"Right now I"m stuck in the middle of a freak-heat wave and craving some refreshing spring cocktails. Here are a few tasty drinks that will last you through September"”they"re great for backyard parties and get-togethers. CHEERS!

Pom Rita

1 1/2 parts premium tequila
1 part Hiram Walker Pomegranate Schnapps
1/4 part Hiram Walker Triple Sec
1/2 part lime juice

Shake or blend with ice into a salt-rimmed margarita glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.

Spring Blossom

1 1/2 oz. OVAL vodka
1 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp sugar
1 1/2 oz. soda water
Stalk of lemon grass for garnish

Shake first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon grass stalk.

La Limonata by Tiare Olsen of A Mountain of Crushed Ice

1 1/2 oz. Tequila
1 oz. Absinthe Mata Hari
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Top with lemon soda

Combine first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake thoroughly and strain into a wine goblet filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a lime slice."