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On a hot summer day, when even the idea of stepping outside makes you start to sweat, jumping into a cold pool is just about the best feeling in the world. Better yet? If that pool is also filled with some of your favorite people, and there are plenty of chilled drinks and grilled eats to pass around. That’s right, I’m talking about a pool party—the king of gatherings, the purveyor of floaty toys, and an excellent excuse to eat more popsicles.
This summer, join Allrecipes as we jump off the diving board straight into the deep end with our pool party playbook. Here, we’re sharing some of the best recipes for the occasion, including a garlicky pesto chicken for the grill, and an ingenious ice cream sandwich cake that utilizes store-bought ingredients. Take a lap around the drinks table and learn the trick for the best lemonade, and then freestyle your way to some great hosting tips, including how to keep your cold treats cold for longer. Let’s jump in!
Photographer: Will Dickey / Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Stylist: Joshua Hoggle
Say cheers to Allrecipes’ drink of the summer: The Orange Creamsicle Margarita. Made with vanilla ice cream and orange zest, it’s reminiscent of the kind of treat you’d buy at your local ice cream truck when you were a kid—except it’s boozy!
Get the Recipe: Orange Creamsicle Margarita
Photographer: Will Dickey / Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Stylist: Joshua Hoggle
The demise of every good pool party comes down to one thing: warm drinks. No one wants that! Luckily, Nicole McLaughlin, a supervising culinary producer at Allrecipes, has the best trick for keeping your drinks cold when you’re outside next to the pool—and no, it doesn’t involve buying a fancy cooler.
Read the Story: The 1 Thing Every Pool Party Needs This Summer Is Hiding in the Baby Aisle
Allrecipes / Julia Hartbeck
There are dozens of recipes on Allrecipes that claim to be the “best” steak marinade, but according to Allstar Nikki Russell, the secret to the best steak tacos is actually hiding in your fridge. She’s been using this budget-friendly trick for 25 years, ever since she was invited to a quinceañera and had a taco she said was “love at first bite.”
Read the Story: The 1 Ingredient This Home Cook Swears By for the Best Tacos
Allrecipes / Julia Hartbeck
From ice cream to popsicles, there’s nothing better than a frozen treat during the summer, but keeping them cool can be a challenge. Here, we’ll share the best three ways to store and serve these summer staples.
Read the Story: The Best Way to Keep Frozen Treats Ice-Cold in the Blazing Heat
Photographer: Will Dickey / Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Stylist: Joshua Hoggle
Anyone can make a good burger on the grill. But a great one? That requires some skill and expertise. That’s why we asked some of our favorite chefs to share their insights, and it turns out their number one tip starts with what you actually buy at the grocery store.
Read the Story: I Asked 7 Chefs for the Secret to the Juiciest Grilled Burgers, and They All Said the Same Thing
One of the best ways to stay cool by the pool this summer is with these ultra refreshing frozen watermelon popsicles. You can enjoy this one-ingredient treat as is, or you can get creative with it by dipping the popsicles in melted chocolate or Tajin, or even adding them to a cocktail like an Aperol spritz.
Read the Story: The Lazy-Genius Frozen Treat I’m Eating All Summer Long Is Just 1 Ingredient
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Take your favorite ice cream sandwich to new heights by turning it into a cake! This is the perfect dessert for summer birthdays or gatherings, because it’s quick to put together, easy to customize, and it’s a delicious way to stay cool outside.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
Photographer: Will Dickey / Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Stylist: Joshua Hoggle
Summer isn’t summer without a glass of lemonade in hand, and this year we’re not taking any shortcuts when it comes to the good stuff. Chef John’s secret to the perfect “state fair” lemonade might take a little more time to make, but the results speak for themselves.
Read the Story: This Vintage Lemonade Recipe Is So Good, Fans Say They’ll ‘Never Go Back to Store-Bought Again’
Credits
Editorial: Ariel Knutson, Bridget Olson, Tracey Minkin
Creative: Lindsey Hayes, Grace Martino, Sabrina Tan, Ally Yorke
Photography: Will Dickey, Margaret Monroe Dickey, Joshua Hoggle
Community: Frances Crouter, Mariana Gonzalez, Heather Oldenborg, Cally Rhine, Tori Soliz