Finger Foods and Cocktails/Mocktails for Late Summer Parties

I love a late summer party. It’s almost like our attempt to hang on to the relaxed, less rigid schedule of summer as long as possible. Friends aren’t running their kids to soccer practice yet, and the days are still long enough to enjoy some light refreshments with friends, after a day at work or a Saturday at the beach.

I can only speak for myself, but when it’s hot outside, I don’t always feel like eating a full meal. Sometimes I don’t feel like eating at all. That’s why I think cocktails (or mocktails) and finger foods are the perfect solution for late summer entertaining!

Since not everyone drinks alcohol, I tend to choose recipes that can be made with or without it. Our popular Razzleton Cocktail calls for raspberries and Vodka, but you can use any type of berry you have on hand and seltzer or water. What I love about Coryanne Ettiene’s Mini Strawberry Daiquiri is the size. It’s perfect for someone who may just want a sip of a cocktail or toasting size portion. Kids also love the non-alcoholic version of these. Just omit the rum. You should also try Southern Living’s Blackberry Cocktail, which is light, fresh and full of summer flavors.

For finger foods, I like to offer two or three different options. Our Strawberry Basil Bruschetta with Balsamic Reduction is the perfect blend of sweet and savory and can be served with or without crumbled goat cheese. Guests who want something a little heavier will love the Raspberry Chipotle Hot Wings, which provide just enough heat to make your mouth happy, without adding to the warm temperatures outside. For those who just want to nibble, you can offer a cheese and berry tray or these Momtastic Blackberry Caprese Kebabs. This recipe is actually for kids, but I find it to be a perfect complement to a late summer party. Just make the skewers longer for adults.

Of course, it’s not a party without dessert! You cannot go wrong with a strawberry dipped in just about anything. Trays of different flavor options like White Chocolate Covered Strawberries with Coconut and Lime or Milk Chocolate Covered Strawberries with Toffee Bits and Sea Salt are a nice choice. Or, you could set up a strawberry dipping bar and let your guests create their own flavors. Most grocery stores sell strawberry dipping sauces, but you can also set out yogurt, sour cream, cheesecake batter and melted chocolate for your guests to dip in. Toppings like brown sugar, mini chocolate chips, graham cracker crumbs and crushed Oreos add a nice dimension of flavor once those berries are dipped. Chocolate fountains are also fun at parties!

If you are still holding on to summer, I wish you many fun and flavorful late summer parties.