Summer Party Cocktails

My friends and family are all planning and attending summer parties this weekend. If you're one of the party planners here are some fun cocktails ideas.

Summer Cocktails

Pineapple and Mango Rum Cocktails from Martha Stewart.com.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 small ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups), plus 1/2 mango cut into slices with skin, for garnish
• 4 ounces best-quality golden rum
• 4 cups fresh pineapple juice (from a 4 1/2-pound pineapple)
• Fresh tropical fruit, such as dragon fruit and star fruit, for garnish

Directions

1. Puree mangoes, rum, and 1/2 cup water in a blender. Pour 2 ounces puree into each of six 12-ounce glasses. Fill glasses with ice, and top off with pineapple juice. Garnish with tropical fruit.
   
   
   
   

Watermelon-Basil Margaritas from marthastewart.com.

Ingredients

• 7 1/2 pounds seedless watermelon, rind removed, fruit cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 teaspoons superfine sugar
• 6 ounces (3/4 cup) silver tequila
• 24 basil leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
• 3 ounces (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) triple sec
• 6 cups small ice cubes

Directions

1. Place 24 watermelon cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Cover, and freeze at least 1 hour (up to 2 days).
   
2. Puree remaining watermelon and the sugar in a blender until smooth. Pass through a sieve lined with cheesecloth into a bowl. (You should have 3 cups.)
   
3. Place tequila and basil in a glass pitcher, and crush with a wooden spoon. Stir in watermelon juice and triple sec.
   
4. Place watermelon cubes in glasses. Using a cocktail shaker, mix 3/4 cup margarita with 1 cup ice. Strain into a glass. Repeat. Serve garnished with basil.