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Reflecting on the Cozy Chapters of 2023: A Year in Pajamas

As we wave goodbye to another year, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the cozy, warm, and downright stylish moments that defined our 2023. Picture this as a casual chat, a reflection on the past 12 months filled with simple comforts, unexpected adventures, and a dash of personal flair.

In a world that’s always changing, the concept of “comfort” has taken on new meanings for all of us. Whether it’s adapting to the work-from-home life, giving our living spaces a makeover, or strengthening connections with loved ones, comfort has become a guiding force in our daily routines. And let’s not forget the unsung hero of relaxation – our trusty pajamas!

These pajamas of ours have become more than just sleepwear; they’ve become companions in the theater of our lives. They’ve seen the tranquility of quiet mornings, starred in spontaneous dance parties, and provided the perfect attire for those unexpected video calls. As the seasons shifted, so did our pajama preferences – from light and breezy sets for summer nights to cozy flannels that cocooned us in warmth as winter settled in.

So, sit back and take a moment to relive the coziest snippets of the past year, exploring the chapters that left imprints of comfort, joy, and personal style. Dive into the evolution of your favorite pajama styles, each thread woven into the fabric of your daily life. From the cherished memories created while rocking your coziest ensembles to the little moments that brought a smile to your face, let’s celebrate a year that was truly well-lived in comfort.

Here’s to the coziest memories, the warmest moments, and the stylish pajamas that were there through it all. As we say goodbye to 2023, may you wrap yourself in the snug embrace of nostalgia, with a promise of more cozy adventures in the chapters yet to be written.

Looking ahead to 2024, our journey continues, and we’re determined to make it even cozier. As we set our goals, prioritize self-care, and look forward to creating new memories, let’s carry the warmth of 2023 into the upcoming chapters. Here’s to a year filled with comfort, joy, and the coziest of moments. Wishing you a snug and stylish farewell to the year gone by and a warm welcome to 2024!

10 Late Night Snacks for Sweet Dreams and Better Sleep

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Late-night cravings can strike at any time, but choosing the wrong snack can lead to sleepless nights. While it’s essential to satisfy your hunger, it’s equally crucial to select snacks that won’t disrupt your sleep. We’ve compiled a list of eight delicious late-night snacks that are not only delicious but also sleep-friendly. Say goodbye to tossing and turning and hello to sweet dreams with these bedtime treats.

Bananas: Let’s start with the classic banana. It’s not just a convenient snack; it’s also a natural source of tryptophan, the amino acid that can lull you into dreamland. Plus, it’s low on the glycemic index, so no sugar rushes to keep you awake. Slice one up or enjoy it as is for a quick and nutritious bedtime treat.

Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt isn’t just a morning thing. It’s packed with protein, and when paired with a drizzle of honey, it becomes a creamy, satisfying treat that keeps your blood sugar steady. The protein in Greek yogurt can help prevent blood sugar spikes, ensuring a peaceful night’s rest.

Cherries: If you’re a fan of fruity snacks, cherries are a sweet option that naturally contains melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep, making cherries a smart choice. You can have a small bowl of fresh cherries or opt for dried ones for a convenient, sleep-promoting snack.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast. A warm bowl of oats made with milk is both comforting and sleep-friendly. Oats contain complex carbs that can boost your serotonin levels, helping you relax. You can top your oatmeal with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for a touch of flavor.

Almonds: If you’re into nuts, almonds are your bedtime buddies. They’re a magnesium-rich snack that can help relax your muscles and improve the quality of your sleep. Just don’t go overboard with the portions; a small handful should do the trick.

Turkey and Cheese: Yes, you read that right. Turkey contains tryptophan, and when combined with a bit of cheese, it makes a delightful duo. Just remember, moderation is the key. You can create a mini turkey and cheese wrap or enjoy them separately for a light, sleep-promoting snack.

Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is the unsung hero of late-night snacks. It’s low in fat and high in protein, making it a satisfying choice. Add some fruit or honey for that perfect touch of sweetness. The protein in cottage cheese can help stabilize blood sugar levels, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep.

