Easy cocktail recipes: Libations to kick off the Memorial Day weekend

When you start grilling this weekend, you’ll need some cool libations to keep the party going. And we’re not just talking beer. Here are three simple cocktail recipes to try now:

Ward 8: Sometimes, nothing but rye will do. The Ward 8 is simple cocktail made with ice cold rye, lemon juice, orange juice and grenadine. Don’t forget to serve with a twist.

Blueberry martini jello shots: Nothing says a party like jello shots. But these aren’t the shots co-eds pass around at a fraternity party. Blueberry vodka is paired with fresh blueberries, simple syrup and gelatin for these delectable, edible cocktails.

Ruby red grapefruit margaritas: Nothing cools you down, and satisfies like a margarita. Our version incorporates sweet ruby red grapefruit juice, a squeeze of lime and a coarse salt rim.

BLUEBERRY MARTINI JELLO SHOTS

Total time: 25 minutes, plus overnight chilling | Makes about 35 (1/2-ounce) cocktails

10 1/2 ounces Stoli Blueberry vodka

2 ounces simple syrup

14 sheets of gelatin

About 35 fresh blueberries

Step 1: Off heat, combine the vodka and simple syrup in a small saucepan. Add the gelatin sheets one at a time to the vodka mixture, breaking up the sheets if necessary so that they can be completely submerged. Allow the gelatin to sit in the vodka mixture until it is soft and pliable, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: When the gelatin is soft, heat the saucepan over low heat, stirring, until the gelatin is dissolved and incorporated into the vodka mixture, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3: Check the contents of the pan; if there are any flecks of gelatin that have not dissolved, strain the mixture to remove any solid particles. Place a blueberry in the bottom of each individual cocktail mold, and carefully pour the vodka mixture into each mold. Refrigerate the molds until set, preferably overnight. These cocktails will keep, refrigerated, for as long as 2 days.

Each serving: 33 calories; 2 grams protein; 1 gram carbohydrate; 0 fiber; 0 fat; 0 cholesterol; 6 mg. sodium