Today I am joining Mary Ann and Annie and a talented group of blogging friends for Easy-to-make Summer Cocktail and Appetizers when it is too hot to cook. It’s pretty hot in our neck of the woods this time of year. Often all we need are a couple of fresh appetizers and a cool summer cocktail for dinner.
I invited our (guinea pig just kidding) neighbors over for an Easy to Make Summer Cocktail and Appetizers. I served this Lime Mint Cucumber cocktail to start things off. I did not strain the ingredients (for full nutritive value) but if you want yours to look prettier and less like swamp water, you might want to do it.
Lime Mint Cucumber Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 pound cucumbers (about 2 good-sized cucumbers), ends trimmed but peel still on, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup lime juice from fresh limes (from about 1 pound of limes, or 5 to 10 limes, depending on how juicy they are)
- zest of 2 limes
- 1 1/4 cups packed mint leaves (about a large handful), woody stems removed
- 1/2 c mint simple syrup (purchased)
- Tequila
- Club soda
Directions
- Put fruits and mint in a blender, blend until smooth, pour through a sieve, and stir in simple syrup. You can make it ahead and store in the refrigerator.
- Fill an on the rocks glass with ice, add 1 jigger tequila, 1 jigger mix and top with club soda to taste.
- If you prefer a healthier rustic look (like mine don’t strain)
Any variation of this Grilled Sausages with Mustard Dipping Sauce is always a favorite at our cocktail parties. I often use lime marmalade but I didn’t have any on hand.
Trader Joe’s Sausages with Cherry Mustard Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pkg Trader Joes Jalapeno Chicken Sausage
- 1 pkg Trader Joes Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Sausage
- 1/2 c cherry jam (or any kind on hand)
- 1 tsp. horseradish
- 1 T dijon mustard
Directions
- Grill Sausages and slice on the diagonal. Prepare sauce and serve.
This Lemon Feta Dip is another repeat offender at our home. Simple and easy.
Crudites with Feta Lemon Dip
Ingredients
- 7 ounces Feta cheese, about 1 cup crumbled
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, plus more for garnish
- 1 – 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- Shishito Peppers
- Vegetables of your choice
Directions
- Mix feta, lemon juice & zest with olive oil, and pepper flakes in a blender
- Blister Shishito Peppers on High with a dash of olive oil on the stove (you cannot screw this up)
- Serve with Crudites of your choice
For more simple appetizers, you might also enjoy my post, Favorite Grill Recipes When It is Too Hot to Cook.
In this post, How to Set Up a Collected Stylish Holiday Bar, I featured a cranberry clementine cocktail that could easily be adapted with any summer juice for a light summer cocktail
If cocktails aren’t your jam, and you want to plan a simple get-together, this post Four Simple Appetizers and the Wines that Love them is a fun post as well.
This Grapefruit Aperol Spritz from Eating Well is another easy-to-prepare cocktail
If you really want to throw a super easy gathering you might want to read this popular post Last Minute Cheese and Charcuterie Platter with Ingredients from Costco.
Entertaining Should be easy and fun, especially this time of year. I hope this post gave you some ideas for simple entertaining. Thanks for reading Easy to Make Summer Cocktails and Appetizers. Now let’s pop over and visit our blogging friends for more summer cocktails.
Everything sounds amazing! It’s going to be a cocktail/mocktail kinda weekend here for sure. Thanks for all the ideas, and love your rustic presentations. Cheers!
Great ideas for nibbles! As for cocktail/mocktails I prefer Team Steve with wine for the win.
I need charcuterie board lessons. I love them and mine always look silly. I love this idea of friends and nibbles on the patio, but it was 94 degrees at midnight here yesterday.
Cindy, cocktails and little nibbles are my favorite meal, with a side of dessert of course!
I cannot wait to try out some of the appetizers and drinks. Have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Cindy,
You “nailed it,” as you continue to do over and over again. What a beautiful presentation the tea and food. Everything
is just so lovely. Thank you for sharing.
Cindy, this looks so yummy and refreshing … and I’m not going to strain it. Because … full nutritive value!!! Love all your appetizers … you have a knack for making trays look so pretty. I’m pinning away, studying and trying to do better with mine. My husband loves grilled sausages and is always hunting for the mustard. I’m going to make this dip for him. He’ll be thrilled and thank you. Is it 5 o’clock yet?! xo
P.S. great minds think alike … the EatingWell graperfruit spritz is next on my list for Cocktail Month at Snowberry!!! Cheers!
This is so perfect for me, Cindy, as I NEED appetizer ideas for when Howard cooks the main course. I pinned everything!
Cindy I love your food always and these appetizers look amazing. I am pinning all of them. I have to try your cocktail too! x
Cindy – Always enjoy your food and cocktail posts! Have you ever considered adding a food tab to your home page? My all-time favorite is the white bean salad with artichoke and lemon – love, love, love!
One of my favorites to make and take or prepare for guests is this very easy artichoke spinach dip: 1 – 14.5 oz can artichoke hearts rough chopped, 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 3 cups fresh spinach rough chopped, 4 cloves garlic minced. Mix until thoroughly combined. Bake at 350 degrees, 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips and veggies. Can mix it up the day before and bake right before guests arrive. Keto friendly. Also good as pizza topping. Consistently get requests for the recipe!
Yum!! Making a note of this.
So many goodies!
All looks tastey.
Cindy,
This is the perfect hot weather meal. You’ve got protein, veggies, and minimal carbs. 🙂 The feta dip sounds delicious. Thank you for this timely post, I’m sure the other talented ladies have some additional clever ideas.
xo
Karen B.
Cindy! When can I come over? Your style with drinks and boards is so on brand for you! A little bit rustic, but luxurious at the same time! Your drink does NOT look like a swamp! It sounds and looks delicious!
xx
This looks so delicious Cindy! And that cherry mustard dipping sauce?? WOW! Absolutely making! Thank you for including me in this fun round up! xo
Great Ideas! I love the quick sausage idea. I am keeping these on hand for when my entertaining life ramps up, upon Chip’s retirement.
I am finding it challenging to entertain these days – no one is ever home! My friends are traveling like there’s no tomorrow. Stay home people so I can serve you a cocktail when it cools off! 🤣