Kiwi: Kiwi is a tasty fruit that not only provides a natural dose of vitamins but is also rich in serotonin, which can help regulate your sleep. It’s a low-calorie option that you can enjoy a couple of hours before bedtime.

Warm Milk: A classic choice, warm milk is known for its sleep-inducing properties. It contains tryptophan and can have a soothing effect on your nervous system, helping you relax before sleep. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for extra flavor.

Dark Chocolate: If you’re in the mood for a little sweetness, opt for dark chocolate. It contains less sugar than milk chocolate and offers antioxidants that can be beneficial for your health. Dark chocolate can satisfy your sweet tooth without causing sleep disturbances.

Choosing the right late-night snacks can make a significant difference in your sleep quality. These eight options provide a balance of comfort and sleep-friendly nutrients, ensuring that you satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your rest. So the next time you find yourself craving a midnight snack, reach for one of these options, and enjoy a more peaceful night’s sleep. Sweet dreams!

Start the New Year by getting organized

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As we all know, the start of a new year is a great time to get organized and declutter our lives. It’s a chance to get rid of the old and make room for the new (both literally and figuratively). If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of getting organized, you aren’t alone – we’ve all been there. But don’t worry, because we’re here to help you get started with some simple, easy ways to organize five common areas in your home:

‘Tupperware’ Cupboard

If you’re anything like us, your food storage container cabinet is probably a disaster. It’s almost like a black hole. Things go in together but somehow either a lid or a container mysteriously vanishes. Good organization can stop this phenomenon.

First things first, get rid of any containers that are broken or have missing lids. These are just taking up space and causing clutter.
Sort through the rest of your containers and lids, and try to match up as many as possible. If you can’t find a matching lid, it’s time to say goodbye to that container.
As you’re sorting, consider getting rid of any containers that you no longer use or that are too small or too big for your needs.
Once you’ve got everything sorted, consider investing in some organizing tools to help keep everything in its place. There are lots of options out there, like stackable Tupperware organizers or drawer organizers that can help you keep lids and containers separated.

Junk Drawer

We all have one – that infamous “junk drawer” that seems to accumulate everything and anything. But it doesn’t have to stay that way! Here’s how to tackle your junk drawer:

Start by emptying out the entire drawer. This can be a bit overwhelming, but trust us, it’s worth it.
Sort through everything in the drawer and decide what you want to keep and what can be tossed. Be ruthless here – if you haven’t used it in the past year, chances are you won’t use it again.
Once you’ve got everything sorted, think about adding dividers or small bins to keep things in their place. They can really help in keeping things from getting cluttered again.

Bathroom Cabinets

Bathroom cabinets can get messy quickly with all of the various products we use on a daily basis, especially if you have several people using the same bathroom.

Start by taking everything out of the cabinet and sorting through it. Get rid of any products that are empty, expired, or that you no longer use. If you have old medication NEVER just throw it in the trash or flush it. Check with your local pharmacy or police department to find out if they have a medication disposal program.
Use small containers or bins to help keep similar items together. For example, you could have one container for makeup, one for hair products, and one for skincare products.
If you have a lot of products, consider using stackable organizers or bins to help make the most of your space.

Pantry

A cluttered pantry can be a recipe for disaster (pun intended). It’s hard to find what you need when everything is jumbled together, and it can lead to wasted food and money. Here’s how to get your pantry organized:

Start by taking everything out of the pantry and sorting through it. Get rid of any expired or spoiled items, and consider donating any non- Once you’ve gotten rid of expired and unnecessary items, start organizing the items you’re keeping. Group similar items together (e.g. all of your canned goods, all of your dry goods, etc.) and consider using storage containers or bins to help keep everything in its place.
If you have a lot of bags of chips, cereal, or other similar items, consider using small bins or containers to keep them organized and prevent them from getting crushed.
Consider using stackable organizers or bins to help make the most of your space, especially if you have a smaller pantry.
Use clear storage containers or bins to make it easy to see what you have and to help prevent wasted food.

Consider labeling your bins or containers to make it even easier to find what you’re looking for.

