Summer Bourbon Cocktail

Start off the season with this smooth number from A Spicy Perspective that balances the sweetness of apricot jam with the tartness of limoncello. Top off with a sage leaf and get to sippin.

The Wish You Were Here
When peach, banana, tequila, and St. Germain get together and mix around in a baby pineapple (that was begging to be made into a cocktail cup), the results are downright delicious. Recipe creator The Crepes Of Wrath promises "you've got yourself a tropical treat that you won't be able to get enough of."

Honey Paloma

This take by The Little Epicurean on the classic Paloma switches out grapefruit-flavored soda for grapefruit ju"bursting with grapefruit" and "is sure to become a favorite."

ice and club soda, providing added depth and flavor to the refreshing concoction so it's 

Watermelon Slush

"You know you can't have a Memorial Day party without a refreshing pitcher of watermelon slush," reminds Damn Delicious, whose vodka-infused drink is the perfect addition to your backyard barbecue and comes together in just five minutes.

Mojito Margaritas

Find synergy in the ultimate fusion of your favorite summer libations. How Sweet It is "cheers-ing to the idea that mojitos can be margaritas and margaritas can be mojitos." Why settle for one when you can combine the two in "one lime blasted" cocktail that signals the start of sunnier days?

Mango Coconut Water Tropical Martini

This mango mixed drink by Averie Cooks reminds her of a tropical vacation and the wind in her hair. Follow her lead and nurse a couple of these with friends during the outdoor parties and barbecues Memorial Day weekend has in store. She also reminds us that "the potassium and antioxidants in the coconut water make it a natural way to prevent hangovers." I'd say that earns you one more round.

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Blood Orange Bourbon Cocktail
For a berrier take on bourbon, look no further than this fruity number by The Little Epicurean. Similar to a whiskey sour, the cocktail combines citrus, ginger, and sour mix for a "light and refreshing" finish. The blood oranges "provide the perfect je ne sais quoi."

WATERMELON MOJITOS

To make these, gather all your ingredients: watermelon, light rum, club soda, mint, lime, and a sweetener. I prefer agave over simple syrup, to taste. Make a mojito as you normally would. Top with club soda, but only to fill about 1/2 the cup. Then, cut watermelon into chunks and blend to create a puree. Fill the rest of the cup with the blended watermelon, stir to blend, and garnish with a watermelon wedge. Yum!

SHARK BITE – A SIMPLE SUMMER COCKTAIL
Dreaming of a little beach vacay, but just can’t get away? Sometimes getting together with a friend or two for an afternoon of relaxation with a cocktail or two is just what you need. Summer time means I like bringing a beachy vibe to our cocktail bar, and this cocktail is totally perfect to sip during the long summer afternoons.
This could not be any easier – it’s only a few ingredients:
In a cocktail shaker with ice, pour in 1.5 oz of coconut rum, 3 oz. of pineapple juice, and a splash of blue curaçao. Shake for 15-20 seconds until well chilled. Fill a glass (or jar) with ice, then pour over the cocktail. Give it a squeeze of lime – and you’re good to go

THE CHUPACABRA

Finally, a Chupacabra that actually exists. This cocktail brings together gin, agave nectar, elderflower liqueur, citrus juices and some chile for bite. It’s floral, spicy, tart and herbal, and if all conspiracy theories tasted this good, consider us a believer.

Get the recipe for The Chupacabra.

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 BLUE HAWAIIAN

Summer is the time for colorful cocktails, so why not get an early start for Memorial Day? This cocktail adds blue curaçao in a mixture of coconut cream, vodka and rum for a thick, creamy and very blue drink that will catch the eye of everyone around you. It’s tropical, rich, boozy and perfect for your long weekend.

CUCUMBER GIN & TONIC

There’s no better way to cool down in the heat than with this super simple cocktail. Three ingredients (well, four if you include the optional splash of lemon juice), and you’re all set with one of the most refreshing drinks you can have on Memorial Day or any day.

BLUEBERRY MOJITO

If you know how to make a standard Mojito, you’re almost done with this fruity twist. Grab some blueberries from the farmers’ market, and get muddlin’. You won’t regret it.

SOUTHERN BELLE

When thinking of summer ingredients, Campari usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, but this cocktail takes this bitter liqueur and makes it shine with rye whiskey, pineapple juice and strawberry syrup. The result is a drink with a fine balance of sweet and bitterness. Of course, nothing can be a Southern Belle without a peach, so this drink uses peach bitters for finishing off.

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BEETS BY JAY

Ingredients
2 oz Old Ipswich "White Cap" rum
1 oz beet molasses (combine equal parts roasted beets and molasses in a blender and blend with a few sprigs of fresh mint)
1 oz fresh lime
2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
2 dashes Angostura bitters

Ingredients
Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with a mint spring and candy cane beet slice.

Courtesy of the Revolving Door, 

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Aspen Crud

Ingredients
5 scoops french vanilla ice cream
3 oz bourbon

Instructions
Combine ingredients and blend together to create a boozy milkshake.

Courtesy of the J-Bar at Aspen, Colorado's Hotel Jerome

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In the Ivy

IN THE IVY

Ingredients
2 oz orange blossom-infused vodka
.75 oz fresh lemon juice
.75 oz summer berry-riesling emulsion

Instructions
1. Begin with a rapid infusion of orange blossom and vodka using a thermal whip container (if you don't have a thermal whip container, the standard infusion process can be used). Add the pressed lemon to the infused vodka and pour over crushed ice. Top the cocktail with an emulsion of summer berries and riesling. Garnish with an edible orchid.

Courtesy of San Diego's Juniper & Ivy