Late summer drinks

Summer is the season when beverages attract as much attention as food. Hot days require the contrast of the coolest and most refreshing drinks possible. Here are some tips on success for summer entertaining

The summer bar

A summer bar can be as simple or as elaborate as the occasion demands. Frosty drinks made with vodka, tequila, gin or rum mixed with tonic or soda water are always popular. Chilled wines, sangrias, Campari, wine coolers and beer are also welcome in the summer heat.

Keep plenty of fresh juices and fruit nectars on hand to serve with sparkling water for a refreshing nonalcoholic drink. Icy herbal teas and thirst-quenching mineral water are crowd pleasers too.

Summer favorites

Margarita:

Combine 1 1/2 measures of tequila, 1 measure of lime juice, 1 measure Cointreau or Triple Sec and cracked ice.

Shake it in a cocktail shaker and serve or blend it in a blender for a foamier drink. You can also add pureed fruit like strawberries and peaches or even honeydew melon.

To serve this drink, first dip the rim of a balloon glass in fresh lime juice, then swirl it in coarse salt. Serves 1 and may be multiplied as needed.