Ellington

Summer is a time for relaxing and having fun with friends and family. These cocktails are perfect additions to the party. It's time to take a deep breath and enjoy the long, anticipated summer days.

Snookie's Blue Margaritas

My brother-in-law, Jim Flood, has perfected this drink for his wife, Snookie, who loves margaritas. He often brings a pitcher to share at family gatherings. The blue color comes from the laraha citrus fruit, which is grown on the island of Curacao. It imparts a bitter yet sweet orange flavor. Jim explained that the blue Curacao is "for color and to take the tartness out of the margarita mix."

Ingredients:

1/3 cup tequila

2/3 cup green margarita mix

1/2 to 3/4 ounce of blue Curacao

Combine all and shake well. Rub rim of glass with lime and dip it in margarita salt. Serve over ice.

Mojito

The mojito, which is considered Cuba's national drink, is a refreshing and different cocktail for summer. It is also fun to make. It involves using a muddler, which is shaped like a baseball bat with a wide end to press the basil, sugar and lime juice. It is wooden or steel, and you can easily find it in kitchen stores. If you don't have a muddler, the back of a spoon will work. To muddle, press the ingredients into the bottom of the glass, or onto the side of the glass if you're using a spoon.

Ingredients:

12 fresh mint leaves

1-1/2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (1/2 ounce equals 3 teaspoons)

1-1/2 ounces white rum (this is the size of a standard jigger for easy measuring)

Ice

Sparkling water

In a highball glass, gently muddle the mint to release the oils. Add the sugar and lime juice and continue muddling to combine them. Fill the glass to the very top with ice and pour rum over the ice and mixture. Top the glass with sparkling water and garnish with a lime slice.