Essential Cocktails for July 

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Endless Summer. Get the most out of the season while it\'s still here.

Have you hitched your hammock to the nearest tree? Good.

Now you\'ll need a beverage to keep cool while you\'re waiting for the fireworks.

Perhaps you want to fire up the blender for a sophisticated slushy. Or maybe a rebel Arnold Palmer with a slick of liqueur? Strawberry-infused rum, Champagne Spritzes and patriotic punches are here to help you win summer.  

When the summer heat hits its stride, it’s natural to succumb to the lure of the blender. And succumb you should to this fragrant coupe of cachaça, guava puree, rose syrup and lime juice. Blend into a slushy consistency, garnish with a rose petal and repeat as needed. Get the recipe for the Guava Rose.

The answer to all your summer entertaining quandaries? Strawberry-infused rum. But wait, there’s more. Strawberry Demerara syrup, Tabasco and lemon juice, to be exact. It’s a full-bore berry blitz, and you’ll want to serve it for every shindig from now until Labor Day. Get the recipe for the Por Me Amante.

Arnold Palmer’s ready to let loose. The cooling duo of iced tea and lemonade is a porchside staple, but once the sun goes down? That’s the time to add a healthy slug of Grand Marnier to the G-rated draught.  Get the recipe for the Grand Tea.

George wasn’t the only Washington dabbling in the booze business. He may have run a large rye whiskey distillery on his property, but Martha knew her way around the punch bowl. The original First Lady understood the simple pleasures of good aged rum, fresh citrus juices, orange liqueur and heady spices. Tell your guests how this recipe was discovered in Martha’s private journals and they’ll be impressed by both your historical and mixological prowess. Get the recipe for the Martha Washington Punch.

Summer’s heavy hitters have come out to play. Stocked with gin, Cynar, Aperol and Lillet Blanc, this aperitif is what all Spritzes aspire to. A dash of Peychaud’s bitters and a cap of Champagne? That’s a happy ending.    Get the recipe for the Montford Spritz.

When the meticulously layered ice cubes hit the punch, party guests know you mean business. Feign patience while you layer and freeze your way to hosting fame with these colorful cubes of grenadine, coconut milk and blueberry juice. Slip them into a jar of punch that’s bearing moonshine, lemonade and Champagne and sit back. You’ve earned a rest until next year. Get the recipe for the Sparkle and Shine Punch.

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Get the Mango Jalapeño Margarita recipe from How Sweet It Is

Get the Cranberry Gimlet recipe from Food Fanatic

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Get the Blood Orange Negroni With Rosemary recipe from FamilyStyle Food

Get the Champagne Grapefruit Cocktail recipe by Gooseberry Mooseberry

Get the Old Fashioned Holiday With Bourbon-Soaked Cranberries recipe from Blue Crab Martini

Get the Sweet Tea Mint Julep recipe from The Runaway Spoon

Get the Juicy Pear Martini recipe from Straight To The Hips Baby

Get the Manhattan Transfer recipe by teroforma from Food52

Get the Blueberry Basil Vodka Gimlet recipe from The Tart Tart

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