Closet

If your closet is cluttered and disorganized, it can be hard to find what you need and can make getting dressed in the morning a frustrating experience. Here’s how to get your closet in order:

Start by taking everything out of the closet and sorting through it. Donate or toss any items that you no longer wear or that are in poor condition.
As you’re sorting, group similar items together (e.g. all of your tops, all of your pants, etc.). This will make it easier to find what you’re looking for.
If you have a lot of clothes, consider investing in some organizing tools like hangers with multiple layers or hanging organizers to help make the most of your space.
Consider using storage bins or baskets to store items that you don’t use as frequently, such as seasonal clothing or extra bed linens.

This doesn’t all have to happen in one day. Take it slow, do a one thing at a time, and focus on the task at hand. Remember, the end result will be super gratifying! Happy organizing!

No need to go out. Try a pajama date night at home!

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Looking for something fun to do with your special someone? Restaurants, movie theaters, and all the popular hot spots are once again crowded so for your next date night, why not do something special in the comfort of your own home? Something like an evening in pajamas! It’s intimate, cozy, and it might be the last chance you get to spend quality time together before the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday season takes over.

We’ve put together a few ideas to help you plan a romantic, fun, and memorable pajama date night you’re sure to enjoy!

Commit to staying in your pajamas. The fun of doing so will add a different element to your date night and pajamas are perfect for staying cozy on a cold night. You can even find pajamas printed with hearts and warm colors, as well as messages that express your love for your partner to make it super romantic.

Make a blanket fort in the living room: What’s a night in pajamas without a cozy place to snuggle up? Take a step back in time and build a blanket fort in your living room. Use couch cushions, blankets, and sheets to build it and if you want to make the fort even more romantic, consider hanging some twinkle lights. In addition, you can add fun decorations such as heart-shaped balloons and banners.

Star gaze. Another great way to celebrate is to sit outside under the stars. You can lie on the blankets, share some champagne, and reminisce. Or you could make it educational by using a constellation and planet finder app to identify what you’re viewing.

Play games. Playing games with your partner can add a romantic element to your date night. Some fun ideas include karaoke, name that tune, and commandeering the kids’ gaming system. Other ideas include board games like checkers and try making it make it more fun by replacing the pieces with chocolates and feeding them to each other. You could really spice things up by adding romantic penalties to the games or having an old-fashioned pillow fight.

Make something sweet. Making homemade treats is a fun way to spend time creating something together and… it will make your house smell delicious. Remember, chocolate is an aphrodisiac!

Watch scary movies. Halloween is also upon us so why not get in the mood by getting comfy on the couch and watching scary movies? Horror films are perfect for hiding under the blankets and getting close to each other. We even have a list of recommended flicks!

Date night is for spending quality time together- just the 2 of you – so make it special and memorable.

Our Favorite Holiday is coming! National Wear your Pajama’s to Work Day!

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Nowadays wearing your pajamas to work can be an everyday occurrence for those that still have the luxury of working remotely. For those whose employers require their presence back in the office or workplace, there’s one day out of the year where you can flashback to the good old days (a couple of years ago) where you can once again work in your pajamas. This year, on Tuesday, April 19th, go back in time to when working in your most comfortable clothes is once again allowed.

And since our favorite thing here at The Pajama Company is – well – pajamas, we’re experts at making sure you get the most of the best national holiday ever!

To begin with, consider where you work. You are no longer in your home office or at your dining room table. Coworkers and customers will be present so make your pajama-style decision based on who you will be with and what’s acceptable. If your workplace leans to the laid-back side, you can probably be a little more casual with your choice. Otherwise think conservative.You should also think about the weather. After all, in many parts of the country it can still be pretty cold in mid-April so dress accordingly.

A fun way to make sure that you stay warm on a cooler day is to use an accessory like a bathrobe as a coat as opposed to your normal jacket. We do suggest wearing regular shoes from home to work and or course, sneakers are a great look with pj’s. If you’re going all-in bring your slippers along to change into when you get there. Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day is especially fun for teachers and students!

Another thing to consider is that you may end up realizing you have to make a stop or two before or after work, and wearing your pajamas to these locations may not be acceptable. Bring a change of clothes just in case. We never know what might pop up over the course of the day and having them with you could be a real time-saver.

