Remember the Country Time lemonade commercials?  Their idyllic scenes of front porch swings and neighborhood pot lucks always made me feel wistful and dreamy.  Now I realize that it was the buzz from the rose-colored, sugar water that I’d been drinking.  Ah, Country Time…the flavor of my childhood.  Because nothing says summer like polysorbate 80.

These days, I prefer my lemonade with a grown up twist.  And since I survived to see another August Recess (woo hoo!), I plan on downing a few (dozen) of these this weekend while I lay by the pool and try to recover my sanity.  August really is the most wonderful time of the year.

Frilly Dress (TopShop, $80)

This flirty, chiffon dress makes me think of light breezes and cocktails on the patio.  The perfect way to enjoy the waning days of Summer.  Add a cute metallic sandal, a clutch and a pretty earring and you’re dressed for an evening spent dining and drinking al fresco.

Pink Lemonade Cocktail

Yield: Make 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients
1  (12-oz.) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
3  (12-oz.) bottles beer (not dark), chilled
3/4  cup  vodka, chilled
Ice
Garnishes: fresh cranberries, citrus slices

Preparation
1. Stir together first 3 ingredients. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.

I’ve made this recipe twice, once for a Summer barbecue and once for a bridal shower, and it’s a big hit.  I also recommend using Corona or Bud Light Lime.  We tried it with Budweiser once and it had a bit of an after taste that was less than pleasant.

Happy Recess!