There’s nothing quite like summer time

Those warm, sun-drenched months of the calendar where you can slow down for a minute. Sit back and relax with family and friends. And share in some good conversation, delicious dishes and, of course, a few wonderfully crisp and refreshing drinks.

It’s the time of year for entertaining. Summer entertaining!

A chance to try your hand at some new and classic summer recipes, have some guests around, and make some unforgettable memories over a plate of decadent flavours, a cold cocktail, and maybe some ice cream to top it all off. Summer entertaining is in session.

Your guide to summer dinner party ideas

To help you kick start this year’s summer entertaining sessions, Pampelle has thrown together a simple and easy digest on everything from meals and ingredients to quick and tasty drink recipes that will get everyone one in the fun and festive mood.

Summer dinner party drink ideas

Drinks, anyone?

The day has finally arrived and your guests start rolling in. What better way to kick off the evening than with a fair few perspiring glasses filled with ice, offering a choice selection of some classic summer cocktails.

Pampelle Rosé

When it comes to summer cocktails, Rosé is nothing if not a crowd favourite. It’s glistening pink aesthetic and versatile flavours make it a superb choice to ring those balmy summer days.

How to make:

Mix one part Pampelle Grapefruit Aperitif, 2 parts dry rosé and top up with soda water over a tall glass of ice. Garnish with a slice of Ruby Red Grapefruit for a simply delicious cocktail experience.

Pampelle Spritz

It’s no secret that spritz cocktails are traditionally made with a particular Italian bitters aperitif. But why not wow some taste buds at your dinner party with a recipe that’s a little more unique?

How to make:

For a new take on a classic cocktail, try your hand at the Pampelle Spritz. In a large wine glass simply add two parts Pampelle Grapefruit Aperitif, three parts Prosecco, one part soda water, give it a light stir and garnish with a wedge of Ruby Red Grapefruit.

Voilà! A refreshingly new twist on a classic recipe, bursting with Pampelle’s signature blend of natural botanicals and bittersweet essences.

Pampelle Negroni

Yet another delicious favourite from the ranks of legacy cocktails, the negroni has been a popular go-to since it first came on the scene some hundred years ago. But if you’re really going to impress this summer, then why not bring the negroni into the modern era with a recipe that’s a little different?

How to make:

Introducing the Pampelle Negroni, a new take on an old negroni recipe. Simply build equal parts Pampelle Grapefruit Aperitif, gin, and vermouth over a rocks glass filled with ice. And, of course, garnish with a swathe of Ruby Red Grapefruit peel.

The result is a delicious taste sensation unlike any other negroni you may have tried before, bustling with citrus tones, natural botanicals and bittersweet flavours.

Summer dinner party food ideas

For Starters

Get the ball rolling with something light to start.

A hearty share dish like a Mediterranean Chickpea salad, fresh and glossy with lemon-parsley vinaigrette over a base of cucumber, bell peppers, red onions, kalamata olives, salt and pepper, and crumbling feta cheese.

Serve up some exceptionally delicious bite-sized recipes like:

  • Arancini balls
  • Meat or Vegetable Gyoza
  • Connecticut-Style Lobster Rolls
  • Champagne-Battered Zucchini Flowers
  • Fried Squid with Garlic and Parsley

Or even the tried-and-true Tomato Bruschetta.

The Main Course

The main event of a summer dinner should be a dish that will give your guests something to remember. Something grand and succulent, delicious with fresh, perfectly cooked ingredients, be it grilled, roasted or anything in between.

Treat the party to an eye-catching meat spectacle:

  • Smokey Pulled Lamb with Slaw and Pickles
  • Grilled Pork Ribs with Gochujang BBQ Sauce
  • Beef and pasta salad with
  • Roasted Coq Au Vin Blanc

Put some seafood on the menu with:

  • Barbecued Salmon with Asian Slaw
  • Perfect Baked Cod
  • Grilled Swordfish with Hazelnut Miso Sauce
  • Mussels with Tomato and Garlic Broth

Or even try for something a bit more casual:

  • Chicken Tacos
  • Beef Burgers
  • Shrimp Alfredo
  • Eggplant Parmigiana

And for Dessert?

No dinner party is complete without that sweet final meal. Why not round off the summer evening with one or two recipes that will have everybody completely and utterly satisfied.

Why not whip up some desserts that take full advantage of summer’s seasonal fruits?

  • Berries and Chocolate Brownie Trifle
  • Apple and Ricotta Slice
  • Pavlova
  • Homemade Strawberry Cake
  • Banana Split Lasagna
  • Blackberry Cobbler (topped with ice cream)
  • Neapolitan Cupcakes

The List goes on.