Tailgating Drinks and Punches

We like the clean flavor and mixability of silver tequila here. For a nonalcoholic drink, omit it and top with sparkling water.

Fresh juice and a little simple syrup replace margarita mix to cut 4 teaspoons (16g) added sugars per serving. Diluting tequila with juice and beer makes for a gentler cocktail that'll keep guests free from personal fouls.

The cider-honey base of this fall beverage makes enough for both adult and kid twists: one with pale ale, the other with sparkling cider. Beer and cider are refreshing and lower in sugar and alcohol than stronger potions, which tend to go down a bit too easily. The cider syrup needs time to cool; let it rest while you traverse the neighborhood; then mix up the drinks when you return. Cut the apple slices for the kids' drinks into spooky shapes before adding to the pitcher.

Barbados, the Caribbean birthplace of rum, has a rum punch recipe as foolproof as it is versatile: "One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, and four of weak." In our take, fruit juice and ginger ale serve as both sweet and weak, so we don't need to add any brown sugar or simple syrup.

You can buy strawberry puree or make it yourself: Blend 16 ounces thawed frozen strawberries in a food processor. Strain through a fine sieve; discard seeds. Serve Mike DeCamp's (executive chef at Monello and Constantine) refreshing punch with or without alcohol.

This is a turmeric-laced twist on a Dark and Stormy, the classic dark rum and ginger beer combo. If you don't have fresh turmeric, substitute 1 teaspoon ground turmeric. Lime boosts the tartness of turmeric to make a delightfully refreshing beverage. Myer's Rum is easy to find, but there are many small-batch dark rums now on the market; you may want to experiment with their subtle nuances.

For a refreshing summertime sipper, serve your guests glasses of Strawberry and Rhubarb Lemonade. Tangy rhubarb enhances the puckery punch of this cool cup.

This boozy drink hits the spot on a hot summer day. Get ready to double the recipe, because once your guests get a taste of this refreshing citrus beverage, they'll definitely want seconds!

Pineapple, orange, and cranberry juice unite with a splash of tonic for a refreshing summer drink. Dress up each serving with slices of lime, orange, and carambola (also known as starfruit).

Whether it’s sipped poolside on a hot summer day or savored at a festive holiday soirée, sangria highlights seasonal fruit—from sweet, juicy peaches in summer to delightfully bitter blood oranges in winter. While the ingredients can vary, this Spanish drink typically contains a dry red, white, or sparkling wine, a sweetener, fresh fruit, and a small amount of brandy.

There's nothing more convenient than having your go-to cocktail already mixed and waiting before a big party. This recipe comes together in 5 minutes and serves 12. See more tips on making premixed cocktails.

Popular in Germany and other European countries, this beer-based mixed drink offers a subtle sour flavor. Premixed and homemade versions of shandy usually include carbonated lemonade but sometimes features different ingredients based on the location. This summertime variation blends fresh lemon and orange juice, honey, and vodka with the beer to create a refreshing seasonal drink.

Fresh summer peaches are a welcome addition to traditional lemonade in this easy, kid-friendly recipe. For the best and brightest flavors, make sure that your peaches are perfect ripeness.

Here's a refreshingly fruity mix of tea and lemonade that is delicious hot or cold. Serve it cold with dinner or hot for an after-dinner treat. You can even spike it and serve it during cocktail hour.

Look for fresh orange juice in the refrigerated part of the produce department.

Make-ahead tip: Combine all ingredients except club soda up to two days ahead; gently stir in club soda shortly before serving.

It’s hard to beat the relaxing Caribbean flavors of this fruity rum punch. “I made this punch for a Girls' Night party. It was a big hit,” raves Theresa. “I couldn’t refill the punch bowl fast enough!”

An unexpectedly refreshing duo of blackberries and lime juice works wonders in this simple concoction. Sugar cuts the tartness, but if you like a little pucker don’t add the full amount. Substitute club soda for the water to make it a mocktail.

Tart cherries, sweet peaches, and aromatic thyme work wonders in this sparkling white sangria recipe. The flavor intensifies as the drink chills, and the marinated fruit is delicious to snack on when your glass is empty.

Wine Pick: Pazo Torrado Albarino (Spain)

The flavors point South in this summertime refresher: peaches getting happy with bourbon. Freeze fresh peach and lime slices on a parchment-lined pan, and drop a few into your drink for a frosty garnish.

Cool off with our delicious raspberry lemonade recipe—perfect for a family gathering or picnic.