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Cool by the pool

By Lisa Andrus-Welch

Everyone has their favorite summer past-time and mine just happens to involve a swimming pool. Sadly, I don’t have a pool of my own but I do have friends and family that do. In fact, I’ll be spending all next weekend in a pool with my siblings, their kids, and their kids. Bring on the cocktails.

I find that there’s nothing more relaxing than lounging on a pool floatation device, icy beverage in hand. That is, till the grandkids start screaming and splashing, forcing me to ask, “Hey, when is the adult swim?” Tequila take me away!

No really, I look forward to the chaos of a big family gathering, chock-full of love, laughter, great food and a few favorite libations.

Cheers to summer and all it has to offer. Stay hydrated!

Lemon-Rum Slush

1/4 cup sugar

2 (6-ounce) cans frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

2 cups water

1 1/2 cups pineapple juice

2 cups rum

Directions: Combine all ingredients and freeze 6 hours (or longer) stirring occasionally. To serve, remove lemonade mixture from freezer and stir desired amount till slushy. Serve immediately. Makes 7 cups.

Strawberry Margaritas

(I like to think of these as adult slushies.)

Margarita:

1 (6-ounce) package frozen strawberries, partially thawed

5 cups ice

3/4 cup tequila

1/2 cup frozen limeade concentrate

1/3 cup powdered sugar

3 T. orange liqueur

Garnish:

Lime juice

Red decorator sugar crystals

Lime slices, fresh strawberries

Directions: Process first 6 ingredients in a blender till smooth. Dip margarita glass rims in lime juice; dip rims in red sugar crystals, coating well. Pour margarita mixture into glasses. Serve immediately. Garnish with lime slices and fresh strawberries, if desired. Makes about 5 1/2 cups.

Bloody Mary Punch

1 (46-ounce) can vegetable juice, chilled

3/4 cup vodka, chilled

1 T. freshly ground pepper

3 T. lime juice

1 to 2 T. hot sauce

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning

Celery sticks

Cooked shrimp (optional)

Directions: Combine first 7 ingredients in a punch bowl or pitcher. Serve over ice in tall glasses. Serve with celery and shrimp, if desired. Makes about 6 cups.

Cranberry Lemonade

(Perfect non-alcohol thirst-quencher for kids and adults, alike.)

5 cups water, divided

1/2 cup sugar

1 (6-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed and undiluted

3 cups cranberry juice

Directions: Stir together 2 cups water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring till sugar dissolves. Cool.

In large pitcher stir together sugar mixture, lemonade concentrate, cranberry juice and remaining 3 cups water. Chill till ready to serve. Makes 8 cups.

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