Kick off your shoes and trade your sweater for a bathing suit. It’s summertime—and the livin’ can be easy!

We can all agree summer is a time of leisure and good times. Still, that doesn’t always mean going on vacations and to resorts. Sometimes, the most fun can be had in your own backyard. What would summer be without refreshing beverages and non-stop barbecues with friends and family?

To start summer off on the right foot, take a look at these easy-to-make drinks and grilling ideas for an epic summer cookout by your Encantada luxury water oasis.

Mocktails

Watermelon Cooler: With watermelon chunks, slices of cucumber, mint leaves, and lime juice, you will create a perfect drink to enjoy summer the refreshing way. The mixture of cucumber and mint will tone down the watermelon’s sweetness, and the lime juice will add a bit of tartness.

Coconut Lavender Lemonade: This may not be your typical lemonade, but if you’re into a tropical, sweet treat, this will be right up your alley. Add coconut water to freshly squeezed lemonade, and to top that, drizzle lavender syrup into the mix. This will be a satisfying drink to sip on while lounging by the pool.

Mango Raspberry Punch: Are you craving something sweet but don’t want to feel guilty about it? Try this refresher! Mix 100% mango smoothie juice with a low-calorie citrus soda—this way, you can treat yourself to more than just one. To make this punch even more delicious, add fruit ice cubes.

Cocktails

St. Germain Gin and Tonic: You can’t go wrong with a classic gin and tonic, but add more flavor to your cocktail by adding St. Germain Elder Flower Liqueur. It’s super easy to make: just fill your tall glass with ice, add the gin, plus St. Germain, squeeze a lime in there, and top it off with tonic water. Do a quick stir, and enjoy.

Malibu Driver: This cocktail is summertime in a glass. All you need is two ingredients: coconut-flavored rum and orange juice. The sweet-tart taste is a delicious balance of flavors. You can pour as you go or make it in pitchers. Either way, this drink is perfect and easy to make at barbecues.

Grilled Peach and Brandy Pineapple Sangria Popsicle Spheres: It’s a mouthful, but it’s worth it. Your guests will definitely be impressed with this drink! Sangria popsicle spheres will be a surprise for guests because this round treat springs out intense flavors as it melts in a fresh glass of Spanish white wine. The slightly dry and salty white wine complements the fruity, sweet, and somewhat smoked flavor of the popsicle sphere.

Grillin’

Grilled Chicken Wings: All you need is chicken wings and barbecue sauce! Grill the chicken wings on medium for about four minutes, and for the next three minutes, evenly brush barbeque sauce on the chicken. In less than 15 minutes, you will have made an easy and yummy meal for family and friends.

Fiery Barbeque Flank Steak Tacos: These fresh and festive tacos are a special treat! In just 30 minutes, prepare homemade salsa with a mixture of corn, jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, and lime juice. At the same time, prepare your grilled steak which will be topped with Fiery Sweet Wing Sauce. Whether you want to devour with tortillas or lettuce wraps, these tacos won’t be a disappointment.

Grilled Salmon with Spicy Korean Pepper Sauce: Not only is salmon delicious, it is one of the most nutritious types of fish. On a lightly greased piece of foil, marinate a salmon fillet with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and gluten-free Korean hot pepper paste. In less than 35 minutes, you will have delicious grilled salmon with no clean up required.

Use these recipes to enjoy the taste of summer in your own home! Bring out your inner chef and show off your cooking skills to your friends and family in your gourmet kitchen. Or better yet, lounge poolside and sip on cocktails as you enjoy the view at Encantada.