32 Trendy Birthday Cocktails That Will Wow Your Guests!

We may be biased, but these birthday cocktails are the best way to celebrate someone’s special day!

Chocolate Cake Martini

Is it a beverage or a dessert? Don’t let its looks fool you—this potent yet delicious drink is perfect for birthday celebrations!

Prep/Total Time: 5 mins
Makes 1 serving

Ingredients

Grated chocolate
1 maraschino cherry
Chocolate syrup, optional
Ice cubes
2-1/2 ounces half-and-half cream
1-1/2 ounces vodka
1-1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur
1-1/2 ounces creme de cacao

Directions

Sprinkle grated chocolate onto a plate. Moisten the rim of a martini glass with water; hold glass upside down and dip rim into chocolate. Place cherry in glass. If desired, garnish glass with chocolate syrup.
Fill a tumbler or mixing glass three-fourths full of ice. Add the cream, vodka, chocolate liqueur and creme de cacao; stir until condensation forms on outside of tumbler or mixing glass. Strain into prepared martini glass; serve immediately.

Margarita Float Cocktails

If you’re not so into birthday cake, this creamy ice cream cocktail is the perfect substitution. It will really take your birthday party to the next level.

Prep/Total Time: 5 mins
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

Lime wedges
Sugar
2 cups vanilla ice cream
2 cups lime sherbet
6 cups lemon-lime soda, chilled
3/4 cup lime juice
9 ounces silver tequila

Directions

Using lime wedges, moisten the rims of 6 margarita or cocktail glasses. Set aside lime wedges for garnish. Sprinkle sugar on a plate; hold each glass upside down and dip rim into sugar. Set aside. Discard remaining sugar on plate.
Scoop ice cream and sherbet into prepared glasses. Combine soda, lime juice and tequila; pour into glasses. Garnish with reserved lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Passion Fruit Hurricanes

This is our famous Hurricane beverage that’s so popular in New Orleans. Whip up a batch for your birthday party!

Prep/Total Time: 10 mins
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

2 cups passion fruit juice
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup lime juice
3/4 cup light rum
3/4 cup dark rum
3 tablespoons grenadine syrup
6 to 8 cups ice cubes
Orange slices, starfruit slices and maraschino cherries

Directions

In a pitcher, combine the fruit juice, sugar, lime juice, rum and grenadine; stir until sugar is dissolved.
Pour into hurricane or highball glasses filled with ice. Serve with orange slices, starfruit slices and cherries.

Cotton Candy Champagne Cocktails

You’ll love celebrating with these whimsical champagne cocktails. The cotton candy melts away, leaving behind its pretty pink color.

Prep/Total Time: 5 mins
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

6 tablespoons raspberry-flavored vodka
1 bottle (750 ml) champagne, chilled
1-1/2 cups pink cotton candy

Directions

Add 1 tablespoon vodka to each of 6 champagne flutes. Top with champagne; create a cotton candy garnish for each glass. To serve, stir in cotton candy.

Ginger Mint Julep Cocktail

Mint juleps aren’t just for Kentucky Derby day! Enjoy one while gathering with friends for a birthday party or luncheon.

Prep: 15 min. + chilling Cook: 5 min. + cooling
Makes 10 servings

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
2 cups loosely packed chopped fresh spearmint

each serving:

1/2 to 3/4 cup crushed ice
1 ounce bourbon
2 teaspoons lime juice
1-1/2 ounces ginger beer

Directions

For mint syrup, place sugar, water and chopped mint in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool completely.
Strain syrup through a fine mesh strainer; discard mint. Refrigerate, covered, until cold, at least 2 hours.
For each serving, place ice in a mint julep cup or rocks glass. Add bourbon, lime juice and 1/4 cup mint syrup; stir until mixture is cold. Top with beer.

Salty Dog Sangria

Mix up grapefruit vodka, ginger ale, grapefruit juice, a little wine and simple syrup and what do you get? A perfectly refreshing and beautiful sipper fit for a birthday party or special gathering.

