4 Easy Summer Drink Recipes

Negroni: One of the finest aperitifs has only three ingredients – 1 ounce gin, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, 1 ounce Campari bitters. Pour into an old-fashioned glass with ice, stir, and garnish with a half slice of orange. Or, shake well with cracked ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist. The bitterness of the Campari is offset by the sweet vermouth, resulting in summer heaven.

Mojito: This traditional Cuban cocktail has experienced a resurgence in the states. The Mojito has five ingredients – 4 mint sprigs, 2 ounces white rum, 1 teaspoon sugar, lime and 2 ounces club soda. For an authentic mojito, place the mint leaves in a tall cocktail glass, squeeze in about 2 ounces of lime juice, add sugar, and gently mash the ingredients together with the back of a spoon. Add crushed ice and white rum. Stir and top off with club soda. Muy delicioso.

Peach Bellini: One of Italy's most popular cocktails, the Peach Bellini is a mixture of sparkling Prosecco wine and pureed white peaches or peach juice. Pour 2 ounces of peach puree or juice into a champagne flute and slowly add 4 ounces of Prosecco. For your frozen pleasure, mix with crushed ice in a blender.

White Sangria: Traditionally prepared as a punch, White Sangria is a phenomenal party drink. Combine ½ cup peach schnapps, ½ cup cognac, ¼ cup white sugar, 4 sliced oranges, and 2 peeled and sliced mangos in a pitcher. Chill for at least an hour. Pour into a large punch bowl and stir in 4 bottles of white wine (Riesling or Chardonnay will do nicely) and 1 liter of ginger ale. Feel free to create a fruit explosion with strawberries, peaches, raspberries or kiwi!

Designated drivers, stick with the Arnold Palmer. Named for the golf legend who calls this his favorite drink, the recipe couldn't be any more basic. With equal parts iced tea and lemonade, the Arnold Palmer is as refreshingly delicious as it is simple. Pour into a tall glass with ice, stir and enjoy!