Now that summer is in full swing I’m sure your weekends will be full of festivals, cookouts and cocktails. Whenever the warm temperatures appear in Chicago I feel like our weekends instantly fill up. Everyone is so excited to get out and enjoy a beautiful drink on a patio or walk in the park.

Since our new place has a beautiful courtyard with a grill we have been trying to cook at home a lot more. I’m not a huge beer person and always want to try new fun cocktails at home. So, I rounded up a few I think look amazing and most just have 2-5 ingredients which is key. I don’t want to stock up on a lot of stuff so having recipes where the ingredients are already on hand is a lifesaver.

 

Skinny Coconut Margarita: Mmm, there is nothing like a cold margarita on a hot summer day. I love coconut so this is a favorite of mine and I feel better about cutting out some of the excess a traditional margarita has.

 

Strawberry Sangria: I love making sangria especially when we are having guests over. It’s such a refreshing drink on a hot day and is easy to make in bulk in a pitcher. This recipe adds some sweet strawberry and I loved the combination!

 

Grapefruit Salty Dog: I had never heard of this drink till a few weeks ago and I don’t know why! The ingredients are all delicious on their own and I imagine the combination is refreshing and easy to throw together. I have this saved for our cookout next weekend!

 

The Firecracker: Watermelon & cucumber? SOLD. Another combination I had never seen but loved the fresh fruit flavor and how it actually made me feel refreshed.

Piña Colada: A fun twist on the traditional and the perfect classic cocktail to serve at your next outdoor get together.

Rosemary Greyhound: I’m a sucker for anything with rosemary and I thought this had the perfect hint.

 

The Gimlet: A refreshing cocktail for your guests that prefer vodka and a clean, crisp taste.

Bourbon Peach Smash: Being a Kentucky girl I feel like I should always have a good bourbon drink on hand. This was a fun combination I hadn’t seen before and liked that it wasn’t too sweet.

 

Jalapeño Margaritas: One from my archives that people seem to love! Super easy, refreshing & you can adjust spiciness to your liking!

 

Do you guys love creating new drinks during the summer? What are some of your favorites?