There are three important qualities in a summer libation: refreshing, refreshing, and refreshing. You can add a shot of vodka to these coolers to give them a kick, or just enjoy the sweet, clean, summery taste of watermelon, lime, and mint.

Start your weekend cocktial soiree off right with this simple and delicious margarita recipe.

Try this ginger cocktail recipe and it may well become the easy go-to drink in your house. Now that there are so many great quality “real” ginger ales for sale, you can be choosey about your favorite. Some have much more spice than others; I prefer the spiciest.

This late-summer Bloody Mary recipe is neither too salty nor too heavy, unlike most traditional versions you’ll get at the bar or in a mix. Filled with lemon juice, fiery Sriracha chili sauce, and herbal seasonings, this cocktail provides easy, refreshing sipping.

This summer-spun mojito recipe is really a gorgeous cocktail with incredible flavor. There’s a homemade simple syrup made with spicy ginger and tart cherries, which has a bright red color and a delicious fruitiness. Add the usual mint, lime, and rum back into the equation, and this modified mojito is a total winner. Enjoy!

You read that right: Beer popsicles! These spiked frozen pops are an homage to our childhood summer days, with the adult kick of a crisp, refreshing beer. Fresh cherries and lemon juice are a sweet-tart choice, pairing just fabulously with the honeyed, banana-like flavors of Hefeweizen beer. Get the recipe here.

Chances are that you won’t make it through the holiday season without encountering at least one cold glass of eggnog. The spiked egg and milk cocktail dates back to 17^th century Europe, where it was enjoyed as an indulgent upper class drink. Today, it’s been diluted down to little more than cheap, sugary milk with artificial flavorings and additives—most commercial eggnog doesn’t even have real eggs in it. Fortunately, it’s incredibly simple to make the real deal—in the traditional style—in your own kitchen. With just fresh egg yolks, quality milk and a glug of bourbon, you can get toasty this holiday with your own homemade eggnog. Here’s how to do it.

The archetypal frozen coffee drink of our generation is the Starbucks Frappuccino. It's cold, it's chocolately, it's caffeinated, and it's so crazy good. But it's also upwards of five smackers for a large glass, not to mention 400 calories. And also, not very organic. Satisfy all of the above by being your own barista. This organic Frappuccino recipe gets all the right without much of the wrong. 

Observing a barista whip together a specially crafted espresso drink can feel a little like watching a magician. A little bit of steam, some fancy arm movements and suddenly a perfect creamy latte with just a hint of foam appears ready for you to enjoy.

Unfortunately those lattes from your favorite java spots can start to add up budget-wise. The disposable cups, lids and sleeves used to hold the drinks also contribute to unnecessary waste.

So can you pull off the same coffee magic at home? Absolutely. Making a latte at home takes just a few simple steps. No elaborate machines needed.