Blueberry Harbor
A homemade blueberry-mint syrup gives this refreshing highball its vibrant berry flavor and garden-fresh aroma. Shaken with vodka and bright lemon juice, then topped with crisp cola for a touch of caramel sweetness and lively bubbles, the Blueberry Harbor is a simple yet striking cocktail that's perfect for warm-weather entertaining. Make the syrup ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to one week, so happy hour is just a shake away. Garnish with a sprig of mint and skewered blueberries for a polished finish.
Espresso Martinis for a Crowd
These batch espresso martinis are the ultimate make-ahead party cocktail: rich espresso, smooth vodka and coffee liqueur shaken into a frothy, ice-cold drink that tastes like it’s straight from your favorite cocktail bar. Mixing them in advance means less bartending and more time with your guests — just shake with ice right before serving for that signature creamy foam on top. You can make the base for this batch of eight delicious martinis up to a day ahead.
Firecracker Jell-O Shots
Inspired by the classic red, white and blue firecracker ice pop, these Jell-O shots are just as festive to look at as they are to knock back. Two flavors of vodka-laced gelatin are layered in each shot glass and topped with fluffy whipped cream and sweet popping candy for extra zing. And they’re super-convenient for hosting: You can prep the gelatin base up to a week ahead, then decorate just before serving for maximum effect.
