Easy Breezy Summer Drinks

Four summer drinks you can whip-up right in your kitchen.

Written by Jamie Randall, Newsletter Editor Photographed by Luc Marshessault, Staff Photographer

For most people, September means the end of summer. Everyone goes back to school and the leaves on the trees start to change. However, we forget that the beginning of September can still be warm and includes fun events such as Labor Day celebrations and reunions with friends back at school. So treat September as a celebration! Here are four easy breezy drinks you can make with your friends to toast to a never-ending summer!

Strawberry Spritzer

A berry good refresher

Ingredients 1 package (10 oz) of frozen sweetened sliced strawberries 2 liters of lemon-lime soda 1 can of frozen pink lemonade concentrate

Instructions 1. Place the frozen strawberries in a blender and blend until pureed. 2. Pour strawberries into a pitcher and stir in the lemonade concentrate and soda. 3. Add in alcohol of your choice (vodka or rum would pair well) or enjoy without!

Recipe by Taste of Home ■

The Classic Mojito

Reliable and refreshing

Ingredients 6 fresh mint leaves 1 oz lime juice 2 oz rum 1 oz simple syrup ½ cup soda water

Instructions 1. Muddle mint in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add in lime juice, rum and simple syrup. 2. Shake for 10 seconds. 3. Pour club soda then the shaker contents into a glass with ice.

Recipe by Sonja Overhiser from a Couple Cooks

Easy to make and tastes like a beach

Ingredients 4 oz Cranberry juice 2 oz pineapple juice 2 oz vodka Pineapple wedge

Instructions 1. Add cranberry juice, pineapple juice and vodka to an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Recipe by Emma Crist

Habanero Margarita

Time to get spicy Ingredients 3 oz of silver Tequila 2 oz orange liqueur 1 oz of fresh lime juice 1 habanero pepper Ice Salt

Instructions 1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the tequila. 2. Slice the habanero pepper. Add 2-4 slices to the shaker and shake for 10 seconds. 3. Add lime juice and orange liqueur and shake for 10 more seconds. 4. Optional: Rub a lime wedge along the rim, then dip in salt. 5. Strain margarita into glasses over ice and garnish with a lime or habanero.

Recipe from Hilah Cooking