A Cocktail: Your Crucial Ingredient to Summer Entertaining
![](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/8/Chuck-Hughes-Tequila-Lemonade-Recipe.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505160650257.jpeg)
You really can't beat entertaining in the summertime. It's not fussy or complicated like having people over for the holidays or Thanksgiving — everyone just piles into the back yard, breaks open a beer and snacks on yummy side dishes while you get your grill on.
A missed opportunity is often in the cocktail arena. Never underestimate how easy it is to impress your guests by handing them a frosty, alcoholic beverage the moment they arrive with the potato salad. Make up a batch of something delicious ahead of time — like Chuck's Tequila Lemonade (above) — and all you have to do is pour and garnish.
Here are my picks for the hottest cocktails this summer:
![](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/8/Emeril-Lagasse-Frozen-Ruby-Red-Grapefruit-Margarita.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505160652488.jpeg)
There are few things as refreshing — or pretty — as Emeril's Frozen Grapefruit Margarita. The sweet, the salty and the sour... this cocktail has it all. And it only takes 15 minutes to make!
More great margaritas: Spicy Serrano Margarita and Frozen Mango Margarita.
![](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/8/Tea-Breeze-Recipe.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505160654934.jpeg)
Iced tea goes down really easily, and so does this Bourbon Tea Breeze. Give sweet tea with a Southern kick with a shot of Kentucky Bourbon, and you'll be whistlin' Dixie.
More spiked ice teas: Long Island Iced Tea and Coney Island Iced Tea.
![](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/8/Tyler-Florence-Mojito-Slushy-Recipe.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505160656897.jpeg)
Tyler Florence's Mojito Slushy is everything you love about a fresh, minty mojito, blended up into snow cone-like slush. This cocktail can easily double as a boozy summer dessert.
We love mojitos: Wild Berry Mojito and Juicy Orange Mojito.
![](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/8/Tequila-Sangria-Recipe.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505160659042.jpeg)
This Tequila Sangria is a beautiful take on the classic. It gets its kick from tequila instead of brandy — mix it up with fruit and juice, then top off with your favorite Spanish red wine.
More sangria recipes: Debi Mazar's Sangria and Fresh Peach Sangria.
![](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/8/Pina-Colada-Recipe.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505160661075.jpeg)
Bring the tiki bar home with this classic Piña Colada. Fresh pineapple and coconut cream will have your taste buds doing the cha cha.
More beachy blender drinks: Bobby's Strawberry Piña Colada and Emeril's Mango Daiquiri.
![](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/8/Spicy-Michelada-Recipe.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505160663147.jpeg)
If you're craving spice instead of sweet, try a Michelada. Hot sauce and horseradish bring the heat, but brown ale and fresh lime juice help keep things under control. This cocktail is all about balance.
![](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/8/Horchata-Recipe.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505160665217.jpeg)
If you need to keep the kids entertained, make up a batch of Horchata. A favorite summer drink in Spain and Latin America, it's creamy and refreshing without being too heavy for hot days.
More booze-free bevvies: Virgin Sangria and Agua Fresca.
Whichever cocktail recipe you choose, your guests will appreciate the extra class in the outdoor glass.