On many a given night, I’m a fan of a cold beer or a simple glass of wine, but as summer approaches, and I find myself entertaining more frequently, I like to try new, fun summer cocktail recipes.

While I definitely like to incorporate some fruit flavors into these drinks, I typically don’t like anything too sweet. I recommend staying away from prepared juices or mixers and working with actual fruit whenever possible. Another way to offset the sweetness is to add herbs such as mint or basil. Muddling the fruit and herbs together creates a nice balanced flavor.

Below are some favorites for you to try:

Strawberry Champagne Mojito (From: The Suburban Soapbox)

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:  

• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 12-14 mint leaves
• 4 teaspoons superfine sugar or simple sugar (I skip this step)
• 4 ounces fresh lime juice
• 4 ounces white rum
• 1 bottle champagne

Directions:

Place 1/4 cup of strawberries, 3-4 mint leaves, 1-teaspoon sugar (or simple syrup) and 1 ounce of lime juice in the bottom of a champagne glass. Using a muddler, crush the strawberries and mint to release the oils. Stir in 1 ounce of rum. Top with champagne until the glass is filled. Garnish with strawberries and fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Spicy Grapefruit Margarita ( From: Fit Foodie Finds)

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:  

• 2 fl. oz. tequila
• 2 fl. oz. grapefruit juice
• 2 fl. oz. lime juice
• 2 jalapeño slices + more for serving
• 1 fl. oz. simple syrup

Directions:

1. Place tequila in a jar or cup. Then, add in a couple of slices of jalapeños plus the seeds. Let sit for at least 30 minutes so that the tequila can get infused with the spice.
2. Add 1 to 2 cups of ice to a cocktail shaker and then pour in the infused tequila. Add the rest of the ingredients. Option to add more simple syrup, depending on your preference.
3. Give the shaker a good shake so that everything gets mixed together.
4. Serve over ice with fresh grapefruit slices, jalapeño slices, and a salty rim.

Basil Fig Vodka Smash (From: With Food and Love)

Yield: 2 - 4 drinks

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup basil leaves, more the garnish
• 1 cup fresh figs, diced {I used black mission}
• 1 tablespoon honey {or preferred sweetener}
• 4 ounces vodka
• Club soda
• Ice

Directions:

1. Muddle together the basil, fig and honey until the figs are completely broken down and in a smooth, jam like consistency.
2. Then add in vodka and stir to combine well. Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the mixture by pressing the pulp to extract all the liquid. When you are done, discard the pulp.
3. To assemble the drinks, divide the mixture {strain again if desired} into four cups and top with ice. Top with club soda and stir. Garnish with more fresh basil.
4. If you want to serve this as a martini, combine the mixture with ice in a martini shake and shake vigorously for 1 minute. Divide the mixture into two-martini glass and garnish wish a spring of basil.
5. Enjoy responsibly!