Cocktail hour by the pool: one of the best parts of summer!

Drinks by the pool is a summertime favourite! Here are some refreshing ideas, tips and recipes for poolside entertaining.

A chilled rosé, a fruity sangria or a smooth pina colada are classic summer drinks. But after a few drinks, it's time to take it easy and consider non-alcoholic options, such as homemade lemonade or iced tea, fruit juices, flavoured waters, etc.

Favourite cocktail

Quebec Spritz

Inspired by Italy, this cocktail bursts with local flavour!

• Ice cubes
• 90 ml (3 oz) sparkling wine
• 60 ml (2 oz) of Quebec gentian-based aperitif (Amermelade, Orange Électrique, Les îles or Noroi Aperitivo)
• 30 ml (1 oz) soda water
• Orange slices

Fill half a glass with ice cubes. Pour in the sparkling wine, spritz and soda water. Garnish with a slice of orange.

Favorite Mocktail

Watermelon and lime slush

Ultra-refreshing, it will appeal to young and old alike!

• 500 ml (2 cups) of cubed watermelon
• Juice of one lime
• Juice of one lemon
• Sparkling water
• Ice cubes

In a blender, combine watermelon, lemon juice and lime juice and blend well. Add ice gradually to create a slushy texture. Fill two glasses halfway. Top up with sparkling water and stir with a spoon. Garnish with small watermelon triangles.

Gourmet, festive and easy to prepare, the aperitif board is a fun and delicious way to feast with friends! You will need a large wooden or slate board, either round, square or rectangular, plus small bowls and cheese knives. Play with colours and textures: the more you fill the board, the more appetizing it is!

Tasty suggestions:

• Cheeses, cold cuts and terrines
• Marinades: antipasto, gherkins, pickled onions, olives, etc.
• Raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes and mini cucumbers
• A selection of fruits: ground cherries, raspberries, strawberries, grapes, figs, etc.
• Condiments to accompany the cheeses and terrines: fruit jams, onion confits, mustards or honey
• Three or four varieties of bread and crackers
• Some decorations: bay leaves, sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme, edible flowers, sprouts, etc.

• First rule: never use glass or breakable tableware around the pool!
• Unbreakable reusable crockery, made of materials such as melamine or bamboo, should be your first choice, if the number of guests allows it.
• There are more and more compostable products available, made from unwaxed cardboard, paper, bamboo, wood, bagasse (sugar cane pulp) or polylactic acid (PLA), a compostable bioplastic.
• If you use recyclable plastic tableware, make sure it is clearly marked with a number from 1 to 7. Avoid products with the number 6 (polystyrene), which are not recyclable in most facilities in Quebec.
• If you opt for disposable dishes, whether compostable or recyclable, make sure to install a sorting station in plain sight, so that it is easy for your guests to dispose of their dishes properly.