Memorial Day Drinks to Start Your Summer on a Sweet Note

05/26/2013 at 05:15 PM EDT

Refreshing Cider and the Aloha Sparkle

Courtesy Vikingfjord Vodka; Courtesy Skinnygirl

If you're like us, you're still waiting for your invite to George Clooney's Lake Como villa.

Still, that's no reason to kick your summer off on a sour note come Memorial Day, the unofficial start of the season. And there's no sweeter way to say hello to sunny days than a fruity, frilly drink.

Refreshing Cider

• 1½ oz. vodka (recipe recommends Vikingfjord Vodka)

• ½ oz. allspice dram

• ½ oz. lemon juice

• 1½ oz. apple cider

• Dash of baked apple bitters

Combine the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Shake with ice, and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Add a red apple slice for garnish.

Aloha Sparkle

• 1 part white cherry vodka (recipe recommends Skinnygirl White Cherry Vodka)

• 4 parts sparkling water

• 1 part pineapple juice

• Pineapple wedge for garnish

• Cherry for garnish

• Mint sprig for garnish

Mix cherry vodka and sparkling water over a glass of ice. Add a touch of pineapple juice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, mint sprig and cherry.

Avión Lemonade and the Cali Swizzle

Courtesy Avion Silver; Courtesy Caliche

Avión Lemonade

• 2 parts tequila (recipe recommends Avión Silver)

• 1 part fresh lemon juice

• 1 part simple syrup

• Club soda (to top)

Build ingredients in a collins glass with ice and stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge and mint leaf if desired.

Cali Swizzle

• 1½ oz. white rum (recipe recommends Caliche)

• 1½ oz. pineapple juice

• 1 oz. orange juice

• ½ oz. lime juice

• ½ oz. Velvet Falernum liqueur

• Lime wedge

In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients, fill with ice and shake. Strain over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge.