Easy alfresco recipes for lazy summer days

With summer finally here, you can take the party outside! Whether it’s sangria, tequila, or a healthy mix, yes there is such a thing, here are a few options to enjoy the perfect cocktail.

The Corzo Bliss
2 parts Corzo Silver Tequila
3/4 parts Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur
5 one-inch chunks of watermelon
5-7 mint leaves

Muddle the watermelon and mint in a mixing glass. Then add remaining ingredients and shake well with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with watermelon cube and mint leaves. Recipe courtesy of New York City mixologist Jonathan Pogash.

Sparkling Dutch Red Sangria
1 bottle Dry red wine
3 oz Orange Liqueur
3 oz Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka
6 oz Grenadine
½ bottle Pomegranate juice
½ bottle Pommery Brut Royal Champagne
1 sliced Orange
Cinnamon sticks

Combine the first five ingredients. Add champagne and give a quick stir. Pour mixture over ice and add slices of orange. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick.

Tequila Mockingbird
2 oz. Patrón Silver Tequila
1½ oz. watermelon basil puree (Blend 2 cups chopped watermelon with 7 basil leaves)
3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
3/4 oz. agave mix (mix 1/2 water with 1/2 light or amber agave)
1 slice muddled jalapeno pepper

Muddle jalapeno pepper in a cocktail shaker. Build rest of ingredients. Add ice. Hard shake for 10 seconds. Double strain in rocks glass with ice. Recipe courtesy of Greg Seider, mixologist and co-owner of The Summit Bar in New York.

Fleming’s Bikinitini
1.25 oz Svedka Clementine Vodka
.25 oz Lemon Juice
.75 oz Orange Juice
1 packet of Splenda
1 oz of soda water

Shake all ingredients vigorously on ice to dissolve Splenda. Recipe courtesy of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

AgroLabs White Sangria
1 bottle dry white wine
3/4 cup peach schnapps
2 tablespoons AgroLabs’ Naturally Pomegranate
6 tablespoons frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 pound white peaches, pitted and sliced
3/4 cup seedless red grapes, halved
3/4 cup seedless green grapes, halved