So what about hair and make-up? Well, if you are comfortable with people seeing you as they would if they came over to your house, then by all means, tone it down for the day. Maybe just spruce up a little bit as opposed to the bedhead you might have donned when you worked from home and simply crawled out of bed to your computer with your morning cup of coffee.

Here at The Pajama Company, we have always promoted that we often do our best work in pajamas. We imagine that many who worked at home during the pandemic would agree and perhaps find going back to the office distracting. People working in creative fields often work best in solitude and comfort. We also embrace the individuality of your perfect pajama style. Perhaps it’s a flannel pant with a cashmere sweater, perhaps it’s a lounge pant with a great sweatshirt or a classic pajama set with a print that you love.

Lastly, make a fun day of it. You don’t want to be the only one walking around in your plaid flannels while the rest of the company is wearing their daily street clothes, so be sure to let everyone know ahead of time that you will be embracing Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day!

That’s it! All you need now is the perfect pair of PJs and you’re ready to celebrate the happiest day of the year!

Remember to Relax – 7 tried and true ways to clear your mind

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As things begin to return to what we know as normal life, the hustle and bustle of our everyday routines have worked their way back into our schedules. Coming off almost 2 years of ‘not as busy as usual’ may seem a little different right now but it won’t be long until busy-busy is just old hat again.

As your life returns to its pre-pandemic ways, you will need to remember that you still need “you” time to relax. You don’t want to forget this important part of maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul. Here are 7 simple ideas that don’t cost anything that you can incorporate into everyday life to make sure you get in that critical relaxation time you need.

Nap. Sleep is an essential part of rebooting your entire system. A short nap in your favorite pajamas can do wonders for your state of mind and is second-to-none when it comes to the ultimate relaxation technique.

Use aromatherapy. Lavender, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Ylang-Ylang, and lemongrass are all very popular aromatherapy scents used to enhance your relaxation techniques. These scents activate certain sensory triggers that put you at ease and make your mind relax.

Take a bath. There is nothing better than a good soak in the tub to wash away the day’s commotion. Add relaxing essential oils to your bath water and turn on some soft music to really enhance your soak. Even 30 minutes of you-time in the soothing water can make all the difference in the world.

Read a book. Want to get away from it all for a little while? Put your nose in a good book and put your mind somewhere else.

Meditate. You may already incorporate meditation into your daily routine, and if so you know how well it works. If meditation is new to you, we recommend doing some research online and picking the technique that best fits your needs. It’s an incredible way to relax and it amazing way to calm your mind.

Spend time with a pet. Studies show that spending time with a pet is one of the most relaxing things you can do. It’s also a win-win because you are getting quality relaxation time and your pet is getting some extra love from their favorite human!

Have a hot beverage. Even 15 minutes alone with a cup of warm herbal tea is better than nothing at all. If you want to try something a little different, add some raw honey to hot water with a slice of lemon and drink it just like that. This concoction is relaxing, has amazing immunity benefits, and taste delicious

You may have your own way of relaxing but we encourage you to mix it up a bit and try different things. When you look forward to something, you’re more likely to actually do it.

Planning a Summer Backyard Camping Adventure

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This weekend marks the official start of summer. The kids are out of school and it’s time to start finding creative ways to keep them entertained. June is National Camping Month so many families pack up their cars and campers, head out to campgrounds, and enjoy the great outdoors. If camping is something that you’ve had on your radar but haven’t yet taken the plunge because of time commitments or a limited budget, why not consider escaping to your own backyard campsite to get your feet wet?

Camping is a great way to escape computers, phones, and TV’s, get some fresh air, and teach kids a different way of doing things. Plus, you avoid what is sure to be an extremely crowded season in the campgrounds. Backyard camping is also economical and with proper planning, you’ll even forget you’re at home as you sleep under the stars. To make sure your at-home getaway feels authentic, here are eight things you’ll want to include in your plans to ensure success.

Have rules. These should be followed by adults and children alike and should include things like no electronics – put them in a non-accessible place in the house, limited access to the amenities in the house (ie: you can only go in to use the bathroom), and full participation from everyone which includes set-up and tear-down. Camping can be a great adventure and quite educational if everyone is 100% in.

