As we’re getting into the last days of summer it’s time to give your home cocktails a twist.  Try unique spices and other ingredients to shake things up by offering unique twists to classic recipes. Check the recipes below that incorporate McCormick products into festive libations.

By utilizing McCormick products, which are typically on hand, you’ll be able to whip up flavorful takes on cocktails that are sure to be crowdpleasers without compromising flavor.

Smoky Margarita; pro-tip: swap out the McCormick Gourmet Garden Smoked Paprika rim with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt for a lighter, crisper taste!  

Ingredients 2 Servings
3 tablespoons McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt
1 tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Organic Paprika, Smoked
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
6 tablespoons agave nectar
2 ounces tequila

Instructions

1. Mix sea salt and 1 tablespoon of the smoked paprika on a small plate. Wet outside rims of margarita or other beverage glasses with lime wedge. Dip glasses into sea salt mixture to coat

2. Fill cocktail shaker with 2 cups of ice. Add lime juice, agave nectar, tequila and remaining 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; shake until well mixed and chilled. Immediately pour into prepared glasses

Paloma featuring McCormick Gourmet Ancho Chile Pepper

Ingredients 6 Servings
ANCHO-ARBOL SYRUP
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
8 dried chilies de arbol, stemmed and seeded
1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Chile Pepper, Ancho

PALOMA
4 teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt
1/4 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Chile Pepper, Ancho
3 limes, divided
Cracked or crushed ice
2 cups ruby red grapefruit juice
1 cup white tequila
1 cup club soda

Instructions

1. For the Ancho-Arbol Syrup, mix all ingredients in small saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand 2 hours. Strain through double layer of cheesecloth or coffee filters into pitcher. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.

2. Mix sea salt and ancho chile pepper on small plate. Cut 1 of the limes into 8 wedges. Wet outside rims of 6 short beverage glasses with 2 of the lime wedges. Dip glasses into sea salt mixture to coat. Fill glasses with ice.

3. Juice remaining 2 limes. Add to Ancho-Arbol Syrup in pitcher. Stir in grapefruit juice, tequila and club soda. Pour into glasses. Garnish with remaining lime wedges.

Summer Grilled Fruit Sangria With McCormick Cinnamon Sticks

Ingredients 10 Servings
3 seedless oranges
3 limes
Sugar
1 bottle red wine, such as Zinfandel (750 ml)
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur, such as Triple Sec
4 McCormick Cinnamon Sticks
2 cups cold lemon-lime soda
3 cups ice cubes

Instructions

1. Cut ends off oranges and limes then cut fruit crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Dip cut sides of fruit into sugar. Grill fruit slices over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly charred, turning occasionally.

2. Mix wine, orange juice, liqueur, cinnamon sticks and grilled fruit in large pitcher until well blended. Stir in sugar to taste, if desired.

3. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until ready to serve. Just before serving, stir in soda and ice.