Summer

Passion fruit syrup can be difficult to find. We located a bottle by contacting a distributor, Fee Brothers. (Call 800-961-3337 or write to info@feebrothers.com) Because the syrup is hard to come by (and artificially flavored) we devised a substitute for it that was well received: a tablespoon of passion fruit sorbet (Häagen Dazs makes one) and a teaspoon of grenadine, per serving.

A colorful and sophisticated summer drink.

To get the most juice out of lemons, be sure they're at room temperature when you squeeze them.

(Lillet-and-Lemon-Syrup Cocktail)

Blended drinks called batidas (or licuados) are served at fruit bars throughout Latin America. Milk or freshly squeezed orange juice is used as the base, then fruit is added and the mixture is blended to the consistency of a thick shake. Batidas are often enjoyed as a mid-morning or afternoon snack, but they're also delicious as cocktails later in the day. We tried various kinds of sugar to rim the glasses — from coarse crystals of sanding sugar to small grains of granulated sugar — and the only difference is in the appearance.

Freezing the watermelon and strawberries before mixing the drink eliminates the need for ice  — and allows the fruit flavors to retain their full intensity.