Easy Cocktails for the Long Weekend: Daiquiris, Sangria and More

Heather Ramsdell
Fill your fridge, stock your bar and dust off your cooler. The long weekend is almost upon us, and no emergency trips to the store should come between you and your holiday schedule: sip, dip, repeat. Add a refreshing twist to your weekend plans with these can’t-miss summer cocktails. Whether you're feeling patriotic or just seeking something new, we've rounded up the very best drink recipes to celebrate summer.
Three distinct flavors come together to create the patriotic striations in this layered frozen drink. The red layer is made by blending watermelon and strawberries with rum, while the white layer is created with coconut sorbet and lime. Blue curacao and passion fruit liqueur provide the blue layer’s bold hue.

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015
Tapioca pearls add a bit of whimsy to this bubble-tea-like sangria that's flavored with fragrant elderflower liqueur and honey-sweet white peaches. One recipe makes a big batch, so it's perfect for serving in a punch bowl or large pitcher.

Ina Garten loves to make these summery mojitos for her husband, Jeffrey. She uses ripe watermelon and fresh mint, combining them with simple syrup and white rum for a flavorful and super-refreshing warm-weather cocktail.

Make a big batch of margaritas with a spicy kick. Blend a fresh jalapeno pepper with lime juice before mixing with tequila and orange liqueur. Stow the mixture in a pitcher to have margaritas on the rocks at the ready. Don't forget the salt!

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015
Summer's berry bounty is on full display in this dark yet refreshing sangria. It’s made with red wine and flavored with black raspberry liqueur, mixed-berry vodka and loads of fresh blackberries and blueberries.

For teetotalers and youngsters alike, we haven’t forgotten to include a delicious nonalcoholic option. Ree Drummond's Raspberry Lemonade is tart and delicious. Those imbibing can always spike it with lemon or raspberry vodka.
What will you be drinking this weekend? Tell us in the comments!