Prep: 30 min. + chilling
Makes 16 servings (3 quarts)

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 bottles (750 ml each) rose wine
2 cups ruby red grapefruit juice
1 can (12 ounces) ginger ale
1 cup ruby red grapefruit-flavored vodka
Grapefruit slices
Coarse sea salt and grated grapefruit zest
Ice cubes

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Cool completely. Transfer to a large pitcher. Stir in the wine, juice, ginger ale, vodka and grapefruit slices. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Using water, moisten the rims of 16 wine glasses. Mix salt and grapefruit zest on a plate; hold each glass upside down and dip rim into salt mixture. Set aside. Discard remaining salt mixture on plate. Serve sangria in prepared glasses over ice.

Blueberry Mojitos

Blueberry and lime are two of my favorite flavors, so I added blueberries to my favorite mixed drink! Perfect for birthday celebrations, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.

To make simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water and cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a week.

PREP TIME: 5 mins
YIELD: 1 serving

Ingredients

8 fresh blueberries
8 fresh mint leaves
1 cup ice cubes
2 ounces white rum
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon simple syrup
4 ounces club soda, chilled
Optional: Lime slice, mint sprig and additional fresh blueberries

Directions

Add blueberries and mint leaves to a tall glass; muddle with the back of a wooden spoon. Fill the glass with ice cubes; add rum, lime juice and simple syrup. Top glass with club soda; mix well. If desired, garnish with lime slice, mint and blueberries.

Orange Razzletini Cocktail

We combined orange juice and raspberry rum to create this fruity martini. The sunny, bright color is perfect for a birthday party.

PREP TIME: 5 mins
YIELD: 2 servings

Ingredients

Ice cubes
1/2 cup orange juice
2 ounces raspberry-flavored rum
1/2 ounce triple sec
Orange peel strips and fresh raspberries, optional

Directions

Fill a mixing glass or tumbler three-fourths full with ice. Add the orange juice, rum and Triple Sec; stir until condensation forms on outside of glass.
Strain into 2 chilled cocktail glasses. Garnish with orange zest strips and raspberries if desired. Serve immediately.

Rosemary Strawberry Daiquiri

This strawberry daiquiri recipe is a standout with its herbal twist! I used to teach herb classes at our local technical college and everyone enjoyed my segment on herbal cocktails like this one.

Prep: 20 min. + cooling
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
4 fresh rosemary sprigs

each serving:

1 cup frozen unsweetened sliced strawberries
1-1/2 ounces white rum
1 ounce lime juice
Whole fresh strawberries and additional rosemary sprigs

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat; add rosemary. Steep, covered, 10-15 minutes according to taste. Discard rosemary. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 month.
For each serving, in a blender, combine frozen strawberries, rum, lime juice and 2 tablespoons rosemary syrup; cover and process until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass; garnish with a whole strawberry and an additional rosemary sprig.

Rubies on Ice Cocktails

Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. Perfect for birthday celebrations, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and fun nonalcoholic option!

Prep: 15 min. + freezing
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

6 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup vodka
4 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
3 tablespoons sweetened ginger syrup
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
Club soda, chilled
Lime slices, optional
1 to 4 teaspoons pomegranate seeds, optional

Directions

Scatter pomegranate seeds over an ice cube tray, about 1 teaspoon per cube; fill with water and freeze.
Combine vodka, molasses, ginger syrup, lime juice and the cinnamon stick. Let steep 15 minutes. Strain; discard cinnamon stick. Place 4 pomegranate ice cubes in each of 4 tall glasses. Pour molasses mixture evenly into glasses; top off with chilled club soda. Stir well. Garnish with lime slices and additional pomegranate seeds if desired.

Sparkling Peach Bellinis

Folks will savor the subtle peach flavor in this elegant beverage. Perfect for toasting at birthday celebrations, this drink adds a touch of sophistication to any gathering.