Put safety measures in place. Although camping in your backyard is a much more controlled environment than trekking out into the wilderness, safety should still be your #1 priority. Have a way to extinguish the campfire, make sure the area is free of things someone could trip over in the dark, employ proper lighting –including nightlights and flashlights, have bug spray readily available, and check the area for poisonous plants.

Create a campsite. If you don’t have tents, there’s no need to spend a lot of money to buy them. Create makeshift shelters with sheets, blankets, or tarps. Make sure to keep the kids involved in the building process so they will have the satisfying feeling of accomplishment and pride in what they have created.

Set up sleep accommodations. The shelter is ready and it’s time to set up sleeping arrangements and even though there are no comfy beds, you can still be comfortable sleeping outdoors by using air mattresses, yoga mats, or cots. Keep in mind that you don’t have the luxury of a climate-controlled home, so also plan for cool nights and dewy mornings with extra blankets, cozy socks, and warm pajamas. Here are some of our favorite camp themed pj’s.

Build your campfire spot. Have the whole family gather sticks for kindling to get your fire going and make sure you have bigger hardwood logs on hand to keep it roaring. If an in-ground fire pit is not an option you can buy a portable fire pit that will serve the purpose. Also note: It’s important to know the burning regulations in your area beforehand to make sure you aren’t breaking any rules.

Plan your menu. For each day you camp, you’ll want breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks. You can look online for all kinds of yummy campfire recipes, but if you want to stay the traditional route think foil pack meals, roasted hot dogs, campfire pies, and of course S’mores. Eggs and bacon are easy to do with a cast iron pan and one-pot meals can easily be heated over your open flame. Don’t forget a cooler to keep everything from spoiling. Remember, you’re not really at home, so the fridge isn’t an option.

7. Keep everyone entertained. Make a list of fun activities to partake in once you put your pajamas on and gather around the campfire. You can tell stories (ghost stories if age appropriate), sing songs, or play campfire games. This is when your family will really bond and have quality time together. It’s also when so many memories are made so make sure to take pictures!

Observe the nature around you. Camping is all about taking in the beauty that Mother Nature has given us. During the day, participate in bird watching (a bird book can be a fantastic reference guide), have a nature scavenger hunt, or learn about the foliage that grows right in your own backyard. At night you can identify star constellations or listen to wildlife sounds and try to figure out what they are.

Whether you camp for one night or a whole weekend, having happy campers is the ultimate goal. We hope these pointers will make for fond family memories you’ll treasure for years to come!

Spring Cleaning Could Earn You a Pretty Penny

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Spring cleaning time is upon us again. It’s when we open the windows to air the house out, shake out the winter dust, and get rid of all that clutter. Spring cleaning typically means throwing away junk or putting some not-so-often used items into boxes to be brought to a charitable organization.

You might want to look into the value of some of these items before you simply discard them. Vintage is in, and people are willing to pay a pretty penny a piece of the past. Here is just a sampling of items you may have in your home right now that you don’t even know are worth anything.

Themed Glasses. Peanuts, Flintstones, and other cartoon favorites were printed on glasses mainly as giveaways for many years. If you have some of these fun drinking glasses shoved in the back of a cabinet taking up space, you may want to put them up for sale. Here’s an example of what a lucky seller scored for their McDonald’s glasses.

Vinyl Records. Believe it or not, people are going back to spinning records to listen to music. The sound is warm and reminiscent of simpler times. Vinyl records have become a huge commodity, and depending on the condition of not only the record but also the sleeve, you can probably make some money on them. If you are lucky enough to own an early pressing or limited edition album, it could be worth thousands.

Costume Jewelry. Do you have some of your mother’s or grandmother’s old costume jewelry lying around? Don’t just throw it away. Some of these pieces are very collectible and have even become a fashion trend again. Check out these recent costume jewelry sales.

Vintage Tupperware. In the age of grab-and-go containers and throwaways, Tupperware is not as popular as it used to be. It’s pricey and takes up a lot of room. Nowadays however, vintage Tupperware is all the rage. People have come to realize that the quality these products offer cannot be found in today’s disposable plasticware.

Discontinued Beauty Products. It happens all the time. You find a product you love and the company discontinues it. Have a bottle of shampoo you bought a while back that didn’t work with your hair type? There might be somebody out there looking for it. Recently a bar of face soap that was discontinued years ago was sold for big bucks.

