When most people consider what time of year they like to entertain, they probably think of the holidays. We gather at Thanksgiving with elaborate meals and celebrate at Christmas with our favorite decorations on display. However, I think that summer gives us more opportunities to entertain friends.
Entertaining guests in summer can be more casual and approachable. With longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, it’s easy to extend an invitation that feels special and effortless for everyone.
This summer, a basil gin cocktail made with fresh herbs from the garden has become part of my formula for keeping it simple.
The Easiest Summer Invitation
My favorite way to entertain in the summer is to send a text after lunch that says, “Hi, we’re having cocktails and playing cards after dinner. If you feel like joining us, we’ll be in the garden around 7:00.”
This type of invitation takes the pressure off if the recipient has other plans. It says, We’re already going to be outside, and there’s a seat for you if you’d like to join us.
On the other hand, this type of summer entertaining eases the burden on the host as well. I don’t need to worry about my house being spotless if guests are joining us outside. And if they’re arriving after dinner, I don’t need to worry about providing a whole meal.
When I talk to people about hosting in their homes, I frequently hear the same hesitations. People worry about the amount of time it takes to get their home cleaned and ready for guests. They worry about being judged on the size of their home or on their décor. Some people are concerned about the cost of entertaining, whether they’re spending money on food or other items in their home.
I’d like to encourage you to simplify your expectations for both hosting and being a guest. The most important thing is to create a moment for connection. Don’t let the pressure of perfection keep you from extending an invitation.
Make It Simple, but Make It Special
Although hosting guests in the summer is easier, I still want it to be meaningful. One way I do this is by creating a signature cocktail of the season. This summer, I created my Garden Basil Gin Fizz.
I like to serve my signature summer cocktails with a big bowl filled with a crunchy snack. Something like popcorn, or my favorite Trader Joe’s bar mix, can easily be served with nothing but a paper napkin.
If my guests respond to the text and say that they’ll try to join us, I say, “Great! I’m serving my signature Garden Basil Gin Fizz cocktail and a crunchy snack. If there’s something else you’d like, feel free to bring it with you!”
If you want to take it a step further by creating a special environment for when you host guests in the summer, you can easily do so by burning some citronella candles or plugging in a strand of clear, outdoor Christmas lights.
It doesn’t have to be complicated for you to host a special evening that creates memories with your friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
A Garden Basil Gin Fizz
One reason why I love my Garden Basil Gin Fizz, a basil gin cocktail, is because it combines fresh herbs from my garden with the flavors of local honey and bright, summery citrus. My husband has assigned himself the job of getting the basil leaves for the cocktails. With a quick trip out of the kitchen side door, he’s back with a handful of basil for me to muddle.
For this cocktail, I decided to use a honey syrup instead of a traditional simple syrup. After testing several versions, we really love the depth that the honey syrup adds in this cocktail. Honey syrup has quickly become one of our favorite ways to use local honey, and we try to keep a little jar in the refrigerator just for my signature summer cocktails.
You may remember that last summer I shared a recipe for my Summer Garden Sangria. I love to have a signature summer cocktail because it’s easier to keep track of which ingredients I need if I’m inviting guests over. The Garden Basil Gin Fizz combines ingredients that I keep on hand, like basil and honey syrup, with just a few others that I can easily remember to stock over the summer, like lemons, club soda, and gin.
Garden Basil Gin Fizz Recipe
If you’d like to make one for your own summer evening, the recipe is simple.
Garden Basil Gin Fizz
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the basil leaves and honey syrup to a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle the basil just enough to bruise the leaves and release their oils.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into an ice-filled Collins or highball glass.
- Top with 2 ounces of club soda, or more to taste.
- Garnish with a fresh basil sprig and lemon wheel, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
An Invitation is Enough
Some of my favorite summer evenings have been spent in the garden with a deck of cards, a cool drink, and the laughter of friends and neighbors.
I love inviting friends and family into my home during the holidays, but when summer comes around, there are so many possibilities to entertain in easy ways.
It doesn’t have to be a signature cocktail, either. Maybe watermelon slices on a Sunday afternoon or popsicles on the porch are more your speed. The most important thing is creating time to connect with each other.
If the fear of imperfection has kept you from hosting friends, just remember to keep it simple. The hardest part of hosting this summer will be hitting the send button on a text.
A Few Things I Keep on Hand for Easy Summer Entertaining
I’ve gathered a few of my favorite things for easy summer entertaining in one place. These are the kinds of simple things I like to keep on hand so that when an impromptu invitation turns into cocktails in the garden, getting ready doesn’t require much preparation.
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