With summer in full swing, many home entertainers are realizing that their bars are sorely lacking in the ingredients needed to create refreshing cocktails. While making cocktails can be a complicated endeavor, simplifying is really the best way to keep the stress out of entertaining.

Having the basics on hand to make the light cocktails for those hot summer days and nights will keep you prepared for impromptu get togethers. Simple and light is the best way to go when stocking up a summer bar. Having tonics, sodas and fruit mixers, such as lemonade, cranberry, grapefruit, orange and pineapple juice will hit a wide variety of tastes.