When the weather warms up, having a refreshing drink to sip on can be simply lovely. If you’re looking for the perfect special cocktail for an outdoor gathering or warm-weather party, consider the following to infuse your event with a bit more fun!

Spritzers
Fizzy spritzers are just perfect for hot days in the sun. Mix one part liquor (such as vodka, rum, or gin) with 4 parts seltzer, and serve over ice. To kick it up a notch, add a splash of fruit juice or a squeeze of fresh citrus. Juice spritzers are a great non-alcohol alternative, too!

Sangria
Combine a bottle of wine (either red or white will work) with the juice of your choice (peach or cranberry work well), and 1 cup vodka. Mix in ice and fresh fruit, and then serve in a pitcher so people can pour their own.

Tonics
Bitter lime is a perfect flavor for hot days. Combine one part gin or vodka with 3-4 parts tonic and serve over ice. Garnish with a lime, and you’re good to go!

Grown-Up Arnold Palmer
The Arnold Palmer is a popular backyard drink of ½ lemonade and ½ iced tea. To make a delicious grown-up version, add a shot of sweet tea vodka to an ice cold glass of lemonade, and sip away!

Champagne Cocktails
Champagne works well any time of year! Muddled some fresh berries and mint in the base of a champagne flute and top with chilled champagne. 

Cheers!

Wishing all of the mothers a very happy and relaxing Mother's Day surrounded by the ones you love.

If you’re looking for a quirky 50’s style diner that’s chock full of distractions, Ruby’s will do you right. This chain has several branches in Southern California, each crammed full of tchotchkes and kitsch to keep even the most attention-deficit diner busy. The food is traditional American diner fare, spiced up with a few interesting ingredients. It’s prepared and served competently—there’s no “must-eat” dishes on the menu, but there’s also nothing that should be avoided. Burgers are grilled to order and come on excellent buns with quality toppings. Their breakfast has a better rep than lunch or dinner, with a cinnamon French toast winning praise from regulars. Be aware, this is a “family-friendly” restaurant, so if you have a low tolerance for sugar-addled children sucking down the excellent milkshakes, you might want to pack earplugs or a tranquilizer gun.

Ruby’s Diner
5630 Paseo Del Norte #130D
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 931-7829
www.rubys.com