass, and add hazelnut coffee.  Make it a White Night by adding milk.

 Wines, too, make great options for dinner and poolside parties.  For easy entertaining, buy “splits” (half bottles) or 187ml bottles.  Even some sparkling wines are available in smaller bottles now.  Mix them up in a bed of ice to keep cool and let your guests choose what they like.  Just a few of the available wines include varietals from Robert Mondavi and sparkling wines like Martini and Rossi Asti Spumante or Moet Imperial.  As a bonus, you can serve a variety of wine with no more half empty bottles after the party is over. 

 For serving with poolside party fare, consider crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to accompany seafood, and while beer goes great with barbecue (especially in hot weather), don’t forget sensational full-bodied reds like Zinfandel.  Pinot Noir is one of the hottest reds right now, so don’t forget to add a label or two to your next dinner party (Oregon produces some of the best).

The Recipes

To get you started with your own creations, here are a few ideas for mixing it up at the bar.

 Classic Cosmo

Everyone has a favorite cosmo recipe—we invite you to try ours.

•  2 ½ ounces citrus vodka


• ½ ounce triple sec


• ¼ ounce lime juice


• Splash of cranberry juice

 Fill a shaker with ice and add ingredients.  Shake, strain into a chilled martini glass.

Appletini

Still a favorite.  And this is an easy way to do it.

•  3 ounces vodka


• 1 ounce Roses Sour Apple Mix

 Fill shaker with ice, add vodka and apple mix.  Shake, strain into chilled martini glass. 

South Beach Sunset

• 
  
  2 ounces banana vodka (or substitute straight or citrus vodka)
  
  


• 
  
  Orange juice
  
  


• 
  
  ½ ounce Dekuyper Raspberry Pucker
  
  

 Fill shaker with ice, add mango vodka and orange juice.  Shake, strain into tall glass over ice.  Top with Raspberry Pucker.