Ruby Red Cocktails to Celebrate July

Now that we are well into those long summer days, balmy evenings in the garden and parties in the park always seem like a good idea! Of course, you'll need a few signature cocktails to cement that free-spirited mood, and since the ruby is the birthstone of July, it makes sense to theme your beverages around that deep red colour.

Raspberry Martini

This deliciously fruity concoction makes good use of those ripe raspberries that are readily available at this time of year. Muddling these gorgeous berries with sugar helps to release the juices and create a fabulous base for the vodka and Chambord. Of course, it should be garnished with a few extra raspberries and it looks just gorgeous served in a traditional martini glass.

Cosmopolitan

The undisputed (by me) queen of the red cocktails, the Cosmopolitan is the signature drink of Carrie Bradshaw and a classy drink for any social gathering. This is another beverage that makes use of a martini glass, but instead of raspberries, the fruity flavour comes courtesy of lime and cranberry juice. Add a little lemon vodka and cointreau for a citrus punch and you have a cocktail that tastes just like summer in a glass.

Strawberry Daiquiri

Is it even summer if you haven't yet sipped on a strawberry daiquiri? A treat to be saved for the warmest of days, this red delight is easy to make but it does require a blender and needs to be enjoyed quickly before it melts! Blend rum, lemon juice, strawberries and Creme de Fraises with ice to create an adult slush drink that nobody can resist.

Bloody Mary

Traditionally thought of as the ultimate hangover cure, the Bloody Mary also makes an acceptable cocktail for late morning brunches! As the name suggests, the colour is blood-red, thanks to the tomato juice . This drink also contains vodka, lemon juice, pepper, tabasco sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, making for an unusual recipe list with surprisingly tasty results.

Sangria

Sangria is to summer, what Mulled Wine is to winter - it is impossible to get through the season unless you have made at least one batch of a red wine punch! A great choice for lazy days by the seaside, this Spanish delicacy will take you to a costa in your mind if you can't get there in body. As well as red wine, this cocktail also contains brandy, orange juice, lemon juice, soda water, sugar syrup and orange curacao for a fruity twist.

There are so many red cocktails to choose from, but this list shows some of the most popular, ensuring happy smiling faces at any garden parties this July. If you have a birthday in this month, or you know someone that does, these drinks make suitable ruby themed options for their ruby birthstone.