Memorial Day marks the start of cocktail cooler season

One of these days the heat of summer will (must!) arrive in Salt Lake City, even if that day may still seem far away.  Memorial Day is the first long week-end of summer (although it’s hard to tell since May has been cool and wet (snowy?) so far). It is also a chance to get together with family and friends for the traditional cook-out on a beautiful, partly cloudy day.  More importantly, though, it is a time to remember those who have died in the service of our country so don’t forget to remember the reason for the day…   

When the heat does arrive, and memory tells us that it will one of these days, we will need to be prepared to cope with the heat with some nice summer coolers.  When that happens, you should have the ingredients for a selection of summer cooler cocktail recipes available to mix and enjoy as you sit and contemplate the yard work you should be doing.  When you plan your next summer cook-out, have the ingredients for two or three of your favorite coolers available for your guests. 

Be sure to pay attention to how much you’re drinking, though.  Remember that these coolers may not taste strong, but they have as much alcohol as any other cocktail.  Cook-out reminder: drink responsibly and don’t play with fire!

Below are links to ten favorite summer cooler cocktails for the Memorial Day week-end and the rest of the summer.  Browse these articles to find a cooler you like the looks of, and these and a couple more ideas are in this slide show. 

El Diablo

Mai Tai

Rum and Coke

Dark and Stormy

Gin and Tonic

Margarita Cooler

Tequila Mojito

Gin Rickey

Piña Colada

Hurricane

Flags fly over the graves of Civil War veterans in Montpelier, Vt. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)