Summer is a great time to relax and get together with friends. Here are a few simple and tasty summer snacks and drink ideas to add to your next summer soirée.

When the mood says summer, nothing sounds better than hamburgers on the grill! Instead of using a traditional outdoor grill, try your hand at a tabletop grill that can be used to prepare sliders. Sliders are mini burgers about 3” across with smaller buns. They can be brought premade or you can make them yourself. Prepare sliders by combining 2 lbs. of ground beef with ½ cup of pickle relish and ¼ cup of ketchup. Shape into sixteen 3/8” thick patties. Grill until done. Top cooked sliders with cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon and gherkin pickles. Combine ¾ cup of light mayo and ½ teaspoon of chipotle chile pepper and spread on party-size potato rolls for added flavor.

Milkshakes are the perfect companion to sliders. Find fluted fountain glassware, (think classic soda fountain glasses) and offer your guests traditional milkshakes flavors such as strawberry, chocolate and vanilla. In a blender, add 3 scoops vanilla, strawberry or chocolate ice cream with 1½ cups milk, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons sugar. Make the milkshakes for guests on demand and serve with a colorful straw and sprinkles.

Make your milkshakes adult themed by making a cake batter milkshake. Add 2 cups of vanilla bean ice cream, ¼ cup of cake flavored vodka and 2 tablespoons of yellow cake mix. Blend until smooth and serve with rainbow sprinkles and add a playful parasol straw. Yummy!

Using bamboo skewers, prepare fruit kabobs and fruit dip. Cut inch cubes of fruit such as pineapple, honeydew, cantaloupe, and strawberries. Stick larger fruit on skewer and add a small fruit such as blueberries at each end. Arrange fruit kabobs on plate with a whole pineapple as a creative centerpiece.

For the fruit dip, use 7 ounces of marshmallow cream, 8 ounces low-fat or whipped cream cheese, softened to room temperature and 2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate. Spoon the marshmallow cream into a large, microwave safe bowl and microwave for 20 seconds. Whisk in softened cream cheese and orange juice concentrate until very smooth. Chill and serve with fruit kabobs. Easy and so good!

Prepare you backyard with bamboo tiki torches to add a summery feel. Use a bright tablecloth, candles in votive holders and flower petals to add ambiance. String lights around to add warmth and glow. Offer guests a photo op by setting up a beach or sunset backdrop to take pictures.

Summer makes us appreciate the warmness of the summer sun. What a great time to enjoy the weather and have a party! Invite some friends over and enjoy these delicious foods and tasty drinks.