The silly and sunny season is just around the corner—make sure you’re prepped with our guide to doing summer right
This year, summer isn’t going to pass you by. You’re going to make the most of every warm and sun-blessed minute of the season—and we’re here to help. We’ve teamed up with Strongbow (whose hard ciders are just one step toward a great summer) to bring you an ultimate warm-weather preparation guide, a ten-point checklist of everything you need to do to kick start your best summer ever. From great tunes to delicious eats to an inspiring vacation, we’ve got the good times covered.
Big alfresco dinners and cookouts are part of what summer is about. This year, go beyond potato salad and track down a new summer recipe to impress your buddies at your next get-together. A salad of Tuscan tomatoes and big, crusty lobes of bread? Easy and delicious. A heaping tray of light, eggplant lasagna? They will be impressed (and full). Or simply take your trusty tater salad to the next level (go crazy—add salami! It’s great.)
Good friends, awesome cheese and enough cold cider to go round? We love picnic season, and a good picnic set will ensure all of your blanket-based afternoons go swimmingly. Must-haves: A large but easily transported basket; a cooler for those ciders; durable plates (and Tupperware for leftovers); a chopping board; a large blanket (with a nylon underside so grass can be easily brushes off); and a wireless touch speakers—just rest your phone on top, start your playlist and your ambience is set!
Beer, wine and rosé are all solid options for summer drinking. But they’re not the only options. Stand out with a delicious—and shareable!—pitcher of cider sangria. Instead of white wine, use a dry cider base and mix in Grand Marnier, fresh ginger and lots of apples and apricots. Be sure to stock up on plenty of ingredients; you’ll be making more than one pitcher of this gem.
