We’re huge fans of hosting cocktail parties with hearty finger food ^[1] that, when consumed all at once, is equal to a full meal. Summer provides a particularly great backdrop for this type of event: people leave work earlier, it stays light out until late, and once it gets hot, we find ourselves more easily satisfied by a series of delicious bites instead of a heavy three-course meal.

If your friends haven’t yet started jetting out of town for the weekend, host a cocktail party on a summer Friday in place of the requisite happy hour. If you have a terrace or rooftop at your disposal, great. But if not, this menu will keep your apartment cool enough-the pulled chicken and pesto shrimp lollipops can be made in advance, and everything can be served at room temperature. Grab a glass of Vodka Lemonade with Basil and Mint, and you’ll be saying TGI-Summer.

Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta ^[2]

Pesto Shrimp Lollipops ^[3]

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Onions ^[4]

Green Market Crudités with Lemon-Paprika Aioli ^[5]

Vodka Lemonade with Basil and Mint ^[6]