Summer is synonymous with entertaining and for good reason. Warm summer days and long summer evenings make the perfect backdrop for gatherings with friends and family on the deck with some delicious cocktails.
How do you take a simple picnic from shelter house pool party to the talk of the town? Instead of typical busy patterned linens and party decor, use simple color schemes to convey summer holiday themes with sophistication.
Truthfully, although it is the outdoors, you can’t go wrong with white. Decorate your table with monochromatic fresh flowers in red, white or blue, accent with crisp white linens, and add bowls of fresh red strawberries and blueberries. Be sure to locally source your berries so they are perfectly ripe. You can also string white lights in trees and foliage to add a simple glow. As the sun sets, the lights will add an element of twinkling elegance.
To ease your burden of summer entertaining, make your picnic a casual potluck. Your guests will arrive and see your gorgeous table scape and immediately expect something just as elegant. So throw them a culinary curve ball and do the classics grilled up to perfection. I always love to do something slightly more casual when I know my guests are expecting something over the top. That being said, whatever you’re doing make sure you do it right. Don’t skip steps and don’t rely on “Sweet Baby Rays!”
Keep the cocktails simple and elegant. Everyone knows my love of Italian Prosecco. It’s light, crisp, bubbly, dry, and delicious. It gives the illusion of delectable champagne without breaking the bank. Go super simple and just float some of the berries from the table in a flute glass with the wine. You can also get a nice collection of spirits and create a handcrafted drink to get people talking. Here are a few unique and delicious sparkling cocktail recipes that are sure to please your guests.
PICNIC PERFECT PROSECCO
Ingredients:
4 ounces Prosecco
1 ounce bourbon
3/4 ounce homemade sweet and
sour (recipe follows)
1/3 cup sliced strawberries
1 whole strawberry for garnish
Directions:
Muddle the sliced strawberries with bourbon and strain the liquid into a serving glass. Combine with sweet and sour and top with 4 ounces of Prosecco. Garnish with the whole strawberry and
serve. Makes one cocktail.
HOMEMADE SWEET AND SOUR
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1/2cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
Directions:
Combine all ingredients and stir until sugar is dissolved. Store in refrigerator. Makes 2 cups and can be chilled for up to 2-3 weeks.
ISLAND SUMMER
Ingredients:
4 ounces Prosecco
1 ounce coconut rum
1/2 ounce triple sec
Fresh coconut garnish
Directions:
Open a fresh coconut, remove a portion of the flesh and cut out a star-shaped garnish (don’t be scared). Add the coconut rum and triple sec to a serving glass, followed by 4 ounces of Prosecco. Garnish with the coconut star and serve. Makes one cocktail.
FRESH BREEZER
Ingredients:
4 ounces Prosecco
1 ounce gin
1/4 ounce elderflower liquor
Squeeze of a lemon wedge
Fresh blueberries for garnish
Directions:
Combine the gin, elderflower liquor, and lemon juice in a serving glass. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with fresh blueberries and serve. Makes one cocktail.
