Fireworks? Heat? Let the cocktail party begin
It’s summertime, and the living couldn’t be easier. That is, if you live in the few corners of the U.S. not deluged by storms.
But even if it’s soggy outside, as long as you have a covered porch, why not kick back with a few friends and enjoy a summer evening. No cover? Bring the gathering inside.
The Fourth, brings with it a blast of ideas. Think red, white and blue and you have a theme for a summer cocktail party.
Next up? Accessories. Drink carts are selling well these days, retailers say, as have all manner of cocktail glasses and accessories.
To start you out, we’ll suggest a simple recipe or two:
Visit aboutfood.com for an array of red, white and blue cocktails.
Or from the Food Network, Guy Fieri’s favorite:
Fourth of July Cocktail
- 1 ounce watermelon schnapps
- 1 big splash cranberry juice
- 1 very thin slice jalapeno or serrano pepper
- 1 slice lemon
- 1 slice lime
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila
- 1/4 ounce blue curacao
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Watermelon wedge, for garnish (optional)
Mix schnapps and cranberry juice in ice-filled glass. Muddle jalapeno, lemon and lime, tequila, curacao and syrup. Slowly strain over the red layer. Garnish with watermelon.
Craft beer
Personalized Beer Carrier, $43.99, Nordstrom
We know it’s not all about fancy drinks for those celebrating this summer. Brewing your own beer? It’s in style. This personalized craft beer holder, with its own built-in bottle opener, will do the trick for summer fun. Personalized Beer Carrier, $43.99, theorganizingstore.com
Drink cart
Bar Cart, $129.99 (Plus Cash Back), Target
Wheel your drinks out with this golden beauty. The threshold bar cart will hold enough drinks, along with a pretty ice bucket, to impress all your friends Threshold Bar Cart, $129.99 (plus .5% Cash Back), target.com
Party station
Party Station, $127.99 on sale (plus Cash Back), Kohl’s
If you’re going to roll out wine and beer and style, consider this party station, which has room on the “top shelf” for beer and wine, and space below for a few glasses for those who want a specialty drink. Artland Oasis Galvanized Party Station, $127.99 on sale (plus limited time 4% Cash Back), kohls.com
