Super summery drinks

With the tropical heat wave Portland is currently experiencing, these delectable drink recipes are the perfect way to chill out. They are a great addition to backyard parties and warm summer nights.

Make the berry-tart margarita non-alcoholic by replacing the tequila with passion fruit juice nectar, or make your blackberry lemonade a little naughty with the addition of one shot of lemon-flavored vodka per serving.

Instructions: Berry-Tart Margarita

In a blender, combine thawed lemonade concentrate and frozen raspberries; blend and process about 1 minute, until smooth. Pour mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl to strain seeds. Return lemon-raspberry mixture to blender and add strawberries, blueberries, ice, sugar, honey and tequila. Blend until smooth. Use lime wedges to wet the rim of 4 cocktail glasses. Pour coarse sugar on a plate and dip glass edges until frosted. Pour margaritas in glasses and garnish with lime wedges; serve immediately. Makes 4 margaritas.

Instructions: Blackberry Lemonade

In a medium pot, add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar; bring to a boil while stirring. Once sugar has dissolved completely, remove from heat and allow to cool. In a blender, combine the juice of 4 lemons (about 1 cup total) and fresh blackberries. Puree until smooth, then strain into a bowl through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. In a large pitcher, stir together sugar-water, blackberry-lemon puree and 4 cups of cold water. Refrigerate until cool and serve garnished with lemon wheels. Makes 2 quarts.