Memorial Day is the start of summer, and after the winter we’ve had, who isn’t ready for some heat?  If you are planning a BBQ during the long weekend, why not chill out with some cocktails.  These festive sips – in red, white and blue – are a fresh twist to any Memorial Day menu.

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America the BLU-TIFUL – Raise this glass to those who serve.

 Blue

1 oz. Sobieski Cytron Vodka
1 oz. blue curacao
½ oz. fresh lime juice
¼ oz. cranberry juice
Olives for garnish
Granulated sugar for rim

Fill cocktail shaker with ice, add liquid ingredients and shake. Strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with olives and serve.

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Stars & Stripes Sangria – This patriotic punch is sure to delight your guests.

SSSangria

Serves 10-12

8 oz. CAMUS VS Elegance Cognac
2 bottles of red wine, such as cabernet sauvignon
12 oz. lemon-lime soda
6 oz.  cranberry juice
4 oz.  simple syrup
½ of a lemon (ends cut off)
½ of a lime (ends cut off)
½ an orange (ends cut off)
1 cup sliced strawberries

Thinly slice the lemon, lime and orange and place in a large punch bowl.  Add all of the liquid ingredients. Stir well and serve.

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Poma-Rita – Fresh pomegranates make this a sweet red sip.

Poma-Rita

1 ½ oz. Trianon Blanco Tequila

1 oz. pomegranate juice ½ oz. pomegranate liqueur

½ oz. lime juice

Lemon twist and pomegranate seeds for garnish

Mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and pomegranate seeds and serve.