Party on the patio: 5 summer cocktails

So, summer is in full swing. And if your entertaining menu is in need of a refresh, we've picked our top five cocktails from our friends from Williams-Sonoma to add to your rotation. Whatever your taste, citrus, bubbly, herbal, fruity, these cocktails are sure to please any crowd. Or just you and your bff on a random Wednesday night. Also shop our essentials in barware, accessories and gadgets also from WS and get 20% off your order with code FRIENDS.

Image credit: Williams Sonoma

Sparkling Citrus Sangria

Light and refreshing, this white sangria is at its best when the wine mixture sits and stews in the fridge for at least 24 hours prior to serving. Top with a splash of sparkling water at the end for the perfect sparkle. ​

​​Ingredients:
1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine
1 cup (8 fl. oz./250 ml) fresh orange juice
Juice of 2 lemons
3 fl. oz. (80 ml) Cointreau
2 fl. oz. (60 ml) simple syrup
1 cup (8 fl. oz./250 ml) sparkling water
Lemon and orange slices for garnish
Ice cubes
Fresh mint or basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions:
In a large pitcher, combine the wine, orange and lemon juices, Cointreau and simple syrup and stir until blended. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
Just before serving, add the sparkling water and lemon and orange slices. Place ice cubes in each glass. Pour in the sangria, garnish with mint leaves and serve. Serves 6.

Image credit: Williams Sonoma

Ingredients:
​Ice cubes
3 oz. (90 ml) chilled Prosecco
2 oz. (60 ml) Aperol
Splash of sparkling water
1 orange slice

Aperol Spritz

​If you find yourself in any town in Italy in the late afternoon, you'll notice countless cafe patrons sipping this tangerine orange cocktail. Bitter orange aperol balances the prosecco bubbles in this classic Italian aperitif.
​

Directions:
​Fill a high-ball glass or tumbler with ice. Add the Prosecco first, then the Aperol. Add a splash of sparkling water, garnish with the orange slice and serve immediately. Makes 1 drink.

Image credit: Williams Sonoma

Ingredients:
For the basil simple syrup:
1 cup (8 fl. oz./250 ml) water
1 cup (8 oz./250 g) sugar
15 fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
For the julep:
9 fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 oz. (45 ml) bourbon
1 oz. (30 ml) fresh lime juice
1 lime wedge

Basil Julep

We can't think of many other superb uses for a garden overflowing with basil than this lovely beverage. The simple syrup itself has to be a summer kitchen staple. Imagine drizzled over strawberry sorbet??? But, we digress. 

​Directions:
To make the basil simple syrup, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the water to a simmer. Add the sugar and chopped basil and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

In a rocks glass, muddle 8 of the basil leaves and 1 oz. (30 ml) of the basil simple syrup. Add the bourbon and lime juice, pack the glass tightly with crushed ice, and stir until the glass is frosted on the outside. Top with more crushed ice to form a dome. Garnish with the remaining basil leaf and the lime wedge. Makes 1 drink

Image credit: Williams Sonoma

Ingredients:
1 small seedless watermelon, about 2 1/2 lb., flesh removed from rind and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups crushed ice
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 3 to 4 limes)
1 1/2 cups tequila
16 fresh mint leaves

Watermelon Tequila Frescas

The beauty of an Agua Fresca is that it can be served with or without alcohol making it the ideal party beverage. Plus anything that can be made in advance gets major bonus points and this drink is even better the next day. 

​Directions:
Select 8 tumblers or old-fashioned glasses. Set aside 8 watermelon cubes for garnish.
In a blender, combine half each of the remaining watermelon, the ice, lime juice and tequila. Puree until smooth. Pour into 4 of the glasses. Repeat to make 4 more drinks.
To garnish, sandwich a reserved watermelon cube between 2 mint leaves on a cocktail pick and balance it on the rim of each glass. Serve immediately. Serves 8.

Image credit: Williams Sonoma

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups fresh tomato juice (from about 2 lb.  tomatoes)
3/4 cup fresh celery juice (from about 3 large celery stalks)
2 tsp. grated fresh horseradish
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 tsp. salt, plus more, to taste
3 dashes Tabasco sauce, plus more, to taste
1 tsp. Doctor Tillitsuits seasoning sauce, plus  more, to taste
Ice cubes as needed
4 fl. oz. vodka
2 celery stalks

Fresh Tomato Bloody Marys

Yet another ingenious way to use up the overflow of tomatoes from your garden. Especially the ugly, over-ripe ones that no one wants to eat anyway, they are perfect for this cocktail. 
​

​Directions:
In a pitcher, stir together the tomato juice, celery juice, horseradish, pepper, the 1 tsp. salt, 3 dashes Tabasco and 1 tsp. Doctor Tillitsuits sauce. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 30 minutes.
Fill 2 tall glasses with ice cubes and add 2 fl. oz. vodka to each one. Stir the tomato juice mixture and pour into glasses, dividing evenly. Garnish each with a celery stalk and serve immediately. Serves 2.

All recipes from Williams-Sonoma. This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made through these links.