To Sip For Summer: Cocktails with a Fruity Twist

Photo and recipe credits for Fresh Blackberry Mojito: Divine Lifestyle

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From ANGIE PENNINGTON:

Summer is the perfect time to let the creative juices flow to create a cocktail with a twist. Whether you are hosting a big summer bash or having a cozy dinner get-together, a tasty and refreshing cocktail is sure to impress. With fresh summer fruit in mind, below are three cocktails that will add a unique touch to your summer party.

Fresh Blackberry Mojito

Ingredients

3 cups fresh blackberries
ice as needed
4 shots rum (1 1/2 ounces each)
simple syrup
soda water as needed
mint (10 leaves per drink plus 2 to garnish)
3 limes, quartered (2 quarters per drink plus one to squeeze on top as garnish)

Directions

Sprinkle blackberries in the bottom of four glasses, then muddle or smash them with the back of a fork to extract their juice. Add 4-5 mint leaves by breaking them up to release the mint oil and muddle them as well along with a tablespoon of simple syrup. Gently muddle the mint. Add two lime wedges and muddle them. NOTE: Proper muddling of your mint is the key to a flavorful minty drink or one that tastes like grass. Fill each glass with ice, and a shot of rum. Mix well, then top the glasses with soda water and squeeze a lime. Garnish with mint, blackberries and lime quarters before serving.

Photo and recipe credits: Divine Lifestyle

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Blue Hawaiian

Ingredients

1 oz. white rum
½ oz. Blue Curacao
3 oz. Piña Colada Mix
1 cup crushed ice
fresh pineapple and cherries for garnish
blue sugar or coconut for rimming (optional)

Directions

Rim glass (Optional): For fun, take crushed coconut and roll in blue food coloring, then let dry. Dip rim of glass in rum, then dip into blue coconut.

Combine rum, Curacao and mix in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into rimmed glasses and garnish with a fresh pineapple slice or pineapple and cherries on a skewer.

Photo and recipe credits: Daily’s Cocktails

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Watermelon Sangria

Ingredients

1 bottle rosé wine
2 cups watermelon juice (puree the watermelon in a blender, then strain the juice)
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/2 cup orange liqueur
1/2 cup peach nectar
1 lemon, juiced
2 cups watermelon, rinds removed, cut into chunks
2 cups blackberries
2 cups peaches

Directions

In a large pitcher, combine the wine, watermelon juice, agave nectar, orange liqueur, peach nectar and lemon juice, and stir thoroughly. Add in the fruit, and mix again. Chill for 1 hour or overnight. Serve over ice, and garnish with the remaining fruit.

Photo and recipe credits: Sheknows.com

Ready to plan your summer party? Find great summer theme ideas including Tiki Island Party &Modern Fiesta.

• For more delicious food and beverage ideas for your summer picnics and BBQs:
• For Grilling Buffs: A Yummy Idea For Cherries, Peaches, Stone Fruit
• Overloaded With Zucchini? Here’s A Great Recipe For Fritters
• For Your Next Picnic Or Potluck: Wine Potato Salad
• Jalapeno Watermelon Margaritas! Ole!
• ‘Throwback Thursday’ Cocktail Of The Week: Harvey Wallbanger

Angie Pennington is the co-founder of www.sparklerparties.com in Aptos.