Too many alfresco summer parties revolve around a case of Corona, a few limes, and a bag of Tostitos. Which can be fine — once. But outdoor soirees are a chance to get imaginative with your bar selections, your decor, even your party theme.

Go beyond basic candles, hurricane lamps, or last year’s white Christmas lights and experiment with paper lanterns in varying shades of a single color. Or try rechargeable table lamps that offer a soft glow and stay lit on breezy, starlit nights.

We asked five mixologists to share their favorite summer cocktail recipes, and then our overactive imaginations dreamt up five party themes based around those boozy concoctions.

We also came up with everything from music playlists to set the mood, to a movie to show inside just in case the mosquitos start making life unbearable. Now all you need to do is get busy with those cocktail shakers.

— Christopher Muther, Globe Staff