Foodie Friday: Serve Up A Summer Cocktail Party. Recipes & More!

Hello Summer! It's not official, but aren't you ready for it? Now is the time to enjoy fresh fruits, veggies and celebrate the warmer weather. Why not take a minute to send a proper invite and plan a stylish soiree? Get inspired with these refreshing recipes and entertaining essentials.

Pineapple Refresher
Made with Pineapple Vodka and of all things, sage leaves! You can find similar Glass Pineapple Stirrers at Etsy. Aren't they cute?
My Style Vita

Grilled Rainbow Pizza
You haven't had a pizza until you have tried a grilled one. This recipe takes advantage of the seasons' terrific tomatoes. The smoke from the grill adds a depth of flavor. YUM!
Cooking Classy

Citrus Spritzer
Combine an unoaked wine with fresh fruit and a bit of soda. Then add a slice of Blood orange. That’s it!
The Glitter Guide

DIY Bruschetta Bar
A spread like this gets everyone's attention. It's appealing and so colorful. The main event is the grilled bread! Toppings like Basil Vinaigrette, Red Pepper Sauce, Tomato Confit, Pea Pesto, Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onions make this a feast.
What's Gaby Cooking

Outdoor Entertaining Essentials
Sure, there are some decent looking paper products, but the "real thing" always looks better.  Pier 1 makes it easy and affordable to set a pretty picnic or patio table. See the collection here... 
Pier 1

Tropical, Fruit Punch and Mixed Berry Mojitos
I have only had one Mojito in my life, and I thought it tasted more like a salad than a yummy cocktail. I never went back for more. These beauties might make me a believer. Love the fact that they take advantage of seasonal fruit.
Bakers Royale

Homemade Potato Chips With Sriracha BBQ Sauce and Greek Yogurt Blue Cheese
This dish will get the party started. Beware though, it just may encourage double dipping!
How Sweet Eats

Flavored Water
I found this gorgeous image at Cooking Classy. It's a recipe for Watermelon Lemon and Mint flavored water. Talk about refreshing! You can see the recipe HERE World Market has the perfect dispenser to display and serve this tropical treat. Choose from acrylic or glass.
World Market

Melon Prosciutto Rosemary Skewers
Aren't these the cutest? An important note, this is a French recipe which actually calls for "Ham," but it sure looks like prosciutto to me. A stylish bite, oui?
Cuisine-Et-Mets

Mini Shrimp Rolls
Just as cute as can be, and easy to make! The rolls are Kings Hawaiian, so you are off to a good start with the base of the recipe. I'd say this looks like the perfect two bite appetizer.
Bon Appetit

Grilled Gazpacho

Simply one of my favorite things! Grilling the veggies will add an unexpected depth of flavor. A clever appetizer for a crowd.
Williams - Sonoma

Bourbon Sweet Tea
My Grandmother made us sweet tea. In fact it was "sun" sweet tea. She literally brewed it in a glass jar in the bright sunshine. Gosh it was good. Sorry Grandma (who probably never had a drink in her life) this spiked tea most likely beats yours. 
Goop

Grilled Kale BLT Dip
I just know that I could eat this dip by the lov'n spoonful! Made with tons of bacon, mayo and Greek yogurt, it just has to be good.
How Sweet Eats

Coconut Crush

This colada-inspired cocktail has a splash of rum, a dash of Coconut Cups pineapple juice and count-the-ways coconut.  If you don't feel like cracking all of those coconuts, you can find cool coco cups at SHINDIGZ. See the recipe at
Anthropologie Blog

Summer Presents
I had to include this recipe for the cute factor.  Never fear, the list of ingredients backs up the fabulous presentation. Read on...
Food52

Swoozies Outdoor Glam
I love seeing a bit of glam indoors or out. These pretty "porch' accessories by Kate Spade and Swoozies can be found at
Swoozies

Rhubarb Mojitos
What a pretty platter of cocktails! Love using the rhubarb stalk as a stirrer. A perfect "signature" drink for your Summer soiree.
Jacquelyn Clark

Thai Basil Watermelon Cups
What a creative way to eat your fruit!  Your guests will think this is quite clever of you. These watermelon cup coolers are made with gin.
Anthropologie Blog

Jonathan Adler Trays
If you do alot of entertaining outside, you really should invest in one of these Acrylic Trays. They also make a fab hostess gift.  With over 17 prints and patterns that really pop, you may want more than one.
Zhush

Grilled Caprese Kebabs
So incredibly easy and simple to prepare, these cute kabobs are sure to be a hit.
Heather Christo

Blueberry Sangria

Ingredients like Red Wine, Blueberry and Raspberry liquors just make my mouth water!
Love and Confections

Summer Fruit Wands
Sprinkled with feta, mint, olive oil and salt, these fruit wands are a refreshing treat!
Say Yes

Grilled Brie and Chard Bread with Blackberry Basil Smash Salsa
I almost NEVER eat bread, but I sure do love grilled bread. And what better utensil to use for dipping into this sweet and savory cheese. Looks killer good to me.
Half Baked Harvest

Watermelon, Raspberry and Mint Vodka Cups
Besides sounding icy cold and delicious, I love the idea of setting up a simple bar and allowing your guests to help themselves.
Gourmet Traveller

Carnival Brights Medallion Straws
The last ingredient to every summer cocktail! A lovely and affordable detail. Cheers!
Pier 1

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