Perfect Summer Party Treats: Dessert with a Twist

Not long ago, we offered some great recipes for original summer barbeque cocktails. In case you’ve tired of those by now – or are still looking for something different – here’s another truly unique summer party idea: spike the dessert, rather than the punch. We’ve scoured the Internet to find the best summertime dessert recipes to serve your guests, all with a cocktail twist. Bonus: each is super easy to make. Check ‘em out, serve and watch your friends enjoy!

Grilled Peaches with Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream

This recipe combines two favorite summer foods: fruit and grilled anything. Perfect to throw on the grill once the hamburgers and hotdogs have been served.

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon bourbon
6 peaches, halved (with pitts removed)
olive oil

Whip the cream in an electric mixer, adding the sugar, vanilla, and bourbon as it starts to thicken. Continue whipping until soft peaks form, about 4 or 5 minutes. Refrigerate.

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush a very light layer of olive oil on the cut side of each peach half. Put the peaches face down on the pan, then cover with a medium sauce pan turned upside-down to create a dome over the peaches. Our sauce pan covered about 4 peaches, so you can cook them in batches depending on how big your grill pan and sauce pan are.

Cook peaches for about 6 to 8 minutes, until there are distinct grill marks and the peaches feel warmed through and slightly softened. Remove from pan (they may stick a tiny bit), flip over, and top with a big dollop of whipped cream. Serves up to 12. {The Kitchn}

Margarita Snow Cones

This is perhaps the most fun recipe on the list. Snow cones are the ultimate summer treat, and with a little something added, they can be a perfect barbeque delight.

3 ounces tequila
1 ounce triple sec
3 ounces sour mix
Dash of lemon or lime juice
Salt or sugar to rim the glass, if desired
2 cups shaved ice
4 lime wedges for garnish

Chill 2 margarita or wineglasses in the refrigerator. Pour tequila, triple sec, sour mix and lemon or lime juice into a cocktail shaker. Shake well. Dip the rim of a margarita glass into salt or sugar, if desired. Pack about 1 cup shaved ice into the margarita glass or wineglass. Drizzle each cone equally with margarita mixture. Garnish with lime.

Makes 2 servings. {The Arizona Republic}

Peach Amaretto Sundaes

We know – peaches again? Two times in one list? But they’re just so darn delicious! This dessert is a bit more sophisticated than the last for more formal parties.

2 pints vanilla ice cream, softened slightly
5 tablespoons amaretto
2 tablespoons brandy
6 ripe peaches, peeled if desired, pitted, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup crushed amaretti cookies
mint leaves for decoration (optional)

Combine ice cream, 3 tablespoons amaretto and 1 tablespoon brandy in large bowl. Stir to blend well. Cover and freeze until firm. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Keep ice cream mixture frozen.)

Combine peaches, sugar, remaining 2 tablespoons amaretto and remaining 1 tablespoon brandy in another large bowl. Toss to coat. Let peach mixture stand until sugar dissolves, tossing occasionally, about 15 minutes.

Divide sliced peaches among 6 dessert bowls or wineglasses. Spoon vanilla ice cream mixture atop peaches. Sprinkle desserts with crushed amaretti cookies. Decorate with  mint  Serve immediately. Serves 6. {Lindaraxa’s Garden}

Spiked Watermelon

This one is the easiest of all, and what screams summer more than watermelon?

1 large, ripe watermelon

2 cups amber rum

Cut a hole 2 1/2 inches wide and 2 inches deep in the watermelon rind.
Pour rum through hole and replace rind.
Chill 24 hours.
Serve ice-cold slices. {iFood}






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