One for each of your weekend nights. And yes, Sunday nights count.

There’s nothing more satisfying that sitting back and relaxing with a beverage with friends after a day of hiking, swimming, kayaking, bike riding – you name it. These concoctions divert from the norm and will turn into seasonal favorites because of the combination of fresh flavors.

Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer – Kleinworth & Co.

If you already love iced tea and lemonade – the traditional Arnold Palmer – then add a splash of bourbon and peach liqueur. A little simple syrup adds to the overall sweetness, and the peach slices add color as well as a light snack.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 part lemonade
  • 1 part iced tea
  • 1 tsp simple syrup
  • 1 ounce bourbon
  • 1/2 ounce peach liqueur
  • 1/2 of 1 peach- sliced
  • 1 mint sprig for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Pour tea, lemonade, simple syrup, bourbon & peach liqueur over ice ball in a rocks (whiskey ball) glass.
  2. Add several peach slices into drink.
  3. Garnish with mint sprig – enjoy!

 

Cherry Beer Margaritas – The Blond Cook

Margaritas are the epitome of a good-time party drink. Sure, they take a little extra time if you want to make an iced version, but they are delectable and easy to make for a crowd. The overall festive nature of the margarita is enhanced with a light beer and cherry flavored soda (we recommend the one from Cherry Republic or Towne Club, which both include the juice from Michigan cherries in the recipes).

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 (12-ounce) can limeade concentrate, thawed
  • 12 ounces cherry flavored soda
  • 1 (12-ounce) bottle of your favorite light beer
  • 12 ounces of your favorite tequila
  • Kosher salt, for rimming glass
  • Lime for garnish
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Rub lime wedge around rim of each glass and dip in kosher salt to coat rim.
  2. In a large pitcher, mix all ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon to combine.
  3. Serve over ice (if desired) and garnish with a lime wedge and maraschino cherry.

 

Gin Buck – Liquor

Popular in the summer during the “Roaring Twenties,” this summer cocktail will please the gentlemen in your party.  It’s a slight twist on the traditional gin and tonic. The flavor isn’t too sweet and yet imparts that summery goodness through the lemon and ginger ale. Refreshing!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1⁄2 oz Gin
  • Juice of half a lemon or lime
  • Ginger ale, to top
  • 1 Lemon or lime wedge

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Fill a Collins glass with ice and add the gin and lemon or lime juice.
  2. Fill with ginger ale and stir briefly.
  3. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.