It's that time of year again. The time of year when we come out of our hibernation and clean off the outdoor furniture, wipe off the grill, and invite our friends over for drinks, food and fun! I'm not much of a mixed drinks person myself, but when the weather warms sometimes a fun, fruity, refreshing drink fits the bill. Whether you are inviting guests over at the end of the day with light appetizers, for dinner or brunch, you'll want to offer something fun that is reflective of the season and our beautiful weather. Real Simple has chosen The Best Cocktail Mixes. There are some fabulous ones out there and I have found that these are cost and time effective.

Dave’s Gourmet’s Original Bloody Mary gets its serious heat from cayenne and horseradish. Celery seed and clam juice—a classic addition—provide richness and depth.
To buy: $7 for 32 ounces, davesgourmet.com

Runner up: Mr T's Bloody Mary Mix available most grocery stores

Next book-club night, treat everyone to Freshies Cosmopolitan Martini, a just-tart-enough cranberry blend. Mix it with lemon-infused liquor for extra zing.
To buy: $8.25 for 32 ounces, shop.freshies.com and at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores.

Best Margarita

Most bottled citrus tastes metallic, but not the amazing Williams-Sonoma Lemon Lime, which bursts with refreshing, juicy fruit. A splurge, yes, but cheaper than a ticket to Cabo.
To buy: $14 for 32 ounces, at Williams-Sonoma stores.

Best Mojito

Put down the muddler. Made with mint leaves, sugar-cane juice, and limes, the stylishly packaged Purista Mojito has a supremely fresh taste.
To buy: $10 for 25.4 ounces, puristacocktails.com to order or for store locations.
Runner Up: Stirrings Mojito Mix, available at most grocery stores

Best Piña Colada

"If you like piña coladas and the feel of the rain"
You’ll love Roland’s, a frothy, creamy fusion of sweet pineapple and buttery coconut. Paper umbrella optional.
To buy: $2.50 for 12 ounces, at supermarkets.

Best Fruity Martini

It may look and taste like candy (mmm, Jolly Ranchers), but each glowing green bottle of Stirrings Simple Apple Martini is made with nearly six pounds of apples. You’ll savor the sweet and sour pucker.
To buy: $9 for 32 ounces, stirrings.com and at Whole Foods Markets.

Since it is the time of year of impromptu get-togethers you might want to double-deck that you have a well stocked pantry (and fridge and freezer). Some of my favorite staples:

In the fridge:

Assorted cheeses, including soft, semi-soft and hard
Assorted olives
A nice hard salami or pate
Assorted vegetables for crudite: peppers, carrots, celery
Assorted fruit for cheese platter including: apples, pears, strawberries and grapes
Your favorite dip or salad dressing for crudites
Lemons, limes for cocktail garnish

In the freezer:

Pastry sheets or pastry cups to quickly put together some last minute hors d'oeuvres
Good French bread that can be turned into toasts for crostini or brushette
Your favorite frozen appetizers
A good bottle of vodka

Plenty of ice cubes
Frozen fruit such as raspberries to garnish cocktails

Pantry:

Bread sticks
Your favorite crackers
Assorted nuts
Pretzels
Pretty paper plates and napkins

If you have these, and only these items you will still have plenty to host a last minute get-together!

Do you have any tips for impromptu get togethers?

Collars up and get your drinks on!