Soak Up The End Of Summer

Summer is quickly coming to a close and we're helplessly searching for ways to make it last. The balmy evenings of lazing around sipping cocktails on the porch are numbered and now we're trying to come to terms with the inevitable arrival of Autumn. With just a little less than a month left, there's still plenty of time to soak up the remainder of the summer and may we suggest doing so with some late summer cocktails? That fresh summer fruit needs to be put to good use before the season is over and we have a few ideas about how...

Pineapple and Mango Rum Cocktail- Recipe from Martha Stewart

2 1/2 mangoes (ripe, peeled and cubed about 2 cups, cut into slices with skin for garnish)
4 Ounces Golden Rum
4 Cups Pineapple Juice (Fresh)
Starfruit, for garnish

Puree mangoes, rum, and 1/2 cup water in a blender. Pour 2 ounces puree into each of six 12-ounce glasses. Fill glasses with ice, and top off with pineapple juice. Garnish with tropical fruit.

Vodka Watermelon Slush - Recipe from The Food Network

4 Cups Watermelon, seeds removed

Simple Syrup, to taste

2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

1 Cup Vodka

2 Ounces Melon Liquor

4 Lemon Twists, for garnish

In a food processor, puree the watermelon flesh.  Pour the pureed watermelon into  empty  ice cube trays and freeze for at least four hours. In a blender, combine the frozen watermelon cubes, simple syrup, lemon juice and vodka and blend until smooth. Pour into four frozen martini glasses and garnish with a lemon twist.

Tropical White Sangria - Recipe from Rachel Ray

2 Blood Oranges, halved and thinly sliced

2 Kiwis, peeled and cut into wedges
1 Cup Seedless Red Grapes, halved

1 Mango, cut into bite sized pieces 

2 Bottles Sauvignon Blanc wine, chilled

2 Ounces Orange Liqueur 

8 Ounces Fresh Strawberries, hulled and halved 

In a 1/2 gallon pitcher, combine the oranges, kiwis, grapes and mangoes. Stir in the wine and liqueur. Refrigerate for at least two hours or up to six hours before serving.

Just before serving, stir in the strawberries. 

Whether you choose to try one or all, we hope these delicious cocktails can help you enjoy the last days of Summer and make a steady transition into Fall!