Refreshing Summer Drinks
Entertaining alfresco is one of our favorite things about summer. Bring on the barbecues and long summer nights outdoors! An easy way to spend more time with your guests and less time preparing beverages during your party is to make large quantities of cocktails in advance. Here are three of our favorite make-ahead mixed drinks for you to try at your next gathering. We hope you and your guests enjoy them as much as we do.
Watermelon Sangria
Sangria is a summer favorite. Change it up with this version that infuses sweet watermelon into a classic white sangria.
Ingredients
12 cups cubed watermelon, divided
1 (750 milliliters) bottle dry white wine, such as chardonnay, pinot grigio, or sauvignon blanc
1 cup vodka
1/2 cup triple sec
1/2 cup simple syrup
1 medium lime, cut into slices
1 orange, cut into slices
1 cup blueberries
Directions
Blend 9 cups of the watermelon cube until smooth. Strain juice over a large pitcher. Add wine, vodka, triple sec, and simple syrup. Stir to combine. Place remaining watermelon cubes, lime slices, orange slices, and blueberries in the pitcher. Stir again and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Vodka Lemonade with Ginger Beer
Lemonade isn't just for kids. Make this grown-up version to delight your guests. Ginger beer adds a little spiciness to the classic recipe and cooling cucumber slices and basil leaves round it out. Double the recipe if you're serving a large crowd.
Ingredients
2 cups lemonade
2 cups vodka
1 cup ginger beer or ginger ale
Lemon slices (optional)
Cucumber slices (optional)
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Directions
Pour lemonade, vodka, and ginger beer into a pitcher and stir to combine. Garnish with cumber and lemon slices and top with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tropical Spiked Punch
Is there anything more classic than a spiked punch at a barbecue? This one's super easy and will certainly please a crowd. Make it colorful by using frozen fruit as ice cubes.
Ingredients
4 cups pineapple juice
1/2 cup rum, preferably white rum
1 bottle sparkling wine, such as cava or prosecco
Frozen fruit, such as strawberries, mango, and kiwi (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and serve over ice and frozen fruit.
No matter how low-key your summer party prep is, entertaining can be exhausting. When you’re ready to sit back and relax and have someone else do the cooking, join us at Venezia. Our staff is prepared to serve you an outstanding Italian meal while you enjoy breathtaking views of Boston Harbor.