Summer may officially begin on the solstice, the longest day of the year, but the unofficial start to the season is the long Memorial Day weekend, when many home cooks dust off their grills, hose off their picnic tables and declare that cookout season begun. Here are our best Memorial Day recipes, from side dishes to desserts and everything in between.
Dips and Appetizers
Greek goddess dip.CreditAndrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Every summer needs a signature cocktail. A Paloma, made with just tequila and grapefruit soda, is an easy and refreshing candidate. A Tom Collins is a tad more work — you need simple syrup — but the lightly sweet and fizzy gin and lemon cocktail is, to this writer, the ideal summer drink. (Careful, though: It packs a punch.) Margaritas, single or batch servings, never go out of style. And sangria: Try traditional, rosé or strawberry-peach. Teetotalers shouldn’t miss out on the fun. Here are plenty of nonalcoholic drinks to keep you hydrated and in good spirits.
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