Prep: 35 min. + cooling
Makes 12 servings

Ingredients

3 medium peaches, halved
1 tablespoon honey
1 can (11.3 ounces) peach nectar, chilled
2 bottles (750 ml each) champagne or sparkling grape juice, chilled

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with a large piece of heavy-duty foil (about 18×12 in.). Place peach halves, cut sides up, on foil; drizzle with honey. Fold foil over peaches and seal.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender. Cool completely; remove and discard peels. In a food processor, process peaches until smooth.
Transfer peach puree to a pitcher. Add the nectar and 1 bottle of champagne; stir until combined. Pour into 12 champagne flutes or wine glasses; top with remaining champagne. Serve immediately.

Classic Margarita

A classic margarita recipe doesn’t need anything other than tequila, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. When you’re making the cocktail, make sure you squeeze the limes correctly for the ultimate freshness. Perfect for any celebration, including birthdays, it’s a timeless drink that’s sure to impress.

PREP TIME: 10 mins
YIELD: 1 serving

Ingredients

1 lime wedge
Coarse sea salt, optional
Ice cubes
1-1/2 ounces blanco tequila
1 ounce triple sec
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions

Moisten rim of 1 cocktail glass with lime wedge. If desired, sprinkle salt on a plate; dip rim in salt. Fill glass with ice.In an empty cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Fill with ice; cover and shake until frost forms on the outside of the shaker, 15-20 seconds. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with lime wedge.

Blackberry Beer Cocktail

This refreshing hard lemonade has a mild alcohol flavor; the beer adds just enough fizz to dance on your tongue as you sip. Perfect for birthday celebrations, it’s a delightful drink meant for adults only!

PREP TIME: 10 mins
YIELD: 10 servings

Ingredients

4 bottles (12 ounces each) beer, chilled
1 can (12 ounces) frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate, thawed
3/4 cup fresh or frozen blackberries, thawed
1/2 cup vodka
Ice cubes
Lemon slices

Directions

In a large pitcher, combine the beer, lemonade concentrate, blackberries and vodka. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices.

Apple Amaretto Sours

An amaretto sour has always been one of my favorite cocktails. This version has a special touch that makes it perfect for enjoying throughout the fall. Ideal for birthday celebrations, it combines the classic flavors with seasonal spices to create a warm and inviting drink

PREP TIME: 5 mins
YIELD: 6 servings

Ingredients

Ice cubes
3/4 cup amaretto
4 cups apple cider, chilled
1/4 cup lemon juice
6 lemon slices
6 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)

Directions

Fill 6 highball glasses with ice. Pour 2 tablespoons amaretto into each. Stir together apple cider and lemon juice until mixed well. Divide evenly among glasses. Serve each with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick.

Paloma

Soon after I learned about this cocktail, I brought the ingredients to a family birthday party at my parents’. The next time we got together, my dad had the fixings set out and ready to go.

PREP TIME: 5 mins
YIELD: 1 serving

Ingredients

Ice cubes
Dash salt
1-1/2 ounces tequila
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/2 cup grapefruit soda or sparkling peach citrus soda
Lime wedge

Directions

In a highball glass filled with ice, combine salt, tequila and lime juice. Top with soda. Garnish with lime.

Chocolate Martini

The variations on martinis seem endless. But this sweet chocolate martini recipe is both creative and sophisticated in taste and presentation. It’s a great way to end a birthday party.

PREP TIME: 5 mins
YIELD: 1 serving

Ingredients

Ice cubes
2 ounces vodka
2 ounces creme de cacao or chocolate liqueur

garnish:

Optional: Chocolate shavings, white chocolate curl or chocolate truffle

Directions

Fill a mixing glass or tumbler three-fourths full with ice. Add vodka and creme de cacao; stir until condensation forms on outside of glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish as desired.

Pina Colada

Velvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this tropical drink delivers. The easy-to-make pina colada recipe can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. Perfect for birthday celebrations, this delightful drink will transport your guests to a tropical paradise.

