Summer Cocktails Based on Your Zodiac Sign

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Aries: Bloody Maria

Fiery: That’s the word that best describes you, Aries. So you need an equally spicy drink to fuel you up in the morning, like the Bloody Maria. This twist on everyone’s favourite Bloody Mary, is made with tequila instead of vodka and a dash of jalapeno for heat.

Prep/Total Time: 10 min.

Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups tomato juice, chilled
• 8 ounces (1 cup) tequila
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 4 to 8 tsp juice from pickled jalapeño slices
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 to 4 tsp hot pepper sauce
• 1/4 tsp celery salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish, optional
• Pickled jalapeño slices
• Pepper jack cheese, cubed
• Lime wedges

Directions

• Mix first eight ingredients in a 2-qt. pitcher; stir in horseradish if desired. Pour over ice; serve with jalapeños, cheese cubes and lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 122 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fibre), 2g protein.

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Taurus: Fresh Lime Margarita

Why fix something that isn’t broken? The same logic applies to your drinks, traditionalist Taurus. While there are plenty of ways to mix up a margarita, you’ll stick with the classic, complete with fresh-squeezed lime and a salt rim, of course.

Prep/Total Time: 15 min.

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup tequila
• 1/4 cup Triple Sec
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp superfine sugar
• 4 lime wedges
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1-1/3 cups crushed ice

Directions

• In a pitcher, combine first five ingredients; stir until sugar is dissolved. Moisten rims of four margarita or cocktail glasses with lime wedges. Sprinkle salt on a plate; dip rims in salt. Serve in prepared glasses over crushed ice.

Test Kitchen Tips

For Frozen Lime Margaritas: Reduce lime and lemon juices to 2 tbsp each. Increase superfine sugar to 1/4 cup and crushed ice to 4 cups. Add 3/4 cup limeade concentrate. Prepare glasses as directed. In a blender, combine tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, lemon juice, superfine sugar, limeade concentrate and crushed ice; cover and process until smooth. Yield: 5 cups.

For Frozen Strawberry Margaritas: Follow directions for Frozen Lime Margaritas, except add 2 cups frozen unsweetened strawberries and reduce crushed ice to 2 cups. Yield: 4 cups.

Nutrition Facts

1/3 cup (calculated without salt): 149 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fibre), 0 protein.

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Gemini: Moscow Mule

From lounging poolside all afternoon to hitting up your neighbour’s backyard BBQ in the evening, you need a drink as versatile and go-with-the-flow as you are, Gem. Enter: the Moscow Mule.

Prep/Total Time: 5 min.

Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups ginger beer, chilled
• 2/3 cup lime juice
• 1-1/4 cups vodka
• Ice cubes
• Lime slices, optional

Directions

• Combine the ginger beer, lime juice and vodka in a pitcher. Serve over ice. If desired, serve with lime slices.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 169 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fibre), 0 protein.

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Cancer: Pina Colada

A sweet drink for an even sweeter person. While you’re busy taking care of other people, compassionate Cancer, let this frosty pina colada take care of you (by providing some much-needed refreshment, of course).

Prep/Total Time: 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.

Test Kitchen Tips

• This tropical cocktail does use a good amount of rum. Feel free to cut back on the amount and replace it with water or additional pineapple juice if you’d like to make them a little less strong.
• For a richer, robust flavour, try using dark rum or even spiced rum.
• Over the years, pina coladas have gotten more and more sweet. This version doesn’t include additional sugar but if you’d like it a tad bit sweeter, go ahead and add a tablespoon or two.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 457 calories, 13g fat (10g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (52g sugars, 0 fibre), 0 protein.

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Leo: Grilled Peach and Pineapple Sangria

You’re a bit of a showoff, Leo (in the best way possible!). So don’t settle for the same-old, same-old. Get creative with a playful pitcher of this sangria—your friends will be so impressed by the combo of grilled fruit and booze.

Prep/Total Time: 15 min. + chilling

Makes: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 mL) sauvignon blanc or other white wine
• 2 cups lemonade
• 1/2 cup orange liqueur
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 medium peeled peaches, pitted and halved
• 1/4 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into 4 slices

Directions

• Make sangria by combining wine, lemonade and liqueur. Refrigerate. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine melted butter, sugar and cinnamon. Mix well.
• Brush butter mixture over cut side of peaches and all over pineapple slices. Grill fruit, covered, on a greased rack over medium direct heat 4-5 minutes. Turn peaches and pineapple. Grill 4-5 minutes more. Remove from grill. (Find out if you’re making this huge mistake with peaches.)
• Cut each peach half into 5 or 6 slices and each pineapple slice into 5 or 6 pieces. Add three-fourths of fruit to sangria, reserving remainder. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
• Before serving, thread several pieces of reserved fruit onto appetizer skewers. Pour sangria over ice; serve with fruit skewers.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 206 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fibre), 1g protein.

