12 COCKTAILS TO GET YOU READY FOR SUMMER!

Here's 12 reasons to look forward to summer...and to buy a ton of cute paper straws!

1. Fizzy Pineapple Lemonade Punch- you'll never guess what the secret ingredient is! 

2. Raspberry Bourbon Fizz- Bourbon, but ladylike.

3. Kiwi Berry Sangria- If you're feeling a little tropical

4. Not-so-Kiddie-Cocktail- aka the Dirty Shirley

5. Orange Ginger Mojitos- doesn't get more refreshing than these!

6. The Clemetini- the best way to get your Vitamin C

7. Nectarine Basil Lemonade- with or without vodka, you choose.

8. Raspberry Lemon Maritini- a whole lot of girly in one glass.

9. Brandy Slush- hands down the best summer drink EVER.

10. Mixed Berry Mojito- In case you can't pick a favorite berry!

11. Strawberry Lemon Candy Vodka- the sweetest there is.

12. Patriotic Icee Slush- for all you who love the red,white, and blue.

If you're not quite in the summer mood yet, be sure to pin this and make 'em later!

What's your favorite summery drink?

Bonus points if it's one of these!

xo, lp

TAKE A SIP: BRANDY SLUSH

 First things first- I KNOW the name of this drink isn't super glamorous or appealing, but I promise once you take your first sip, you won't care one bit! 

Here's what you'll need to make it happen (Serves 8-10 people)

- 1 container Lemonade concentrate

- 1 container Orange concentrate

- 2 cups brandy (feel free to use a cheap kind, you won't taste it!)

- 8 cups water

-Sprite 

- Optional garnish of oranges, lemons, cherries

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Thaw your lemonade & orange concentrate, and dump in a large bowl with the brandy and 8 cups water.

Step 2: Mix well!

Step 3: Either put bowl directly in freezer- or if you're in a hurry to freeze it faster, parcel the mixture out into 8x13 baking dishes- and put in freezer until a slushy mixture. Because of the booze, it won't freeze rock solid

Step 4: Fill your glass 3/4 way with the slush mixture, and top with Sprite

Step 5: Mix slightly and enjoy with a straw (or spoon!)

Brandy slushes are a great drink because they're sweet and fruit without being sugary at all. They're great for a brunch drink in place of a mimosa/bloody mary- or are just great for a refreshing beverage any other time of the day - especially in summer by the water!

Have you ever enjoyed a Brandy Slush?

If not- you've got to give them a try, they are beyond delicious!

xo, lp

**for more drink recipes, go here!

NECTARINE BASIL LEMONADE (it's as refreshing as it sounds!)

I make a good amount of cocktails on this here blog...which probably makes me look like a bit of a lush. Truth is I don't actually drink that much (she says as she blogs with a glass of wine), and most of the cocktails I make could easily be made sans alcohol.

This recipe on the other hand, is a virgin drink that could just fine with a lil gin or vodka in it. Take your pick kids, choose your own adventure.

What you'll need:

-Lemonade mix 

- Nectarines

-Fresh Basil

How to make it happen:

You ready for how difficult this is?

Step 1: Mix up your lemonade.

Step 2: Rip 4-5 large basil leaves and muddle in your lemonade.

Step 3: Pour over some ice with a few slices of nectarine & enjoy!

If you want your lemonade to be sweeter, muddle up your nectarines too. I on the other hand, like to eat the nectarine slices once I'm done with the drink and they're all cold and sour from the lemonade. Because I'm weird like that.

 It was 97 degrees yesterday, so this kind of refreshing drink is still absolutely necessary! I fully intend on keeping this easy recipe in my repertoire for parties in the future.

So the question of the day is:

What have y'all been sipping on lately?

xo, lp

(oh, and if you notice I'm a big fan of fun straws- I get them from an Etsy shop called Loollipop, you've got to check it out, her prices are amazing!)

** in the cocktail mood? try out my orange ginger mojitos or my fizzy pineapple lemon punch.