Five Fun and Fresh Cocktails to Try This Summer

Summer is the time for parties, BBQ's and having fun in the sun. If you are entertaining, and looking for some new drink ideas besides beer and margaritas, here are 5 simple drink recipes to try. You don't have to be a skilled bartender to make them work, but everyone who tries these will think you are!

1. Iced Martinis
- You'll need one bottle of chilled Vodka, 2 cups chilled seltzer, 3/4 cup chilled vermouth, Ice cubes. Stir together Vodka, Seltzer, and Vermouth in a large pitcher. Pour into small ice filled glasses and garnish with olives, lemons, or cucumbers.

2. Electric Raspberry Iced Tea
- Add one oz of Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka and one teaspoon of sugar to every 4 oz of brewed iced tea in a pitcher. Stir well. Pour into small ice filled glasses and garnish with a fresh raspberry and a sprig of mint.

3. Stormy Sea
- Fill a large pitcher with ice cubes. Add 3 cups of dry ginger ale, and top with 1 cup of dark rum. Do not stir. You want the two tone effect to reflect what a "stormy sea" would look like. You can also substitute a ginger beer to replace the ginger ale, for a stronger drink.

4. The Three Amigos
- Fill a large pitcher with ice cubes, Stir in two bottles of Mexican beer (Dos Equis or Corona work well) and add 1 1/3 cup of limeade. Pour into salt rimmed glasses and garnish with a lime wedge.

5. Summer Slush
- This drink is very strong, and takes some time to make. Start the slush at least 8-12 hours before serving. In a large pitcher mix together 1 can of frozen orange juice and frozen lemonade, 1 7oz bottle of Japanese Raspberry wine, 1/4 cup of Orange Liqueur, and a bottle of vodka plain or flavored. Stir well and place in freezer until ice cream consistency. When frozen, using an ice cream scoop, place one scoop in highball glass, and top with chilled champagne. Garnish with orange wedge.

As always celebrate responsibly, and have fun!

Material for this article provided by:
Martha Stewart Living
Ehow.com