Sit down and drink up

It's finally here. The hot summer days, beach parties, and one weekend rendezvous after another. Basically, a plethora of reasons to break out the refreshing libations. Lucky for us, Sandals bartenders Andrew Dawkins, Micah Cox, and Wadworth Ferguson have summertime cocktails down to a science and they're sharing four of their latest creations with us.

Non-Alcoholic, please!

OK, so you can't put away vodka and rum like a pirate, but who says you can't still find a safe haven at the bar? Here are two great go-to cocktails for those hoping to cut back on the alcohol this summer.

Andrew Dawkins at Sandals Montego Bay has a penchant for fruity concoctions that go the distance. Here's how you can recreate his signature fruit medley.

Fruit Medley

Makes 1

Ingredients:

1/2oz blended ginger

2oz orange juice

2oz fruit punch juice

1/2oz lime juice

Method:

Shake all ingredients together in a shaker can and pour over ice. Garnish with pineapple slice, banana and cherry.

This cocktail packs a delicious punch and you'll particularly love that surprising whiff of ginger.

We Jamaicans love our tea. For many, it's the ideal start to the day or a perfect pairing for pleasant afternoon conversations. But this summer, Sandals Royal Caribbean bartender Micah Cox is giving your favourite teas a summertime remix. For Pineapple Iced Tea with Mint Infusion, it's time to put away the teacups and bring out the Poco Grande.

Pineapple Iced Tea with Mint Infusion

Makes 1

Ingredients:

2oz home-made ice tea

1oz pineapple juice

Sugar to taste and fuse with mint

Method:

Put ice in a shaker can. Pour all ingredients over ice in shaker can and shake vigorously or until can is frosted to get mixture extremely chilled. Pour into glass and garnish with fresh mint and lime.

You'll love just how healthy and refreshing this cocktail is and you can experiment with some of your other favourite teas.

Time to play hard

When Sandals Montego Bay's Wadworth Ferguson is in the bar, the good vibrations just keep coming. Vodka is his best friend and his signature creations are certainly not for the faint of heart.

Purple Spritz

Makes 1

Ingredients:

1oz vodka

1/4oz blackberry brandy

Pineapple juice

Dash of lime juice

Method:

Pour all ingredients into a shaker can and shake. Pour over ice. Garnish with pineapple slice and mint leaf.

Now, we all know that no afternoon of drinking is quite complete without a bottle of Appleton Rum. Give your guests a taste of Jamaica's finest with Andrew Dawkin's Summer Bliss.

So there you have it, four colourful, refreshing cocktail ideas that are perfect for almost any occasion this summer.

Summer Bliss

Makes 1

Ingredients:

1oz Appleton Special Rum

1/2oz blue curaçao

2oz orange juice

2oz pineapple juice

1oz ginger (blended into juice)

Method:

Pour all ingredients into a shaker can. Shake and pour over ice. Garnish as desired with pineapple and cherry.