Favorite Summer Cocktails -- Thrifty Thursdays

Going out for cocktails has to be one of the first luxuries left out in difficult financial times, and no wonder, the markup on cocktails at bars and restaurants is astronomical. But don't forgo cocktails, just invite some friends over and make your own instead. You'll save a ton and still have a fabulous summer time. Below are some of my favorite fruity, frozen and refreshing summer cocktails. You'll pay upward for $7.00 to $10.00 a drink for these (at least where I live in Los Angeles). they cost a fraction of that to make at home.

Favorite Summer Cocktail Recipes

• Mojito Cocktail -- If you haven't tried Mojitos before, you're in a for a treat -- rum lime and mint make a refreshing drink.
  
• Mojitos by the Pitcher --Same as above but enough for a crowd.
  
• Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris (pictured top of this post) -- This fruity frozen version is probably the most popular of all this drink's many incarnations.
• Lime Doo Doo Cocktail - A refreshing summer cocktail made with rum or vodka. You'll just have to click to learn where the name comes from.
• Elizabeth Faulkner's Shagadelic Cocktail (pictured right) -- When this taxi-yellow drink in a martini glass rimmed with coconut comes your way, it almost seems to be showing off.
• Strawberry or Banana Daiquiris -- This classic cocktail can be made either way or try it with both banana and strawberries.
• Caribbean Rum Punch -- This recipe serves a crowd. So get all your friends together and enjoy!
• Brazillian Rum Cocktail -- Caipirinha -- Who can't resist rum and lime - Brazil's signature cocktail?
• Watermelon and Coconut Rum Margarita -- This refreshing summer cocktail was developed by Chef Harry Schwart.
• Planter's Punch Cocktail -- This potent classic is sweet and fruity, perfect for brunches or summer parties.
• Spiked Frozen Lemon or Lime Ade --
  
• Tropical Tequila Punch -- The flavor of this punch improves with age. It will keep several days in the refrigerator, making it the ultimate alcoholic fruit punch.
• Hurricane Cocktail -- This New Orleans favorite drink recipe contains a tantalizing potent mixture of rums and fruit juices.
• Trader Vic's Molokai Mike Cocktail (pictured bottom of this post) -- Recreating this two-tone Trader Vic's specialty at home is surprisingly easy.

Thrifty Thursdays is a blog event created by my fried Amanda Formaro from Amanda's Cookin' blog. I've agreed to participate, so look for a frugal themed post here each Thursday. In addition to reading my posts, be sure to visit Amanda's blog for a round-up of all the thrifty home and cooking tips and recipes that came in this week from folks around the blogosphere.