5 Tropical Drinks to Have in Hand This Summer (PHOTOS)

Miami Vice
Miami Vice

It's almost here. Memorial Day. The one day of the year that signifies summer has pretty much arrived and it is going to be warm for give or take a glorious warm three months. You know what's best in the summer? Cocktails. Not just any cocktails, of course. Iced, cold, fruity, and refreshing ones.

Whether you'll be spending your Memorial Day poolside or cozied up with good friends by the barbecue, it's the perfect chance to introduce summer's fruity cocktails into your beverage rotation. Take a look at these 5 refreshing drinks perfect for summertime:

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 Classic Mojito
Classic Mojito

Classic Mojito

The fresh mint taste in a classic mojito is refreshing for even the hottest days.

Ingredients:

  • 12 mint sprigs

  • 6 ounces light rum

  • 4 tablespoons sugar

  • 6 Tablespoons lime juice

  • Club soda

  • 4 lime slices

Instructions: 1. Place rum, ice, mint springs, sugar, and lime juice in shaker. Shake well.

2. Poor over ice. Finish off each glass with club soda and a mint spring.


Tequila Sunrise
Tequila Sunrise


Tequila Sunrise

Yeah I know, tequila isn't everyone's cup of tea. However, when served alongside orange juice and grenadine in this delicious cocktail -- I promise you'll be feelin' festive in no time.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ounces orange juice

    • 1 teaspoon grenadine

  • 1 1/2 ounces tequila

    • 4 orange slices


Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake, and poor into cocktail glass. Serve with orange for garnish.


Pina Colada
Pina Colada

Pina Colada

Pina coladas are my jam. Seriously, I don't know if there is anything more delectable than their fresh, frosty coconut taste in the world. This recipe from Paula Deen will transport you to a Caribbean Island, STAT.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup pineapple chunks

  • 1/4 cup coconut milk

  • 1/2 cup coconut cream

  • 1/2 cup rum

  • Ice cubes

  • 4 slices of pineapple

  • Marashino cherries

Instructions: 1. Fill your blender about halfway full with ice cubes. Then, add in the rum, coconut milk, coconut cream, and pineapple chunks.

2. Blend until smooth. Serve garnished with pineapple and cherry.

Miami Vice
Miami Vice


Miami Vice

Even though a pina colada is my ultimate summer drink, the Miami Vice is a close second. A delicious combination of everything I love about a pina colada combined with the tastiness of a strawberry daiquiri, the Miami Vice is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

  • 5 ounces rum

  • 1 package frozen daiquiri mix

  • 1 package frozen pina colada mix


Instructions: 1. Mix half of your rum with the strawberry daiquiri, set aside. Then, do the same with your pina colada mix.

2. Poor the mixed strawberry daiquiri mix atop your pina colada in a large cocktail glass. Use a spoon or straw to swirl both red and white beverages together, and enjoy!

Guava Margarita

Break out the fiesta (and the fruit!) with a tasty take on a Mexican classic. This guava margarita from Sweet Life would go swimmingly with some chips and salsa on the back deck, don't you agree?

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup tequila

  • 1 cup guava juice

  • Lime wedges

  • Salt for rim

  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice

  • 1/2 cup Cointreau

  • Ice cubes


Instructions: 1. Moisten the rims of your glasses, and dip into salt. Place salt-rimmed glasses into your freezer to chill.

2. In a larger-sized pitcher, combine lime juice, Cointreau, guava juice, and tequila. Stir well. Pour into frozen glasses, and serve.

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Image via miamism/ Flickr


Written by Emily Abbate on CafeMom's blog, The Stir.

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