Let's blame it on Daylight Savings or the fact that my son has officially hit the terrible twos, but every night, come 5 o'clock, I am so ready for my cocktail. Happy hour is a big tradition in our household. The hubby and I like to sit on our patio and enjoy wine or a cocktail and talk about our days. It's our way of unwinding and connecting. Normally I am a wine or lemon martini kind of girl, but these new cocktails have me singing a different tune. I have tried them all and they are beyond delicious. They have all made it into my regular rotation of cocktails! Try them out I promise you won't be disappointed!  They are perfect for summer entertaining!

ELDERFLOWER MINT PROSECCO COCKTAIL

This cocktail is so light and refreshing, as perfect for a Tuesday on the back porch as it is at a shower or dinner party.

Ingredients

Prosecco, chilled

Mint leaves

Finely sliced cucumbers

St-Germain (elderflower liquor)

Fill a tumbler glass about half ful with super chilled prosecco. Throw in a few mint leaves and cucumber slices. Top with about 3/4 oz. of St-Germain.

LYCHEE MARTINI

Many recipes I came across for this martini called for simple syrup, but trust me you don't need it. The juice from the lychees is plenty sweet. And if you aren't familar with lychees, they are an Asian fruit and can be found in the canned fruit or Asian foods section of your grocery store. If you like your drink sweeter, you can always add more lychee juice in.

Ingredients 

2 oz. (2 shots) vodka

1 oz. lychee juice

Mix all together in Martini shaker. Add lychees in glass and pour mixture over!

BLACKBERRY MARGARITA

This is such a great spin on the Skinny 'Rita. Perfect for summer entertaining, and since Cinco de Mayo is this weekend, what better drink to serve?

Ingredients 

2 Tbs. agave nectar

1/4 cup tequilla

1 lime, juiced

Muddle the blackberries with agave nectar in a cocktail shaker until berries are lightly crushed. Add in tequila and lime juice. Shake. Pour into glass—salted rim optional.