4 Perfect Florida Style Cocktails for Your Next Island Get Together

No matter where you are along the coast, having a few drinks with friends or family while enjoying the sunset and salt air is truly the essence of living the Florida lifestyle. Some people enjoy the sweet pucker of a margarita and others can’t wait for that smooth coconut flavor from a brisk pina colada.

Let’s take a look at how we can add a special twist to some of these famous drinks and impress your guests with new flavor combinations. Get your phone charged because you’re about to be overwhelmed with texts begging you to share the recipes!

The Prickly Pear Margarita

Not only does the prickly pear have a unique taste, but it’s also high in fiber, antioxidants, and carotenoids. It’s almost like you’re making a super-drink with a super-food!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 oz Cointreau
• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz prickly pear syrup
• 0.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice

Step 1: Add all of your ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake gently for just about 5 seconds.

Step 2: Fine strain directly over ice into a glass with a rim salted with black Himalayan sea salt. Garnish with a lime wheel or two and enjoy.

Beach House Cosmos

This comes from one of my favorite places to grab exciting drink recipes from time to time, Recipe Girl.

These are perfect for a steamy beach day and will cool you right off with a tasty combination of cranberry and lime.

This recipe makes 10 so grab some friends or be extra thirsty!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups prepared limeade
• 2 cups vodka
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup triple sec
• 12 slices fresh lime

Step 1: Mix all ingredients in a pitcher. Place in the refrigerator and let chill for 2 to 3 hours.

Step 2: Serve in martini glasses and garnish with a lime slice.

The Summer Watermelon Refresh

Nothing says summer than the fresh taste of ripe watermelon mixed with a hint of citrus.

Coastal inspired drinks don't always have to adhere to certain rules. As long as you have some local citrus to add, that Florida taste will come right out!

This is the perfect cocktail to enjoy on your dock while watching the boats pass by in the canals.

Here’s what you’ll need for this crowd-pleaser:

• 5 oz.CÎROC Summer Watermelon
• 1 oz.Lemon juice
• 2 oz.Watermelon juice
• 2 oz.Club sodaWatermelon slices

Step 1: Muddle the watermelon slices, and add in CÎROC Summer Watermelon, watermelon juice, and lemon juice.

Step 2: Shake and strain into a highball glass.

Step 3: Top off with club soda.

The Florida Aperol Spritz

The orange is unmistakable and adds a burst of color when enjoying this aperitif. This is one of the best ways to start your get together while guests try some light bites you’ve prepared.

The aperitif ritual born in Veneto sees the Aperol Spritz served with some traditional snacks called ‘’cicchetti’’, small dishes that usually include tiny sandwiches, plates of olives and tiny portions of local dishes.

Here’s how to prepare one of my favorites:

Step 1: Start by filling your favorite wine glass with ice.

Step 2: Pour prosecco over ice followed by Aperol in equal parts.

Step 3: Add a splash of soda and top with a slice of Florida orange.

We still have some warm weather ahead of us these next couple months so get your friends together, grab your favorite chair on the deck, and enjoy your coastal-inspired drinks, Florida Style!