One of my greatest pleasures in life is entertaining family and friends at home—something I’ve truly missed these past few months. In addition to cooking and sharing a wonderful meal, I love to whip up a batch of specialty cocktails to greet guests. I remember a time when it seemed like everyone sipped the same old drinks: Bloody Marys for Sunday brunch, Whiskey Sours with orange juice and a squeeze of lemon, and margaritas made from a prepared mix and a frozen container of lemonade. Thankfully, those days are long gone, and we’re more adventurous for it.
Martha Stewart standing by pool holding cocktail tray Credit: Noe Dewitt
My favorite way to celebrate the start of summer is with cool drinks, delicious snacks, and good friends—preferably poolside. Living editorial director of food Sarah Carey and I created two cocktails that highlight the ripest, tastiest fruits available now. We went for fun, refreshing twists on Classic Sangria and margaritas that put sweet watermelon, juicy nectarines, and fragrant strawberries to great use. Then, to complement them, we prepared a spread of palate-pleasing hors d’oeuvres: homemade potato chips, a creamy dill dip with crudités, and herb-roasted pecans. I hope you will try these recipes at home, and get to share them with friends on a warm, sunny afternoon very soon.
Yellow-Watermelon Margarita Credit: Noe Dewitt
Yellow-Watermelon Margaritas and Rosé Sangria with Nectarines and Strawberries
At her East Hampton home, Martha welcomes the season with these two fresh, fruity cocktails. The margarita is bursting with yellow watermelon, white tequila, and the elderflower liqueur, St. Germain. The sangria is made with vodka, rosé wine, strawberries, and nectarines. Both drinks can be made nonalcoholic. For the margarita simply make the cocktail without alcohol and when making the sangria, omit the vodka and substitute seltzer for the rosé.
Get the Yellow-Watermelon Margaritas Recipe
Get the Sangria with Nectarines and Strawberries Recipe
Herb-Roasted Pecans with Red, White, and Blue Potato Chips Credit: Noe Dewitt
Herb-Roasted Pecans
An easy, healthy hors d’oeuvres that’s sweet and salty and just right for any gathering.
Get the Herb-Roasted Pecans Recipe
Red, White, and Blue Potato Chips
Enjoy these chips with a dip or on their own—they’re irresistible.
Get the Red, White, and Blue Potato Chips Recipe
Feta-and-Buttermilk Dip Credit: Noe Dewitt
Feta-and-Buttermilk Dip
Pair this rich and tangy dip with crisp, colorful crudité like cucumber spears and cherry tomatoes.
Get the Feta-and-Buttermilk Dip Recipe
Makeup by Daisy Toye; hair by James Palese at Warren Tricomi; dress by Nili Lotan; earrings by Marika.
Martha Stewart standing by pool holding cocktail tray Credit: Noe Dewitt
Martha Stewart standing by pool holding cocktail tray
Credit: Noe Dewitt
Yellow-Watermelon Margarita Credit: Noe Dewitt
Yellow-Watermelon Margarita
Herb-Roasted Pecans with Red, White, and Blue Potato Chips Credit: Noe Dewitt
Herb-Roasted Pecans with Red, White, and Blue Potato Chips
Feta-and-Buttermilk Dip Credit: Noe Dewitt
Feta-and-Buttermilk Dip
