If you can’t be in Cape May during the summer, why not mix up something that will make you feel like you’re on vacation right in your own kitchen? We asked a few of our favorite watering holes for summer drink recipes to help you beat the heat. Since we’re not mixologists ourselves, we rounded up simple shake & strain recipes that don’t require too much effort (I don’t even own a muddler), and ingredients you should be able to find at any liquor store. Don’t own a shaker? Just use a travel mug to shake, and “strain” through the spout. Enjoy!

Cape May Mariner / Aleathea’s Bar at the Inn of Cape May

• 4 oz Stoli Orange
• 3 oz Grand Marnier
• 2 oz Pomegranate Liquor
• Splash of Lime Juice
• Splash Cranberry Juice

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain and serve.

Taste of Paris Martini / The Mad Batter

• 2.5 oz Absolut Pear Vodka
• 2 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 1 oz champagne poured into martini glass as a floater

Pour vodka and St. Germain over ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a slice of pear. Yum yum!

Bango Mango / Pilot House

• 1 part Cruzan Mango Rum
• 1 part pineapple juice
• 1 part cranberry juice

Shake over ice and strain. Serve with an orange slice in a martini glass or on the rocks. Make as little or as much as needed!

Gin & Sin / Martini Beach

Gin & Sin 2012: our updated version of the classic Gin and Sin cocktail. It’s refreshing and potent, with a bit of a grapefruit taste.

• 2 parts gin
• 1 part Cointreau
• 3/4 parts oj
• 3/4 parts cranberry juice

Shake on the rocks with an orange slice.

Summer Cherry Limeade / e.m. Hemingway’s at the Grand

• 3 oz Pinnacle cherry vodka
• 3 slices fresh lime
• 2 oz fresh lemonade
• 2 oz water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1oz Roses lime juice
• Splash of Grenadine

Mix all ingredients in shaker, shake vigorously, pour into a tall pilsner glass, and garnish with a lime and cherry.