Prep: 20 min. + chilling
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

2-1/4 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
1 can (15 ounces) cream of coconut
1-1/2 cups light rum
6 cups crushed ice
Pineapple wedges

Directions

In a 2-qt. pitcher, combine pineapple juice, cream of coconut and rum. Refrigerate, covered, until chilled. For each serving, add a generous cup of rum mixture and 1 cup ice to a blender. Process, covered, until smooth. Pour into a chilled hurricane or highball glass. Cut a 1-in. slit into tip of a pineapple wedge; slide wedge over rim of glass.

Mojito

Traditional mojitos are made with rum, which is both pleasant and mildly sweet. If you want a new spin on the classic mojito recipe, try using tequila for tart yet refreshing flavor. It’s a great way to add some zest to your birthday gathering.

PREP TIME: 5 mins
YIELD: 1 serving

Ingredients

1 to 2 lime wedges
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 to 1 cup ice cubes
2 mint sprigs
2 ounces light rum
1/2 cup club soda, chilled

garnish:

Mint sprig and lime slice

Directions

Squeeze lime wedge into a highball glass; drop lime into the glass. Add sugar; muddle. Add ice. Gently press mint or slap mint; add to glass. Pour rum and club soda into glass; stir. Garnish with lime slice.

Pomegranate Cosmo

Every party needs a signature drink. Sugar dresses up this simple cosmo that lets you enjoy an evening with friends and still shake things up.

PREP TIME: 10 mins
YIELD: 1 serving

Ingredients

1 tablespoon coarse red sugar
3/4 to 1 cup ice cubes
1-1/2 ounces lemon-lime soda
1-1/2 ounces pomegranate liqueur or cranberry-pomegranate juice
1 ounce X-Rated Fusion liqueur
1/2 ounce triple sec
1 ounce cranberry-pomegranate juice
Lemon zest strip, optional

Directions

Sprinkle red sugar on a plate. Moisten rim of a cocktail glass with water; dip rim in sugar to coat.
Fill a shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add soda, liqueurs and juice; cover and shake until condensation forms on outside of shaker, 10-15 seconds. Strain into prepared glass. If desired, garnish with lemon zest.

Swedish Rose Spritz Cocktail

A spritz is a still or sparkling wine-based cocktail served with a small amount of liqueur and a splash of seltzer or soda. It’s the perfect drink to celebrate a birthday and toast to another fantastic year ahead.

PREP TIME: 5 mins
YIELD: 1 serving

Ingredients

Ice cubes
3 ounces dry rosé wine
1 ounce elderflower liqueur
Lemon seltzer water

Directions

Fill a wine glass or tumbler three-fourths full of ice. Add wine and elderflower liqueur. Top with a splash of lemon seltzer; stir gently.

Brandy Slush Cocktail

This citrusy slush is a Midwestern party go-to. Instead of regular brandy, swap in other spirits, like blackberry brandy or berry vodka.

PREP TIME: 15 mins
YIELD: 21 servings (about 4 quarts slush mix).

Ingredients

4 green or black tea bags
9 cups water, divided
2 cups brandy
1 can (12 ounces) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 can (12 ounces) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

each serving:

1/4 cup lemon-lime soda, chilled

garnish:

Lime wedge, optional

Directions

Place tea bags in a small bowl. Bring 2 cups water to a boil; pour over tea bags. Cover and steep for 5 minutes. Discard tea bags. Transfer tea to a large pitcher; stir in the brandy, lemonade concentrate, juice concentrate and remaining water. Pour into a 4-qt. freezer container. Freeze overnight or until set.
For each serving, scoop 3/4 cup slush into a rocks glass. Pour lemon-lime soda into the glass; if desired, serve with lime wedge.

Cranberry Cocktail

Perfect for birthday parties. I adore the combination of flavors in this recipe. The secret is to thaw the lemonade so it’s still slightly icy—this way the cocktail will be cool and refreshing. For a nonalcoholic option, use peach juice and lemon-lime soda instead of schnapps and vodka.

