Sure, Central Ohio is a far cry from any exotic beach atmosphere, but that doesn’t mean you need to neglect the props tied to such a tropical setting. Beach drinks are half the fun, whether you have sand between your toes or you’re simply hanging out on the back deck of your suburban home.

The objective is to keep it cool – frozen, citrusy, refreshing. These drinks aren’t afraid to buddy up to a few ice cubes or an over-the-top garnish. These are drinks that taste like sunshine on your palate, that conjure up memories of frolicking along the tides even if they didn’t really even happen. These are drinks that celebrate summer.

That said, the trick is to incorporate plenty of summer season fruit: watermelon, strawberries, lemons, limes, oranges. Don’t be afraid to get a little bold and colorful. ‘Tis the season.

And certainly don’t shy away from the blender or the garnishes – umbrellas, marchismo cherries, fruit wedges, etc. Here are some necessary summer-in-a-glass recipes for your sunny delight.

Mai Tais
An easy, true summer cocktail. Scour the aisles for these classic ingredients and then comb the beach for the perfect spot to enjoy it on the rocks.

1 oz (2 tablespoons) dark rum
1 oz (2 tablespoons) amber rum
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1/2 oz (1 tablespoon) Cointreau or triple sec
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon orgeat syrup or 1 drop pure almond extract
1 teaspoon superfine granulated sugar
Dash of grenadine
an orange slice, optional for garnish
Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with 1 cup ice cubes, then strain into a glass filled with ice cubes.

Sex on the Beach
Yes, this drink is just as fun as it sounds. Dirty up your palate with this sultry cocktail as you heat up your summer evenings.

1 1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
2 oz cranberry juice
2 oz orange juice
Add vodka and peach schnapps to a highball glass over ice. Fill with equal measures of cranberry juice and orange juice, and stir.
Midori Lemonade
Pucker up with a new twist on a classic homemade summer drink that features a crisp, refreshing combination of sweet and sour flavors that will make you wish this season lasted all year long.
1 oz. Midori
Top with Lemonade
Build over ice
*Use Crystal Light lemonade for a low-calorie alternative

Midori Melon Punch
Who spiked the punch? Liven up your everyday drink by adding some fleshy fruit and Midori. Sip on the summer harvest with very little labor required.

1 bottle Midori
1 can pineapple juice
1 liter club soda
1 quart of seasonal melon, diced, and frozen
Combine all ingredients over frozen melon in a punch bowl.

Piña Coladas
For the feel of the ocean, throw back a few of these exotic mixtures. The recipe is a breeze and the drink will give you that sweet escape you’re looking for.

3 oz light rum
3 tablespoons coconut milk
3 tablespoons pineapple, crushed
Mix all ingredients in an electric blender with 2 cups of crushed ice. Blend at a high speed for a short length of time and strain into a Collins glass.