Cheers! 6 Cool Summer Cocktails

We made it. Summer's nearly here, and it's time to celebrate with a cool, refreshing cocktail. To me, the best warm-weather drinks are easy to make, feature fresh seasonal ingredients and can be served in a pitcher or beverage dispenser for crowd-pleasing entertaining.

One of my favorite ways to enhance the presentation of drinks is to create fruit-filled ice cubes (like strawberry ice from Joy the Baker). Simply chop up fresh fruit, place it in the bottom of an ice cube tray, top with water and throw it in the freezer for several hours. It couldn't be easier.

So raise a glass to summer with one of these delicious cocktail recipes from my go-to mixologists.

1. Tequila Mint Sour

From: This Girl Walks Into A Bar...
Why you should try it: The homemade sweet and sour and the large, thin slices of fresh lemon make this drink a refreshing way to kick off pool season.

2. Strawberry Rhubarb Smash

From: There Will Be Bourbon
Why you should try it: This warm-weather bourbon drink strikes a nice balance of berry sweetness with sour lemon and tart rhubarb -- straight from the farmers market to your glass.

3. Pineapple Julep

From: 12 Bottle Bar
Why you should try it: Orange liqueur and pineapple juice punch up the flavor of this tropical twist on the classic mint julep. A splash of gin and sweet sparkling wine make this drink worth every sip.

4. Grape Crush

From: Derrick Salatnay
Why you should try it: Salatnay, the resident mixologist at A Restaurant in Newport Beach, Calif., shares a favorite summertime cocktail with SecondAct. He takes a culinary approach to creating his libations, pulling inspiration from what's in season.

5. Whatamelon

From: H. Joseph Ehrmann
Why you should try it: Ehrmann is the owner and chief bartender at Elixir in San Francisco and was named 2010 Bartender of the Year by Nightclub and Bar magazine. His signature cocktail is an invigorating blend of fresh watermelon, cucumber vodka and fresh mint.

6. Fresh Lime Margarita

From: Drink and Cocktail Recipes
Why you should try it: Nothing says summertime quite like sipping a margarita in the sunshine. This recipe is so simple, there's no reason to reach for those sugary mixes, and the blanco (silver) tequila makes for a milder flavor.

Keep reading: No-Cook Summer Meals
Dinner in a Hurry: 5 Satisfying Salads