35 Cocktails for Spring Break Sippin’

Rhubarb Lemonade Slush

My family loves rhubarb, and this is such a fun way to enjoy it. It's nice to have in the freezer and bring out when guests drop by. Even people who aren't crazy about rhubarb enjoy it. —Cathie Beard, Philomath, Oregon

Orange Dream Mimosas

Your inner child will love this fun riff on the classic mimosa. Use sparkling cider, ginger ale or sparkling grape juice for a nonalcoholic version. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

Mojito

Traditional mojitos are made with rum, which is both pleasant and mildly sweet. If you want a new spin on the classic mojito recipe, try using tequila for tart, yet refreshing flavor. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

Rosemary Strawberry Daiquiri

This strawberry daiquiri recipe is a standout with its herbal twist! I used to teach herb classes at our local technical college and everyone enjoyed my segment on herbal cocktails like this one. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Cotton Candy Champagne Cocktails

You’ll love these whimsical champagne cocktails. The cotton candy melts away, leaving behind its pretty pink color. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pina Colada

Velvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this drink delivers. The easy-to-make cocktail can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Basil Citrus Cocktail

Fruity, fantastic and lighter in calories! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Grilled Peach & Pineapple Sangria

Grill up fresh peaches and pineapple slathered in cinnamon butter and use them to make a refreshing summer sangria. I also like to add slices of grilled lemon and lime to drop in the glass for a citrusy boost of flavor. —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland

Blackberry Beer Cocktail

This refreshing hard lemonade has a mild alcohol flavor; the beer adds just enough fizz to dance on your tongue as you sip. Sorry, adults only! —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida

Dill Bloody Marys

With a nice level of pepper and just enough dill from the pickle, these Bloody Marys are sure to please. To make Contrary Marys simply leave out the vodka. —Jay Ferkovich, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Spiked Lemonade

Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Strawberry Mimosas

Here's a tasty twist on the classic mimosa. To make refreshing strawberry mimosas friendly for kids or mamas-to-be, substitute lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for the champagne. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois

Sweet Tea Boysenberry Shandy

I love an ice-cold beer on a hot summer day. I also love sweet tea, so one day I got the great idea to mix the two. Wow! It was absolutely delish. I experimented with different flavorings, and this combination was my favorite. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

Guava Coconut Rum Cocktail

My beverage is so sensational, it’s like a taste of the tropics in a glass. The guava adds a touch of sweetness to this coconut drink. —Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York

Manmosa

Here’s a guy-friendly adaptation of the sweet and fruity mimosa. This combo of OJ and beer is a tasty kick-off to a warm day. —Mike Dietiker, Elburn, Illinois

Mixed Berry Sangria

This is a light, tasty beverage to serve with spoons so everyone can enjoy the fresh berries once the sangria is gone. — Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois

Bloody Maria

Tequila, lime and jalapenos give the brunch classic a fresh Mexican twist.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Refreshing Beer Margaritas

I’m always surprised when people say they didn’t know this drink existed. It’s a really refreshing cocktail, and it’s easy to double or triple the recipe. —Arianne Barnett, Kansas City, Missouri

Sparkling Peach Bellinis

Folks will savor the subtle peach flavor in this elegant brunch beverage. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Spring Strawberry Sangria

Wine-infused berries make a lovely addition to this special-occasion drink. I love serving this during the beginning of spring to celebrate the new season. —Gina Quartermaine, Alexandria, Virginia

Paloma

Soon after I learned about this cocktail, I brought the ingredients to a family dinner at my parents'. The next time we got together, my dad had the fixings set out and ready to go. —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Passion Fruit Hurricanes

This is our Test Kitchen’s version of the famous Hurricane beverage that’s so popular in New Orleans. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Strawberry-Basil Cocktail

This cocktail of sun-ripened strawberries and tender basil is so refreshing without being overly sweet. It’s our favorite. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Blueberry Mojitos

Blueberry and lime are two of my favorite flavors, so I added blueberries to my favorite mixed drink! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. To make simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water and cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a week.—Michele Tungett, Rochester, Illinois

Midwest Mary

In the Midwest, Bloody Marys garnished with meats, cheeses and veggies are works of art. My beverage has skewers of bratwurst, cheese curds and dill pickles. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Perfect Lemon Martini

Time to relax with a refreshing lemon drop martini! The combination of tart lemon and sweet liqueur will tingle your taste buds. —Marilee Anker, Chatsworth, California

Apricot Brandy Slush

While spending the summer in New Mexico, we tasted this refreshing golden tea beverage enhanced with something borrowed from the cocktail world: apricot brandy.—Shirley Miller, Williamsport, PA

Maple Blackberry Mojito

This refreshing blackberry cocktail is how you take advantage of prime berry season during the summer months. I've also used other types of fruit, including raspberries, kiwi and strawberries. —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine

Belmont Breeze

It might be juicy, but it’s not too sweet. This flavorful refresher is the perfect drink for whiskey lovers to sip on a hot day. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Whiskey-Brandy Slush

We like to serve this icy citrus drink for gatherings at our house. It is fantastic for parties and large get-togethers—and it keeps well in the freezer. —Joan Shoebottom, Lexington, Michigan

Topsy-Turvy Sangria

I got this recipe from a friend a few years ago. Perfect for relaxed get-togethers. it’s even better if you make it the night before and let the flavors steep. But watch out—it goes down easy. —Tracy Field, Bremerton, Washington

Mimosa Floats

Everyone needs a little treat at brunch! I wanted to kick things up a notch, so I added a scoop of ice cream to my mimosas. Sometimes I add chocolate, too.—Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Michelada

Like your drinks with a south-of-the-border vibe? Try this kicked-up beer cocktail that’s a zesty mix of Mexican lager, lime juice and hot sauce. Many variations exist, but this easy recipe is perfect for rookie mixologists. —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, WI