PREP TIME: 10 mins
YIELD: 4 servings

Ingredients

Ice cubes
4 ounces vodka
4 ounces peach schnapps liqueur
4 ounces thawed lemonade concentrate
4 ounces cranberry-raspberry juice
16 maraschino cherries

Directions

Fill a shaker three-fourths full with ice cubes.
Add vodka, schnapps, lemonade concentrate and juice to shaker; cover and shake until condensation forms on outside of shaker, 10-15 seconds. Strain into 4 cocktail glasses. Place a skewer with 4 cherries in each glass.

Orange-Apricot Mimosa Punch

We make this punch for about every birthday party, and everyone loves it! I usually triple this recipe for parties and garnish the punch with an orange-tangerine ice ring made several days ahead of time.

PREP TIME: 10 mins
YIELD: 20 servings (3/4 cup each)

Ingredients

1 cup orange liqueur
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups orange-tangerine juice, chilled
2 cups apricot nectar, chilled
1 can (6 ounces) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 bottle (1 liter) club soda, chilled
1 bottle (750 milliliters) champagne or other sparkling wine, chilled
Thinly sliced oranges

Directions

In a punch bowl, combine liqueur and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Stir in orange-tangerine juice, apricot nectar and orange juice concentrate. Just before serving, stir in soda and champagne. Top with orange slices.

Apple Martini

Sour appletini ingredients steal the show in this icy-cold green apple martini recipe. It’s very refreshing with a nice hint of sour, making it perfect for birthday celebrations!

PREP TIME: 5 mins
YIELD: 1 serving

Ingredients

Ice cubes
2 ounces vodka
1-1/2 ounces sour apple liqueur
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

garnish:

Green apple slice, optional

Directions

Fill a shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add the vodka, apple liqueur and lemon juice. Cover and shake for 10-15 seconds or until condensation forms on outside of shaker. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. If desired, garnish with apple slice.

Cranberry Sparkler Cocktails

The flavors of this refreshing cran-raspberry cocktail are great any time of year. In winter, the cranberry makes it a good fit for holiday parties; on a warm summer’s night, the raspberry comes to the fore. It’s a favorite for a birthday party!

PREP TIME: 5 mins
YIELD: 3 servings

Ingredients

3/4 cup raspberry rum
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup lime juice
Ice cubes
3/4 cup ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, chilled
Optional: Fresh raspberries and cranberries

Directions

Combine rum and juices. Fill three rocks or old-fashioned glasses with ice. Divide rum mixture evenly among glasses; top each with 2 ounces ginger ale. If desired, serve with fresh raspberries and cranberries.

Orange Dream Mimosas

Your inner child will love this fun riff on the classic mimosa. Celebrate with sparkling cider, ginger ale, or sparkling grape juice for a nonalcoholic version.

Prep: 15 min. + freezing
Makes 16 servings (4 cups frozen mix)

Ingredients

4 teaspoons grated orange zest
2-1/2 cups orange juice
1 cup half-and-half cream
3/4 cup superfine sugar
2 bottles (750 milliliters each) champagne or other sparkling wine
Optional: fresh strawberries or orange slices

Directions

Place the first 4 ingredients in a blender; cover and process until sugar is dissolved. Transfer to an 8-in. square dish; freeze, covered, 6 hours or overnight.
To serve, place 1/4 cup orange mixture in each champagne glass. Top with champagne. Garnish with strawberries or oranges; serve immediately.

Guava Coconut Rum Cocktail

This sensational beverage is like a taste of the tropics in a glass. The guava adds a touch of sweetness to this coconut drink, making it a delightful choice for birthday celebrations.

PREP TIME: 5 mins
YIELD: 1 serving

Ingredients

Ice cubes
2 ounces coconut rum
2 ounces guava nectar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 to 4 dashes bitters
1 teaspoon simple syrup
2 ounces coconut water

garnish:

Fresh pineapple wedge

Directions

Fill a mixing glass or tumbler three-fourths full with ice. Add rum, guava nectar, lemon juice, bitters and simple syrup; stir until condensation forms on outside of glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add ice and top with coconut water. Garnish as desired.

