4 Poolside Cocktails for Summer

Janet Singer

The classic cocktail umbrella is a summer-time staple. In the midst of winters' dawdling bitterness, this tiny garnish shines a light at the end of the long cold tunnel. Now that pool and patio season is in sight, it's time whip out the blender and get fruity with cocktails. Conventional manly libations tend to rule out the festive sunshade. Luckily, summer makes a perfect excuse to don the pint-sized parasol with pride. Go all out. Drink out of pineapple shells and pile on tropical garnishes to rainforest proportions. Set aside your inner Don Draper — the madmen of summer drink their whisky with a cherry on top.

Procrastination Cocktail

You've been putting off pool maintenance since last season, and now your ultimate Tiki haven is nothing more than an algae-ridden marsh. It's not too late to get your oasis back. Where to start? In the Swim provides 5 easy trouble shooting steps to maintain your pool, so you can make it a cocktail-worthy oasis. Stop dilly-dallying and drink up your last ounce of procrastination with this zesty concoction and get to work!
  • 2 oz. dry gin
  • 1/2 oz. vermouth
  • 3/4 oz. limoncello
  • 1/8 oz. chartreuse green liquor

Serving Instructions: Combine all ingredients, add ice, swivel and strain into a chilled glass.

Ginger Shandies

Now that your backyard is cabana-ready, it's time to gather the troops. A true mixologist doesn't resort to bottled beverages, not even for a laid-back BBQ. Get your beer fix with a refreshing cocktail that's packed with hoppy goodness and a splash of lemon zest. Make a pitcher or two of this easy crowd-pleaser for a summer beverage everyone will love.
  • 12 oz. chilled ginger beer
  • 3 x 12 oz. chilled wheat beer
  • 1 lemon
  • Mint sprigs as garnish

Serving Instructions: Mix together all contents in a large pitcher with ice. Use mint sprigs as garnish. Serve over ice spheres for a professional touch.

Swimming Pool

No pool, no problem. Paradise is a state of mind. Turn your backyard into a resort-like hang out with tropical touches like tiki torches and bright-colored furnishings. Complete the resort atmosphere with chilled libations. This cocktail sets the stage of a tropical dreamscape even in the most dismal settings.
  • 1 1/2 oz. white rum
  • 3/4 oz. vodka
  • 1/4 oz. blue curacao
  • 1 3/4 oz. pineapple juice
  • 1 oz. coconut cream
  • 1/4 oz. heavy milk cream

Serving Instructions: Stir combined ingredients and serve in a festive glass and top with a blue curacao float.

Mai Tai

A poolside staple, the Mai Tai is a must for sun bathing, raft lounging or simply kicking back on a hot summer day. This Tahitian-inspired mixture is the brainchild of alleged creator Vic Bergeron, owner of the famed Trader Vic’s franchise. Named after the Tahitian phrase Maita'i roa a'e meaning "very good," the Mai Tai marks the beginning of an endless summer.
  • 1 oz. light rum
  • 1 oz. gold rum
  • 1 oz. dark rum
  • 1/2 oz. orange curacao
  • 1/2 oz. almond syrup
  • 1/2 oz. fruit juice (lime is preferred)

Serving Instructions: In a cocktail shaker with ice, shake up all ingredients and top with a mint sprig in a double old-fashioned glass.

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