With more hours of sunshine each day and warm weather temperatures, there is one thing on our minds as the weekend quickly approaches — sweet summer cocktails!  No matter the venue or reason there are so many great and refreshing drinks to enjoy in the warm spring and summer months.  These light and crisp cocktails are the perfect way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon or if you are lucky enough, toast the beginning (or sadly the end) of a wonderful vacation!

Here are a few of our favorite summertime drinks and cocktails you can test out on your own — perhaps during your next get together or night alone relaxing on the deck!

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kScrib’s drink of choice:

{From left to right}

I first tried a Paloma last year while in Mexico and I have been craving them since.  The mix is simple (tequila, fresca or any grapefruit soda,and lime), yet so good and refreshing! I might enjoy it more than a margarita.

As for the Champagne Limoncello Spritzer– this was a find while traveling in Detroit, Michigan and dining at Coach Insignia. It’s 2/3 parts Champagne and 1/3 part Limoncello and a great way to start a weekend.  At Coach Insignia they also garnish by dropping in a lemonhead candy– love this!

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kMass’ drink of choice: With most of my summer days spent by the pool I need a cocktail that’s ridiculously refreshing and super easy to make. Summer Beer. Think of it as the simple but beautiful step-sister of the good old Corona and lime. With equal parts vodka, pink lemonade and your favorite summer seasonal (*favorites: Shiner Ruby Red Bird, Sam Adams Summer Ale or Leinenkugel Summer Shandy), this cocktail is easy to make with everything you already have [or should have] in your fridge! Sweeten up the presentation with slices of grapefruit, wedges of lemon or a couple raspberries.

[For entertaining at cookouts/pool parties/or plain old summer dinner parties, create one batch using Pink Lemonade and one using Regular to give guests a choice. Combine ingredients in large glass jugs and create cute, personalized labels]

For everyday. Dress it down.

[Party Time Entertaining. Dress it up! Consider Mason Jars for a chic presentation and striped straws for easy sipping while socializing. Image c/o A Cup of Mai]

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Nikki’s drink of choice: To me, there’s just nothing better than a Kir Royale. I was introduced to it years ago in Rome and it has been my hands down favorite drink ever since! The simple mix of Chambord and champagne results in a crisp, bubbly and slightly sweet (but not too sweet!) cocktail. If you’ve got raspberries around, drop a few in the bottom and transport yourself to a better place … ahhhh …

To make: Use 1 tbsp of Chambord per glass, then top off with champagne (no need to use a top champagne, I just happened to have this bottle from my birthday)