Global warming a hot topic at your last cocktail party? Who’s to blame - Mother Nature or her billions of human children and their industrial lifestyles? Does it really matter? The bottom line remains the same: baby, it’s hot outside! Tame the heat and enjoy the sunshine with these Sunburn, Summer Time, and Sun City cocktail recipes.

After all, winter snows will be falling again before you know it!

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Sunburn

Take the sting out of too much fun in the sun with this zesty concoction.

1 jigger / shot brandy or cognac
1 jigger / shot coffee-flavored liqueur
1 pony / short shot orange juice
1 pony / short shot lemon juice

Garnish: orange and / or lemon slices

Pour all liquids into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake till container is very cold, then pour into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish as desired.

This one is also very soothing on a hot summer day when it’s served in a tall glass filled with ice.

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Summertime

This minty, pale green delight looks as cool and soothing as it tastes, a perfect way to end a hot summer day. And there’s ice cream. Chocolate, too!

2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 pony / short shot green creme de menthe
1 pony / short shot white creme de menthe

Garnish: dark chocolate, grated or shaved, or a sprig of fresh mint

Put ice cream and liqueurs in a blender. Process until smooth and creamy. Pour into chilled cocktail glass (a sundae glass is a nice touch, too). Top with chocolate.

For a totally white drink, use only white creme de menthe in this recipe.

For a greener drink, use only green creme de menthe.

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Sun City

This fruity delicious drink is a bit like a Mai Tai in both flavor and potency. Savor it slowly over a long, hot afternoon.

1 jigger / shot light rum
1 jigger / shot dark rum
1 pony, short shot Galliano liqueur
1 pony / short shot apricot brandy
2 jiggers / shots pineapple juice
1 teaspoon lime juice
3 jiggers / shots sparkling lemonade*

Garnish: slices or wedges of lemon, lime, and or pineapple

Pour all liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake till container is cool to the touch. Pour drink into tall highball glass filled with ice. Garnish as desired.

*If sparkling lemonade is unavailable, substitute equal parts regular (flat) lemonade and club soda, ginger ale, or lemon / lime flavored soda pop.

Party this one up by serving it in a hollowed out pineapple filled with ice. Garnish with fruit but add one of those cute, little paper umbrellas for extra fun.

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