Spectacular Summer Recipes for your Staycation

This is a sponsored guest post about Spectacular Summer Recipes for Your Staycation written for Redhead Mom.

Ah, summer… That time of long days, warm nights, and shared memories that can last a lifetime. But if you’ve planned a vacation lately, you know just how expensive those memories can be. If you’ve got the itch for new adventures but your bank account is quietly weeping at the thought, try a staycation. Finding adventures in your own backyard can salvage your summer budget without forcing you to miss out on treasured family moments.

These simple recipes can add some spice into your usual routine and make this one a summer to remember.

Recipe #1: The Staycation Cocktail (or Mocktail!)

Perfect for: When the kids are in bed—or you need a poolside/sprinkler-side break. When it comes to classic drinks that can whisk you away to paradise, you’ve got three classic options. Get yourself a Black 5″ Cocktail Stirrer that you can use in any type of cocktail you will create this summer. (Leave out the booze for a headache-free getaway.)

The Pina Colada

• 1 part coconut cream
• 1 part light or white rum
• 2 parts pineapple juice
• Ice

Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth. For bonus island points, use coconut rum and serve in a hurricane glass with an umbrella.

The Mai Tai

• 1 part dark rum
• 1 part amber or coconut rum
• 2 parts orange juice
• 1 part fresh lime juice
• 1 splash Grenadine
• Ice

Combine all ingredients and shake to combine. Pour into your favorite glass and serve.

The Mojito

• Mint leaves, for crushing
• 2 parts white rum
• 1 part fresh lime juice
• 1 part simple syrup
• 1⁄2 part club soda
• Ice

Muddle mint leaves, add ice and liquids, and shake to combine. Strain into a tall glass and serve over ice.

Recipe #2: Kitchen S’Mores

Perfect for: Getting a true taste of summer.

What’s your most nostalgic summer memory? Does it involve roasting s’mores over a sizzling campfire? You can give your kids (and yourself) the same experience at home with a gas range or a baking torch.

You’ll Need:

• 1 Graham Cracker, split in half
• 1 marshmallow
• 1 block of chocolate

And because you’re home, you have the option to get creative with different types of chocolate, flavored syrups for your marshmallows or crazy toppings. Remember, when you’re on vacation, you make the rules!

To take it up a notch, grab your camping chairs and even a tent and set up camp in the backyard. (Pro tip: When you wake up in the morning, your showers and indoor plumbing will be steps away! Now that’s what I call “glamping.”)

Recipe #3: The Vacation Feast

Just because you’re staycationing doesn’t mean you have to eat the same routine foods as usual. Take the opportunity to explore new tastes and take your dinners up a notch. Get something interesting that offers variety like an additive free canned meat variety pack, and see if you find new things that you really really like.

Daydreaming of Italy? You can find freshly-made pasta and next-level sauces at your local grocery store to recreate a night in Rome at your own table. If you’re wishing you were in Hawaii, try picking up some Hawaiian barbecue and hosting a luau in your kitchen. Feeling Parisian? Fresh croissants for breakfast!

Summer doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and the memories you make—even at home—can be some of the best you ever have. If you’ve never staycationed before, you need to try it this season.

Which of these recipes is your favorite?