Cell Phones. If they work, there are plenty of people willing to pay for them. If you have an old “brick phone” like you’d see in movies from the 80’s and 90’s, or the very first iPhone, they can be worth a bundle in the right market.

Halloween Costumes. If you purchase new costumes for Halloween every year and then stick them away somewhere to gather dust, consider selling them. We all know that many times dressing up for that one day out of the year isn’t cheap. Why not recoup some of your money and giving someone else a deal at the same time?

Fine China. Nowadays most people don’t break out the china for dinner parties or special family dinners. It’s likely taking up space in a box in the attic or basement. Depending on the manufacturer, certain sets of china can be worth some money. If you have a collection, take it to an appraiser who specializes in antiques.

Old Cookbooks. In today’s digital society we get our recipes off the internet and save them on a Pinterest board or something similar. If you have old cookbooks lying around,d check a couple ‘for sale’ sites and see what they bring. As an example, if you have a copy of Julia Child’s original cookbook published by Knopf in 1961 Mastering the Art of French Cooking, it’s worth hundreds of dollars.

VHS Tapes. Before Blu-rays and streaming, VHS tape is how we watched movies at home. Did you know that some of them are worth a lot of money? Take a look at your collection and do some research before just throwing them in a landfill.

What are you waiting for? Start digging through those boxes and bins that you stuffed away years ago. Extra money is fun and can buy you lots of new pajamas! Good luck with your treasure hunt and happy selling

Take in Summer’s Last Call with these fun Labor Day Activities

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Another summer is wrapping up, and more so this year than in the past it feels like it went way too fast. We’ll still have plenty of warm weather to enjoy, but as kids head back to school and the days get noticeably shorter, Labor Day weekend typically marks the end of summer as we usher in fall.Make the absolute most of it by fitting in all the activities you can during your 3-day weekend. This year, why not try something a little different from the usual backyard barbecue or trip to the beach. We have some great ideas that will inspire you to mix it up as you bid summer adieu.

Go apple picking. It’s the time of year where orchards are full of delicious apples ready to be picked. Many of them will host kick-off events on Labor Day weekend complete with music, crafts, kids activities, and tastings of everything apple. Get the family together and visit your local farm. The best part is all the delicious treats you’ll be able to make when you get your harvest home!

Go rummaging. The old saying that ‘one person’s trash is another person’s treasure’ is why millions of people visit yard/garage sales every year. You can find just about anything you need, and probably quite a few items you don’t. Labor Day weekend in many parts of the country is the last big weekend for treasure hunters so take advantage of the opportunity to pick up some goodies at deeply discounted prices. Many communities even hold neighborhood-wide sales over the weekend so check out social media or designated sites dedicated to rummage sales and plan your route. Just remember to bring a big car to transport all your hot finds home.

Plan a scavenger hunt. This is a great way to get family and friends together for a full day of fun and adventure. You can make the search a full-on road trip if it’s an adults-only activity, or keep it within a smaller area if kids and families will be participating. A quick Google search will yield hundreds of ideas that you can use to customize your event.

Adventure trip. Print out a map of your state or particular area radius that you are willing to travel to, close your eyes, and point. This is your destination! Make a day – or a weekend of your trip and take in all the unique stops and attractions along the way. Many people don’t realize how much there is to see in your own backyard. The best approach is to map out one way of getting to your destination and an alternate way back so you get twice the sightseeing in.

Go to a drive-in. Many kids today don’t even know what a drive-in theater is. With the current social distancing guidelines in place, the drive-in is making a resurgence and becoming the hip place to be. Check your area and surrounding areas to see if you have a theater nearby. If not, many ‘pop-up’ theaters are appearing all over the country. Put your pajamas on and show the kids how the old folks used to enjoy movies!

Revive an old hobby. Most people have a hobby that they used to enjoy that just sort of fell by the wayside as life got in the way. Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to resurrect your old passion. This can be anything like playing an instrument, creating arts and crafts, cooking, collecting, or even building models. If you really want to be adventurous, take up a new hobby and find your next obsession.

