10 Cheap but Tasty Summer Cocktails

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CHILL SUMMER DRINKS

There's little more enjoyable than relaxing under the summer sun with a delicious beverage in hand. The cost of cocktails has skyrocketed over the last few years and it's not uncommon to pay $16 or so for just one drink at a bar or restaurant. But mixed drinks don't have to be expensive to taste terrific, and mixing them at home means you can indulge more often for a lot less money. Here are Cheapism.com's choices for 10 refreshing summer cocktails that cost a few dollars to make.

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SPIKED LEMONADE ($1.67/SERVING)

A traditional summer favorite, sweet and tangy lemonade gets a kick from vodka in this adult- only refresher. To make two drinks, in a shaker filled with ice combine the juice of two lemons (roughly 2 ounces; $1) with 1 ounce agave syrup (60 cents), 2 ounces vodka ($1.50), and 2 ounces ice cold water. Shake to combine and strain into chilled glasses holding fresh ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint (25 cents).

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WHITE SANGRIA ($3.42/SERVING)

Crisp and light, this is a perfect punch for daytime parties or really hot afternoons. To make eight servings, combine one bottle of aromatic still white wine, such as gewurtztraminer, riesling, or vinho verde ($10), with one sliced peach ($1), one sliced apple (75 cents), one sliced cucumber ($1), a box of raspberries ($4), and one bottle of cava or prosecco ($10). If you prefer a sweeter mix, start with a sweeter base wine or add 2 tablespoons agave syrup (60 cents) before the sparkling wine.

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PEPPER AND ICE ($4.10/SERVING)

This is a simple and tasty cocktail that brings out the nuances of fine spirits. Using a premium vodka or gin, which costs about double the "house pour," add 2 ounces ($4) to a glass with a large chunk of ice, and using a pepper mill, roughly crack black pepper (10 cents) over the contents. The oils in the spirit and pepper will interact and produce an elegant and layered flavor profile.

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WATERMELON LIME COOLER ($3.25/SERVING)

This drink combines tart lime with sweet refreshing watermelon to make a beverage that tastes like liquid summer in a glass. In a blender combine 1 cup fresh watermelon ($1.50) with 2 ounces lime juice (about three to four limes; $1), 4 ounces vanilla vodka (also pricier than the standard stuff; $4), and half a cup of ice cubes. Blend until combined and serve in two tall chilled glasses.

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BASIL SPRITZ ($1.73/SERVING)

Adding fresh herbs to beverages keeps them full flavored while remaining light and easy to sip. For a single serving start by muddling 10 or so leaves of basil (25 cents) in a glass with 1 tablespoon sugar (10 cents); add ice and 1.5 ounces white rum ($1.13) and top with sparkling water (25 cents). Garnish with a fresh basil leaf.

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LILLET COOLER ($3.25/SERVING)

Part liquor, part wine, and all delicious, Lillet is basically a cocktail in a bottle, made from wine and brandy infused with a secret blend of herbs and fruits. Lillet comes in white, red, and rosé versions, all very tasty, with the rosé being particularly fresh. To enjoy, pour 3 ounces ($3) into a glass over ice and top with sparkling water (25 cents).

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DAIQUIRI ($2.30/SERVING)

This classic drink is simple and tasty with a bright tart kick from fresh lime juice. In a shaker filled with ice combine 2 ounces white rum ($1.50), 1 ounce lime juice (50 cents), and one-half ounce agave syrup (30 cents). Shake vigorously to combine and strain into a chilled glass.

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PALOMA ($3/SERVING)

Refreshing grapefruit soda makes this drink feel just like adult soda -- and dangerously good. In a tall glass over ice add 2 ounces 100 percent agave blanco tequila ($2), 1 ounce lime juice (50 cents), and top with grapefruit soda (50 cents). Garnish with a lime wheel.

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MARGARITA ($2.80/SERVING)

A simple classic, margaritas pair incomparably well with summer sun and lazy afternoons. To make this favorite drink, in a shaker filled with ice combine 2 ounces 100 percent agave tequila ($2) with 1 ounce lime juice (50 cents) and one-half ounce agave syrup (30 cents). Shake vigorously, then strain into a chilled and salt-rimmed, ice-filled glass.

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GRAPE COOLER ($2.95/SERVING)

Grapes and cucumber add a spa-like touch to this dainty cocktail. Start by muddling four grapes and four cucumber slices with 1 tablespoon sugar (35 cents) in a shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and add 2 ounces gin ($1.50) and 1 ounce lemon juice (50 cents). Shake to combine and then chill. Pour into a chilled glass, top with sparkling water (50 cents), and garnish with two sliced grapes and a cucumber wheel (10 cents).