From BBQs to beach parties, there's no shortage of reasons to mix up a delicious cocktail this summer. Being the bartender of the group proves to be an invaluable skill for warm weather entertaining, but Pinnacle Vodka knows that not everyone has quite mastered the perfect pour ~ or cocktail for that matter!

Starting this summer, Pinnacle Vodka is coming to the rescue to help overcome entertaining challenges like this one with the "Life Skills of the Highly Entertained" series. In the first installment, the experts at Pinnacle will show you how with tips and tricks along with some simple recipes to help avoid a cocktail fail and become a master in mixology.

Choose Ingredients Wisely ~ Start with a high-quality spirit like Pinnacle. It's distilled five times for an incredibly clean, smooth taste. As your base, fresh fruits and juices can help elevate any cocktail ~ treat your guests to freshly squeezed and premium ingredients to create a Pineapple Punch, and they'll notice the difference for sure!

Master The Muddle ~ When adding herbs and fruit to the bottom of the Everblooming Fizz, treat ingredients differently for maximum flavor. Delicate muddling for leaves and herbs, a bit more muscle in your muddling for fruits and vegetables. Muddling up some great cocktails makes for extremely happy guests!

Stir Things Up ~ While shaking up a drink can be fun, that doesn't mean you should do it with every recipe. Our Moscow Mule should be stirred because too much shaking creates foam, which can "water down" the overall recipe or change the drink's flavor profile.

Pinnacle Punch

• 3 parts Pinnacle Original Vodka
• 1 park JDK and Sons Rogue Liqueur
• 1 part fresh pineapple juice
• Grilled pineapple wedge for garnish
• Cherry for garnish
• Apple slice for garnish

Preparation: Shake with ice and pour into glass. Garnish with grilled pineapple wedge, cherry, and apple slice.

Everyblooming Fizz

• 2 parts Pinnacle Original Vodka
• 1/2 part JDK and Sons Fleur Elderflower Liqueur
• 1/2 part agave nectar
• 1/2 part fresh lime juice
• Splash of ginger beer
• Fresh sprig cilantro for garnish
• Cucumber for garnish

Preparation: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 3 thin slices of fresh cucumber and 2 sprigs cilantro. Add the vodka, elderflower liqueur, agave nectar, and lime juice. Shake and strain into an ice-filled glass. Top with soda water or ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro wrapped with a thin slice of fresh cucumber.

Moscow Mule

• 2 parts Pinnacle Original Vodka
• 1 part fresh lime juice
• 4 parts ginger beer
• Lime wedge for garnish

Preparation: Serve over crushed ice in a copper mug and garnish with a lime wedge.