However you do Labor Day this year, make it count. Time flies way to fast these days so make every moment count.

Happy Labor Day!

4 Summer Cocktails You Need to Try

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Summer is here in full force which means its patio and picnic time. Sure you can have beer and wine on-hand for your fun summer activities and get togethers, but there’s something about an icy, fruity cocktail during the warm summer months that just makes the mood perfect! Refreshing and delicious, these cocktail recipes will be the perfect addition to any event you have planned.

Rainbow Sangria. A beautiful and colorful cocktail that not only looks pretty and tastes great, but as a bonus, you also get a full serving of nutritious fruit in every glass. We found this recipe at Delish.com.

Ingredients

1 1/2 Bottles Moscato – chilled

1/2 c. Triple Sec

Juice of 3 limes

1/4 c. granulated sugar

3 c. each blackberries & blueberries

6 kiwis, peeled and sliced

2 c. each diced pineapple, diced mango & halved strawberries

Directions

In a large pitcher, stir together white wine, triple sec, lime juice, and sugar until combined.
In tall glasses, layer blackberries, blueberries, kiwis, pineapple, mango, and strawberries.
Pour wine mixture over fruit and serve.

Kentucky Lemonade. Nothing says summer like a refreshing glass of lemonade. This recipe takes this favorite hot weather staple and gives it a new twist. This recipe courtesy of The Chunky Chef is simple to make and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup water

1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (from approximately 6 lemons)

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

1/2-2/3 cup Bourbon (depending on your tastes)

6 cups ginger ale

additional lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water and heat over MED heat. Heat until sugar dissolves into water and mixture is clear. Simmer 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Add lemon juice, mint leaves, and Bourbon, then let mixture cool.
Pour mixture through a fine strainer into a large pitcher to remove solid particles and mint leaves. Add ginger ale and stir to combine. Add ice and lemon slices and serve cold.
To serve as pictured: Add a bit of water, lemon juice or light corn syrup to a shallow plate. To another shallow plate, add coarse white sugar. Dip the open end of glasses onto the liquid plate, then onto the sugar plate to create the sugar rim. Serve drink over ice cubes, garnish with a lemon slice and sprig of mint.

Island Breeze Cocktail. If your summer plans don’t involve heading to a tropical island, this cocktail form Crazy for Crust is the next best thing. With just a few ingredients you can make it either as a single drink or as a punch if you need a big batch for a picnic. Minus the palm trees, it’s just like you’re really there!

Ingredients

To make one cocktail:

1-2 ounces vodka

6 ounces pineapple juice

Splash of cranberry juice

Pineapple and a maraschino cherry for garnish optional

To make as a punch:

36 ounces pineapple juice

12 ounces vodka more or less depending on how strong you want it

1/2 cup cranberry juice

Up to 1L Sparkling water or diet lemon-lime soda as a filler

Instructions

Pour all ingredients over ice, stir, and enjoy!

Strawberry Mojito. With fresh Strawberries at peak flavor this time of year, you’ll get the feeling that you’re right there in the patch picking handfuls of juicy berries. Add a little rum, mint, and a few other ingredients and you’ll have the coolest, most refreshing beverage you could ever imagine. Thank you to the folks at Allrecipes for this one!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons white sugar, for rimming

2 large limes, quartered

½ bunch mint leaves

7 eaches strawberries, quartered

1 cup white sugar

1 cup white rum

2 cups club soda

8 cups ice cubes

Instructions

Pour 1/4 to 1/2 inch of sugar onto a small, shallow plate. Run one of the lime quarters around the rim of each cocktail glass, then dip the glasses into the sugar to rim; set aside.
Squeeze all of the lime quarters into a sturdy glass pitcher. Toss the juiced limes into the pitcher along with the mint, strawberries, and 1 cup of sugar. Crush the fruits together with a muddler to release the juices from the strawberries and the oil from the mint leaves. Stir in the rum and club soda until the sugar has dissolved. Pour into the sugared glasses over ice cubes to serve.

They say we’re in for a hot summer, but we know you’ll keep cool with these tasty concoctions. We sure will! If you have other cocktail recipes we need to know about, feel free to tell us about them here or share them with our community over on Facebook.

Cheers!

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