This past weekend, during my hiatus from the stress that is WashU, my mom told me to watch my drinking, so now I drink in front of a mirror or a reflective body of water. Herein lie the trade secrets of Hayes household concoctions – the tricks to upholding high spirits. Pun intended. Making your own mixtures is a whisky business, but what doesn’t kill you makes your drinks stronger. Is that too much? Stop wining.

The Blue Ivy

Photo by Jess Hayes

Named just for you, Bey.

Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients:
2.5-oz. Malibu Rum
2.5-oz. Blue Curaçao liqueur
2-oz. pineapple juice
1-oz. Sprite
1 lemon

Directions:
1. Combine the rum, blue curaçao, juice and Sprite.
2. Shake and strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with the lemon.

For other ways to experiment with Blue Curaçao (literally), click here.

 

Optimus Lime

Photo by Jess Hayes

When it comes to drinks, this citrus drink takes the limelight!

Total time: 10 minutes
Serving size: 2 cocktails

Ingredients:
4-oz. Bacardi light rum
2-oz. apricot brandy
3-oz. lime juice
2-oz. simple syrup

Directions:
1. Shake all ingredients and strain into a chilled glass.
2. Garnish with lime.

For more citrusy sips, click here.

 

Sarasota Sunset

Photo by Jess Hayes

Because I’m from Sarasota. Beware, never drink beyond the pint of no return.

Total time: 5 minutes
Serving size: 4 cocktails

Ingredients:
1 cup Prosecco
1 cup orange juice
1 cup cranberry juice
1 lemon

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients and zest with lemon. Doesn’t get much easier than that.

For more breezy blends with tropical juices, click here.

 

Goo Goo for Guava

Photo by Jess Hayes

A variation of the traditional margarita. Life and alcohol are very similar – chill for best results.

Total time: 20 minutes
Serving size: 4 cocktails

Ingredients:
1/2 cup lime juice
1 cup silver tequila
3 tablespoons Triple sec
3 tablespoons simple syrup
1 cup guava juice
1 lime

Directions:
1. In a blender, combine the ice, lime juice, tequila, Triple sec, simple syrup and guava juice.
2. Blend until all is combined and until ice cubes are crushed.
3. Pour into chilled glasses, garnished with a slice of lime.

For a rival recipe, click here.

 

Summertime Happiness 

Photo by Jess Hayes

Inspired by Lana Del Rey.

Total time: 5 minutes
Serving size: 1 cocktail

Ingredients:
1-oz. sweet vermouth
1-oz. Campari
1 splash club soda

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients and pour into chilled glass.
2. Add a flower if you’re feeling artsy.

For a slightly stronger and less sweet kick, click here.