Few things, if any, compare to the simple pleasures found from a lazy afternoon spent on the beach. That feeling of digging your heels into the sand, the sun kissing your nose and resting a trashy novel against your chest to take a swig of that fruity, frozen drink — it’s nothing short of pure bliss.

Whether you're living the life on vacay, at home missing the beach or can’t carve out the time to make it down to paradise this year — I'm here to bring those easy, breezy beach vibes to you. Introducing, the must-know makings that will make your booze taste like vacation.

Coconut

Harness the smooth, coconut flavor through coconut-flavored seltzer water, or pack a punch with flavored liquor. (Coconut rum is a personal favorite!) The classic pina colada proves that coconut and pineapple are a match made in heaven. Looking for a lighter libation? Our big-batch coconut-lime vodka soda is just the refreshing, fizz fix you need.

Make It: Lime in the Coconut Cocktail

Pineapple

Pineapple and coconut is great (read: amazing) but pineapple and mint? You’re going to love it. Combine pineapple with fresh mint, soda water and rum, then prepare for all the paradise feels.

Make It: Pineapple Mojito

Mango

Mango + tequila = you’re good to go. Well, almost. Blend frozen mango with ice, light tequila and fresh, squeezed lime juice for a glorious slush-like drink. Mango also tastes amazing when paired with mint, raspberries or ultra-spicy jalapenos. Think you can handle the heat?

Make It: Spicy Coconut Mango-rita

Salt

Get it, because saltwater? Use salt on the rim of your beached-up booze concoction for seaside vibes. It’s a must for margaritas and Bloody Mary's and ups the ante for just about any tequila cocktail you can dream of. Pro tip: Use just a dash here and there to balance out the sweetness of sugary summer drinks.

Grapefruit

Paloma is pretty much synonymous with paradise, no? Grapefruit rocks my world, guys. Use it with tequila and soda for a Paloma, or pair it with vodka and cranberry for a sea breeze. Our virgin grapefruit mojito recipe combines this citrus superstar with torn mint leaves, agave syrup and soda — all that’s missing is a splash of your favorite rum.

Get the Recipe: Virgin Grapefruit Mojito

Mint

Keep things fresh and feisty for summer with a mint-clad mojito. Start off with your go-to summer rum. Achieve that beachy taste by pairing fresh-muddled mint with chunks of tropical mango or pineapple. Coconut, lime and grapefruit are additives that are sure to satisfy, too.

Lime

Squeeze fresh lime into a light beer for a laid-back libation, or pair it with passionfruit juice and a clear rum for a cocktail that transports you to a sand-surrounded beach towel. One word: YUM.

Cucumber

Cucumber offers that same refreshing element of mint, making it an ideal ingredient for warm-weather cocktails. This veggie makes magic with vodka and gin alike, but we’re partial to pairing it with tequila for beach-ready booze. A recipe not to be overlooked? Springtime in Baha. It combines cucumber with jalapeno, lime and cilantro for a cocktail that transports you to a much happier, sunnier, somewhat buzzed place.

Make It: Springtime in Baha

Tomato Juice

If you didn’t order a Bloody Mary, did you even make it to the beach? I think not. Jazz up that plain tomato juice with our Bloody Mary cocktail recipe. You’re welcome.

Make It: Oyster Bar Bloody Mary