Get your party started with one of these delicious sippers.
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If there is one thing that has the ability to simultaneously cool down and heat up a warm-weather celebration, it's a signature drink created with the season in mind. These favorite ideas mix unexpected ingredients to create the ultimate in refreshment.
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Negroni Swizzle
For a twist on a classic Negroni (gin, Campari, and a splash of sweet vermouth), we added fizzy seltzer and a smoky burnt orange peel garnish.
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Guava Mimosa
Instead of traditional peach purée, add guava to sparkling wine. Dipping in the rock candy will also cause a burst of bubbles.
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Plum Blossom
This popular Asian drink is a blend of plum wine and dry sake; we stirred in elderflower liqueur for a floral hint and an umeboshi (pickled mini plum) for a counterpoint to the sweetness.
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Sazarac
Throw a candied lemon peel into the usual recipe of rye whiskey with Pernod and Peychaud's bitters for sweet-tart flair.
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Rosé Cocktails
Anything white wine or Champagne can do, rosé can do more colorfully. Just look at these summery sippers (from left): Rosé plus Crème Yvette makes a Violet Rosé. And sparkling rosé pairs with Crème de Mûre in a Blackberry Kir, or with gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a twist on a French 75.
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Bourbon Fizz
The bold Kentucky spirit softens up when mixed with amaretto, OJ, club soda, and a dash of anise-flavored liqueur.
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Starfruit Kiwi Smash
Along with the two lead players in this Starfruit Kiwi Smash, green tea, grape juice, seltzer, and vodka also flavor this sweet-tart libation. Or hold the liquor; it's just as delicious booze-free.
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The Maiden Voyage
For your maiden voyage as newlyweds, you can kick off your cocktail hour with this tequila-based cocktail with a fitting name.
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Banana Pepper Margarita
This take on the Mexican classic gets a kick from tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and sliced banana peppers.
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The Old and New
Your something old and something new could be this inventive take on a martini that adds maraschino liqueur and grapefruit bitters.
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The Victoria
This delicious blend of dark rum and pineapple juice is just the drink for a beach wedding.
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Dark and Stormy
Two delicious ingredients marry in this one classic crowd-pleasing cocktail.
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Hawaiian Punches
There's no rule that says warm-weather cocktails must be served with tiny umbrellas. We updated tiki-bar faves with unexpected (and tastier) garnishes, including passion fruit seeds sprinkled into a Passion Fruit French 75, a lychee resting on the rim of a Lychee and St-Germain Fizz, and a round of dried pineapple brightening up a Pineapple Coconut Mai Tai.
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