Our version of this classic cocktail begins with the muddling of fresh lime juice, a few sprigs of fresh mint, cucumber and spritz of lavender. Top it off with ice, 2 ounces of Cruzan White Rum, and some club soda and you have one of the most refreshing libations anywhere.

Cucumber-and-Lavender Mojito 

• 2 oz Cruzan Light Rum
• 1 oz Fresh squeezed Lime Juice
• 4 Sprigs of mint
• 2 oz Club Soda
• Lavender infused Rock candy syrup
• Cucumber slices

Dave likes cucumbers. Dave likes shallots. Dave likes garlic. Read on for a recipe that combines Dave's three likes.

• Mix 3 tbs. of white or rice vinegar
• 3 tbs. of sugar
• 1/2 tsp. of salt with 1 thinly sliced, peeled, and de-seeded cucumber
• 1 sliced shallot
• 1 crushed garlic clove

If you've ever had to answer the question: what the heck do I do with a 30-pound watermelon when it's not the Fourth of July or another holiday where I'm going to have 10 people to help me eat it? Here's a great recipe for a salad that adds the tartness of onion and basil and the creaminess of goat or feta cheese to the sweetness of the watermelon. Yum.

Put a large slice of salted watermelon on a plate, then top with some red onion, goat cheese, basil (I used a little of both lemon and Italian basil) and drizzle with balsamic vinegar and, voila, you’ve got a yummy salad.

There are a lot of variations on this salad. I’ve seen recipes that use lime, other citrus, mint, feta cheese. All are yummy so your favorites will depend on your tastes and, if you’re like me, what you’ve got in the house. 

If you're not into the stacking concept, you can also chop the ingredients and put them in a bowl. Just make sure you get the watermelon, onion, cheese and basil combined into each bite because . . . well, yum. 

John's Watermelon Margarita recipe

1 part tequila

1 part fresh-squeezed lime

3 parts fresh watermelon (with seeds removed)

Mix in a blender with a lot of ice and you’ve got a simple frothy drink without all the sugar of a regular margarita.