Tropical Summer Celebration

By Cindy Adams

GET READY TO CELEBRATE SUMMER IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME!

Entertaining is as essential to summer as popsicles, trips to the beach, and firefly-filled nights. In a busy world, it’s important to take time to slow down and reconnect, and there’s no better place than your own backyard.

Outdoor gatherings take planning, but the payoff is priceless: happy memories. Splash into summer with recipes perfect for a patio or pool party. When the sun’s out, try some of these easy summer recipes. Don’t worry — everything is simple to make, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax!

Mai Tai Cocktail

Whether you’re looking to cool off during the hot summer months or are simply dreaming of beaches during the dead of winter, this Mai Tai drink will transport you instantly to that summer fantasy.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1⁄2 ounces white rum
1⁄2 ounce lime juice, fresh squeezed
1⁄2 ounce orange curacao or Grand Marnier or triple sec or orange liqueur
1⁄2 ounce orgeat syrup
ice
3⁄4 ounce dark rum
Garnishes: maraschino cherry, lime, pineapple, mint

INSTRUCTIONS:

Pour the white rum, fresh lime juice, orange curacao and the orgeat syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.

Pour rum mixture over ice in a glass. Slowly pour the dark rum so it floats on top. (Pour over a spoon to easily layer the dark rum.)

Add garnishes of maraschino cherry, limes, pineapple, and mint. (optional)

If you are making these for a party, assemble garnishes ahead of time on cocktail picks and store in a plastic container in the fridge until ready to serve.