With Summer Here and more hot weather here to stay, we thought it would be appropriate to share with you some great drinks that will serve a crowd. After all, drinking with a crowd can be fun and full of surprises!

A fully stocked bar is not only expensive, it over complicates a party. Keep it simple by planning a few featured cocktails and stocking up on the basics, such as gin, vodka, tonic, soda, oj and cranberry juice. Do not forget a couple of beer and wine choices. Add a few garnishes; such as lemons, limes, oranges, mint and you should be good to go!

Here are some Great Summer Cocktails That Will Please a Crowd:

Sparkling Pomegranate Punch

(Contributed to Food & Wine by Shawn McClain)

Ingredients:

• 2 oranges, thinly sliced crosswise
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 3/4 cup late-harvest white wine, such as late-harvest Riesling, chilled
• Ice cubes, for serving
• Two 750-milliliter bottles sparkling wine, chilled
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple (1/2 inch)
• 1 cup pomegranate juice

Directions:

In a punch bowl, dissolve the sugar in the pomegranate juice, stirring vigorously. Add the sparkling wine and late-harvest white wine, then add the orange slices, diced pineapple and pomegranate seeds. Serve the sparkling pomegranate punch over ice cubes.

Classic Margarita

(Thanks to Mix That Drink)

Ingredients:

• 1 jigger (1.5 ounces) tequila
• 1/2 ounce Triple Sec
• 1 ounce fresh lime or lemon juice
• Salt (optional)

Directions:

Shake all ingredients with cracked ice. Rim a margarita glass with salt. Strain the cocktail mix into the glass. You can also serve it over the rocks.

You can leave off the salt. Some bartenders believe it was introduced to the cocktail to disguise the bad taste of cheap tequilas. As long as the tequila you’re using is of decent quality, you shouldn’t feel the need for salt – just add it if you like the flavor. But it’s a good idea to serve with a straw so people can taste the drink without the salt.

You can also use pretty much any orange liqueur in place of the Triple Sec – Cointreau, Patron Citronge, or blue curacao are popular choices. “Cadillac” margarita recipes use top-shelf spirits, so the orange liqueur will be Grand Marnier or Gran Gala.

Spiked Pink Lemonade

(Rachael Ray Magazine)

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) vodka or gin
• 5 cups lemonade
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 3 cups ginger ale

Directions:

Add all ingredients into a beverage dispenser or large punch bowl, mix and serve over ice!

Red Wine Sangria

( Contributor Bobby Flay on Food Network)

Ingredients:

• 2 bottles red Spanish table wine
• 1 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup triple sec
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/2 cup simple syrup, or more to taste (equal parts sugar and water, heated until sugar dissolves, cooled)
• Orange slices
• Apple slices
• Blackberries
• Pomegranate seeds
• Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and let stand in a tightly sealed container or pitcher for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator before serving.

Moscow Mule

(Courtesy of Bon Appétit)

Ingredients:

• Ice cubes
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup chilled ginger beer
• 1 lime wedge

Directions:

Fill tall glass with ice. Add vodka and limejuice, then ginger beer; stir to mix. Garnish with lime wedge.

Let’s face it, beer and weekends go together … they just do.

Tri-State Liquors has a full line of ice cold Kegs in stock. We have all your beverage needs covered; wine, beer, liquor and mixers. All at very affordable prices. Tri-State Liquors is conveniently located in beautiful TAX-FREE Delaware with easy access from I-95.

Tri-State Liquors | 302.792.BEER