Five fun summer cocktails

Make your back yard or balcony the social escape of the season with these innovative concoctions. The long, hot days of summer will be here before we know it!
Watermelon Margaritas: Blend four cups of chopped, seedless watermelon with the juice and zest of one half of a lime, one half Cup tequila, two tablespoons sugar, and a dash of Triple Sec. Fill Margarita glasses with ice and blended drink. Serves six. Garnish with lime wedges.
Hard Raspberry Lemonade: Mix equal parts of raspberry infused vodka, simple syrup and lemon juice. Top with a splash of sparkling white wine. Garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon wedges.
Orange Dreamsicles: Blend three cups pulp-free orange juice, one cup of Triple Sec, one half cup of heavy cream, two cups of vanilla ice cream, one-fourth cup sugar and six cups crushed ice. Garnish with orange slices. Serves four.
Sinful Sangria: Mix equal parts red wine and lemon-lime soda in a pitcher half full of ice. Mix in chopped strawberries, watermelon and oranges.
Wine Slushie: Puree half a bottle of wine with two tablespoons sugar. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze solid. Transfer frozen cubes into your blender, and blend with remaining half bottle of wine.
Summers are short in Wisconsin, which is why we need to make the most of the time we have outdoors. Relaxing outside with a cold, flavorful beverage provides that opportunity. Those with simpler tastes who are content to lounge with a cold beer may still be interested in perfecting these drinks to impress dates and party guests.