Lemonade Cocktail

Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. It’s a refreshing option to celebrate birthdays with a hint of the tropics.

Prep: 15 min. + chilling
Makes 8 servings (about 2 quarts)

Ingredients

2-1/4 cups sugar
5 cups water, divided
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1-3/4 cups lemon juice
1 cup light rum or vodka
6 to 8 cups ice cubes

garnish:

Lemon slices

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, 1 cup water and lemon zest. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in lemon juice and remaining water. Pour into a 2-qt. pitcher; refrigerate until chilled.
Stir in rum. For each serving, place 3/4 to 1 cup ice in a Collins or highball glass. Pour lemonade mixture into glass. Garnish with lemon slices as desired.

Cranberry-Lime Sangria

Tart, light and fruity, this party-worthy sangria is a hit any time of the year.

Prep/Total Time: 20 min.
Makes 13 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
1 bottle (750 ml) white wine, chilled
3/4 cup frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
1 each medium orange, lime and apple, peeled and diced
1 bottle (1 liter) citrus soda, chilled
Ice cubes

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine water and cranberries. Cook over medium heat until berries pop, about 5 minutes. Drain and discard liquid; set cranberries aside.
In a pitcher, combine the wine and limeade concentrate. Stir in the diced fruit and reserved cranberries; add the soda. Serve over ice.

Cranberry Orange Mimosas

Mimosas are just so elegant for a birthday celebration. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice.

Prep/Total Time: 10 min.
Makes 12 servings

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
3 cups orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 bottles (750 ml each) champagne, chilled
Fresh mint leaves, optional

Directions

Place cranberries and 1 cup orange juice in a blender; cover and process until pureed, stopping to scrape down side of jar with a rubber spatula as needed. Add lemon juice and remaining orange juice; cover and process until blended.
Pour 1/3 cup cranberry mixture into each champagne flute or wine glass. Top with 3/4 cup champagne; serve with mint if desired.

Frozen Brandy Old-Fashioneds

Both sides of my family are midwestern, so our strong brandy tradition is evident in the slush we make and in the Wisconsin old-fashioned cocktails we enjoy year-round. I decided to combine those recipes into something completely new. This goes very quickly at gatherings!

Prep: 15 min. + freezing
Makes 12 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts slush mix)

Ingredients

6 cups water
1 cup sugar
2 cups brandy
1 can (12 ounces) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
1/4 cup bitters

each serving:

1/4 cup lemon-lime soda, chilled
Optional: Maraschino cherries and orange wedges

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved; cool completely. Stir in brandy, orange juice concentrate, cherry juice and bitters. Pour into a 3-qt. freezer container. Freeze overnight or until set.
For each serving, scoop 3/4 cup slush into a rocks glass. Pour lemon-lime soda into the glass; serve with fruit as desired.

Luscious Lime Slush

Adults love this sweet-tart refresher anytime of year. For a kids’ version, simply leave out the alcohol. It’s a delightful and versatile drink for birthday parties.

Prep: 20 min. + freezing
Makes 28 servings

Ingredients

9 cups water
4 green tea bags
2 cans (12 ounces each) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
2 cups sugar
2 cups lemon rum or rum
7 cups lemon-lime soda, chilled
Lime slices, optional

Directions

In a Dutch oven, bring water to a boil. Remove from the heat; add tea bags. Cover and steep for 3-5 minutes. Discard tea bags. Stir in the limeade concentrate, sugar and rum.
Transfer to a 4-qt. freezer container; cool. Cover and freeze for 6 hours or overnight.
To use frozen limeade mixture: Combine the limeade mixture and soda in a 4-qt. pitcher. Or for 1 serving, combine 1/2 cup limeade mixture and 1/4 cup soda in a glass. If desired, garnish with lime slices. Serve immediately.