Weekend Entertaining: Summer Cocktail Party

When the heat is on, entertaining is all about ease. . For an easy summer gathering, shake up some cool cocktails and assemble some simple appetizers. Transform summer’s ripe produce into refreshing drinks like watermelon and tequila frescas—a great thirst-quencher on a warm evening. Pair with pesto shrimp skewers, fava bean crostini and other small plates, and let the party begin!

 

 

Watermelon and Tequila Frescas Instead of the usual margarita, try this cooling blend of watermelon puree spiked with tequila.

White Sangria with Summer Fruits A light take on sangria, redolent with the flavors of peaches, nectarines and cherries.

Limoncello Dirty Martini An Italian twist on a cocktail classic, with the bright, sweet flavor of limoncello infusing dry vermouth and piquant green olives.

Cucumber Lime Coolers For a refreshing nonalcoholic drink, nothing beats the flavors of cucumber and lime.

Marinated Feta Cubes Salty, tangy feta cheese is the perfect foil for cocktails. When herbed and marinated, it becomes an irresistible party food.

Fava Bean and Ricotta Crostini with Fresh Mint Fava beans and mint are a delicious flavor combination that is transformed into an addictive crostini topping when blended with creamy ricotta.

Watermelon, Manchego and Serrano Ham Skewers The classic Spanish tapa of nutty Manchego cheese and silky Serrano ham gets a summer update with cool watermelon.

Tenderloin and Heirloom Tomato Canapes Succulent, thinly-sliced beef tenderloin is an elegant addition to this party menu. To keep it seasonal, we’ve topped with ripe, juicy heirloom tomatoes.

Assorted Fruit Sorbet Shots This easy-to-assemble dessert will refresh as well as delight. Choose a combination of seasonal and tropical fruit sorbets.