Most of the year, we guys are not fans of the blended drinks. It’s beer, whiskey, maybe a stiff cocktail after a long day. But during the summer months, something beautiful happens. Suddenly we get it. Suddenly those blended colorful treats don’t look quite so ridiculous in the sweltering heat. So in the spirit of spiking and blending, here are five drinks that will ensure your summer is always sweet and chilled. Don’t forget the little umbrellas.

Margaritas
Nothing says summer quite like a blended margarita. It is fruity with just enough citrus to add some tang to a breezy afternoon. Although you can create these with just about any flavor, this is our favorite original recipe:

Ingredients:
– 1 cup of ice
-1 1/2 ounces tequila
-1/2 ounce triple sec
-1/2 ounce lime juice
-3 ounces sour mix
-Lime/lemon wedge to garnish
-Salt for the rim (optional)

Preparation:
1. Pour all the ingredients into a blender.
2. Blend until the ice is fine.
3. Add salt to a chilled margarita glass.
4. Pour contents in the glass.
5. Garnish with lemon/lime wedge.

 

Pina Colada
If you have a taste for coconut, then this creamy blended concoction will hit the spot. These are perfect with some hot dogs and hamburgers hot off the grill.

Ingredients:
-1 1/2 cup of ice
-1/2 cup diced frozen pineapple
-2 ounces pineapple juice
-2 ounces coconut cream
-1 1/2 ounces white rum
-1 ounce dark rum
-Pineapple slices

Preparation:
1. Put the ice, frozen pineapple, juice, coconut cream, and the white and dark rums into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into chilled glasses.
4. Garnish with pineapple slices.

 

Strawberry Daquiri
Sure this drink looks pretty fruity, but don’t let the rosey shade fool you. A good daquiri can also have some kick if done properly. Here’s the way to make the classic beloved summer drink.

Ingredients:
-1 cup white rum
-3 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
-1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
-4 whole strawberries to garnish
-1 cup of ice

Preparation:
1. Put rum, strawberries, lime juice and the ice into a blender.
2. Blend until ideal thickness, might need to add more ice.
3. Pour into chilled glasses.
4. Garnish with a whole strawberry.

Blue Bayou
This Southern creation is the perfect alternative to heavy and creamy blended cocktails. If done right, this drink resembles the perfect blue of the South Pacific.

Ingredients:
-1 cup of ice
-1 1/2 ounces of vodka
-1/2 ounce blue curacao
-1/2 cup fresh pineapple
-2 ounces of grapefruit
-Pineapple wedges to garnish

Preparation:
1. Put ice, grapefruit, pineapple, curacao and vodka into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour in a chilled margarita glass.
4. Garnish with pineapple.

 

Irish Ice
Although this might sound ridiculous at first, trust me, it’s worth a taste before writing off. This creamy coffee-flavored cocktail is the perfect substitute for the non-fruity fan. After a few sips, you’ll wish it was St. Patrick’s Day in the middle of summer.

Ingredients:
-1 ounce Bailey’s with mint chocolate
-1 ounce iced coffee
-1 cup of ice
-1 tablespoon of espresso
-2 scoops Guinness Gelato
-whipped cream to garnish

Preparation:
1. Put Bailey’s, iced coffee, gelato and ice into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a chilled ice cream glass.
4. Top with espresso and whipped cream.

Enjoy! And, as always, enjoy responsibly.