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Virgo: Cucumber Gin Smash

Precise. Practical. Perfect. That’s how you like your life, Virgo, and it’s also how you like your drinks. Cater to your need for a no-frills cocktail with this fresh take on a gin and tonic made with crisp cucumber and fresh basil.

Prep/Total Time: 5 min.

Makes: 1 serving

Ingredients

• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 slices cucumber
• 4 basil sprigs
• 2 ounces gin
• Club soda

Directions

• Muddle sugar, cucumber and basil in an old-fashioned glass. Add gin and crushed ice. Top with club soda and stir.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 146 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fibre), 0 protein.

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Libra: Watermelon Margarita

You want to make everyone happy, Libra, and what better way to do that than serving up watermelon margaritas? After all, we don’t know anyone who can resist the juicy summer fruit, especially when paired with tequila and lime. You (and your drink) are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. But if you’re more of a vodka drinker, try this boozy Watermelon Punch Cocktail.

Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Makes: 12 servings (3/4 cup each)

Ingredients

• 2 medium limes
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon (1 inch)
• 2 cups ice cubes
• 2 cups tequila
• 1 cup Triple Sec
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• Sugar, optional

Directions

• Cut one lime into 12 wedges; reserve for garnishes. Cut remaining lime into wedges. Using these wedges, moisten the rims of 12 margarita or cocktail glasses. Sprinkle sugar on a plate; hold each glass upside down and dip rim into sugar. Discard remaining sugar.
• Place half of the watermelon in a blender; cover and process until pureed (this should yield 3 cups). Add half of each of the following: ice cubes, tequila, Triple Sec and lime juice. If desired, add sugar to taste. Cover and process until blended.
• Serve in prepared glasses. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Garnish with reserved lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 188 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fibre), 0 protein.

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Scorpio: Spiked Lemonade

You know that what you see isn’t always what you get, sassy Scorp. Beneath your cool and calm exterior is a fiery zest for life… just like this not-so-innocent lemonade that’s spiked with rum or vodka for an extra kick.

Prep/Total Time: 15 min. + chilling

Makes: 8 servings (about 2 quarts)

Ingredients

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

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 296 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 0 fibre), 0 protein.

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Sagittarius: Blueberry Mojito

You love to dream big and try new things, Sag, so a plain old mojito just isn’t going to cut it for you. Experiment with new flavours like this boozy blueberry take with fresh fruit, lime juice and sprigs of mint from the garden.

Prep/Total Time: 5 min.

Makes: 1 serving

Ingredients

• 8 fresh blueberries
• 8 fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 2 ounces white rum
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp simple syrup
• 4 ounces club soda, chilled
• Garnish with 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. Garnish with lime slice, mint and blueberries, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Per drink: 202 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fibre), 0 protein.

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Capricorn: Tipsy Iced Coffee

• 4 cups strong brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup amaretto
• 1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp sugar, divided
• 2/3 heavy whipping cream

Directions

• In a large bowl, whisk coffee, amaretto and 1/4 cup sugar. Cool to room temperature.
• Transfer to an 8-in. square dish. Freeze 1 hour. Stir with a fork. Freeze 2-3 hours longer or until completely frozen, stirring every 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add remaining sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
• To serve, stir mixture with a fork; spoon into glasses. Top with whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup (with 2 tbsp whipped cream): 165 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fibre), 1g protein.

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Aquarius: Guava Coconut Rum Cocktail

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 2 ounces coconut rum
• 2 ounces guava nectar
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 3 to 4 dashes bitters
• 1 tsp simple syrup
• 2 ounces coconut water
• Garnish with a 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.
• For non-alcoholic version: Increase coconut water and guava nectar to 3 ounces each. Eliminate bitters and add 1/8 tsp coconut extract.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 197 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 77mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fibre), 1g protein.

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Pisces: Strawberry Mimosas

Bottomless (strawberry) mimosas, anyone? As one of the most social—and the most selfless—signs, Pisces, you’re always looking for an excuse to spend quality time with your friends. And a brunch starring these boozy beverages is just that.

Prep/Total Time: 15 min.

Makes: 12 servings (1 cup each)

Ingredients

• 7 cups fresh strawberries (about 2 quarts)
• 3 cups orange juice
• 4 cups champagne, chilled
• Garnish with fresh strawberries and orange slices

Directions

• Place half of the strawberries and orange juice in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Press through a fine mesh strainer. Repeat with remaining strawberries and orange juice.
• Pour a scant 2/3 cup strawberry mixture into each champagne flute or wine glass. Top with about 1/3 cup champagne. If desired, serve with a strawberry and an orange slice.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 112 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fibre), 1g protein.

Next, check out these healthy updates to your favourite summer cocktails.