Martha Shares Her Favorite Drinks and Bites for a Summer Cocktail Hour

One of my greatest pleasures in life is entertaining family and friends at home. In addition to cooking and sharing a wonderful meal, I love to whip up a batch of specialty cocktails to greet guests. I remember a time when it seemed like everyone sipped the same old drinks: Bloody Marys for Sunday brunch, Whiskey Sours with orange juice and a squeeze of lemon, and margaritas made from a prepared mix and a frozen container of lemonade. Thankfully, those days are long gone, and we're more adventurous for it.

My favorite way to celebrate the start of summer is with cool drinks, delicious snacks, and good friends—preferably poolside. I created two cocktails that highlight the ripest, tastiest fruits available now. My aim was fun, fruity drinks and these twists on Classic Sangria and margaritas put sweet watermelon, juicy nectarines, and fragrant strawberries to great use.

To complement the drinks, there's a spread of palate-pleasing hors d'oeuvres: homemade potato chips, a creamy dill dip with crudités, and herb-roasted pecans. I hope you will try these recipes at home, and get to share them with friends on a warm, sunny afternoon very soon.

Martha's Go-To Summer Cocktails

Martha celebrates summer with these two fresh, fruity cocktails.

Yellow-Watermelon Margaritas

Not your typical margarita, this one swaps the usual orange liqueur for St. Germain, an elderflower liqueur that's a favorite ingredient of Martha's. There is white tequila and lime juice in this refreshing drink, but the dominant flavor (and color) comes from puréed yellow watermelon.

Rosé Sangria With Nectarines and Strawberries

This summery and not-so-traditional sangria is made with vodka, rosé wine, strawberries, and nectarines. A sprig of mint is the perfect garnish.

Non-Alcoholic Options

Both of these drinks can be made without the alcohol:

• Simply make the margarita without the tequila and St. Germain.
• When making the sangria, omit the vodka and substitute seltzer for the rosé.
  

Martha's Favorite Summer Snack Pairings

Martha offers a selection of colorful snacks to nibble on. These hors d'oeuvres also bring a variety of textures and flavors to the party.

Herb-Roasted Pecans

Here's an easy, healthy snack that's sweet and salty—and just right for a summer gathering. Bonus points: These Herb-Roasted Pecans are vegan, gluten-free, and protein packed.

Red, White, and Blue Potato Chips

Enjoy these homemade chips with a dip or on their own—they're irresistible. They're perfectly appropriate for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, but feel free to make and nibble on them all season long, holiday or not.

Feta-and-Buttermilk Dip

Pair this rich and tangy dip with crisp, colorful crudité like cucumber spears and cherry tomatoes—or with Martha's homemade potato chips!

Makeup by Daisy Toye; hair by James Palese at Warren Tricomi; dress by Nili Lotan; earrings by Marika.