Summer is the perfect time to enjoy refreshing cocktails. From fruity concoctions to classic favorites, there are many options to choose from. These drinks can help you cool off and relax during hot weather.
You can find 36 great summer cocktail recipes to try at home or order at a bar. These drinks often use seasonal fruits and lighter spirits. Some popular choices include margaritas, mojitos, and sangria. You’ll also find lesser-known but equally tasty options to expand your drink menu.
The Mojito is a classic summer cocktail that will cool you down on hot days. It’s a refreshing mix of rum, lime juice, sugar, mint, and soda water.
To make a Mojito, muddle fresh mint leaves with sugar in a glass. Add lime juice and white rum, then fill the glass with ice. Top it off with soda water and stir gently.
You can customize your Mojito by using different types of rum or adding fruit like strawberries or watermelon. For a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the rum and add more soda water.
The Mojito’s crisp, minty flavor makes it perfect for sipping by the pool or at a summer barbecue.
The Piña Colada is a tropical delight perfect for summer sipping. This classic cocktail blends rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice for a creamy, fruity taste.
You can easily make a Piña Colada at home. Simply mix the ingredients in a blender with ice for a frozen version, or shake them with ice for a smoother drink.
For a twist, try adding fresh lime juice or a splash of banana liqueur. You can also make a non-alcoholic version by replacing the rum with extra pineapple juice.
Garnish your Piña Colada with a pineapple wedge and cherry for a festive touch. Serve it in a hurricane glass or coconut shell for the full tropical experience.
This fruity cocktail is perfect for hot summer days. You’ll need vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
Fill a shaker with ice and add 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz peach schnapps, 2 oz orange juice, and 2 oz cranberry juice. Shake well until cold.
Strain the mix into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and replace peach schnapps with peach nectar. This tasty drink will make you feel like you’re relaxing on a tropical beach.
The Tequila Sunrise is a classic summer cocktail that’s perfect for sipping by the pool. You’ll love its vibrant layers that mimic a beautiful sunrise.
To make this drink, you’ll need tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. Pour the tequila and orange juice over ice in a tall glass. Then slowly add the grenadine, which will sink to the bottom.
The result is a stunning gradient from red at the bottom to orange at the top. It’s not just pretty to look at – it’s tasty too. The sweet and tart flavors blend perfectly with the smooth tequila.
The Blue Lagoon is a gorgeous summer cocktail that looks like a tropical ocean. It’s easy to make and perfect for hot days.
You’ll need vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade. Mix these ingredients over ice in a tall glass. The blue curaçao gives it a stunning color and citrus flavor.
For extra flair, garnish with a lemon slice and cherry. Some recipes swap lemonade for lemon juice and simple syrup. This creates a tarter drink.
The Blue Lagoon is refreshing and not too strong. It’s great for sipping by the pool or at beach parties. You can easily make a big batch for gatherings.
This fruity cocktail is perfect for hot summer days. You’ll need white rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and strawberries.
Blend frozen strawberries with the other ingredients and ice until smooth. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more simple syrup if needed.
Pour the mixture into a chilled glass. For an extra touch, rim the glass with sugar before pouring. Garnish with a fresh strawberry or lime slice.
You can make a non-alcoholic version by replacing the rum with lemon-lime soda or more strawberries. This version is great for kids and non-drinkers at summer parties.
Sangria is a refreshing Spanish drink perfect for summer gatherings. You can make it with red, white, or rosé wine. Add fresh fruit like oranges, lemons, and berries to the wine.
For extra flavor, mix in some brandy or rum. Let the mixture chill in the fridge for a few hours. This lets the flavors blend together nicely.
When you’re ready to serve, pour the sangria over ice. Top it off with a splash of sparkling water for some fizz. You can garnish each glass with extra fruit slices.
Sangria is easy to customize. Try different fruit combinations or add herbs like mint or basil for a twist.
The Mint Julep is a classic summer cocktail that’s perfect for hot days. You’ll need bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice to make this refreshing drink.
Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar or simple syrup in a julep cup or tall glass. This releases the mint’s oils and flavors.
Add crushed ice to fill the glass. Pour bourbon over the ice and stir gently to combine. Top with more crushed ice if needed.
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve with a short straw. Sip slowly and enjoy the cool, minty flavor mixed with the smooth bourbon.
Rum Punch is a classic summer cocktail that brings the taste of the Caribbean to your glass. This fruity drink blends rum with a mix of tropical juices for a refreshing sip.
To make Rum Punch, you’ll need white or dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and lime juice. Add a splash of grenadine for sweetness and color. Mix the ingredients in a pitcher with ice for easy serving.
Garnish your Rum Punch with fresh fruit slices or a cocktail umbrella for a festive touch. This drink is perfect for beach parties, backyard barbecues, or anytime you want to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation.
The Aperol Spritz is a perfect summer cocktail. It’s easy to make and refreshing to drink. You’ll need Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water.
Mix 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water. Pour over ice in a large wine glass. Add an orange slice for garnish.
The bright orange color makes it eye-catching. Its light, bubbly texture is ideal for hot days. The taste is bittersweet with hints of orange and herbs.
You can customize your Aperol Spritz. Try adding strawberry-infused Aperol for a fruity twist. Or use flavored soda water to change up the flavor profile.
The Paloma is a refreshing summer cocktail that combines tequila and grapefruit. It’s easy to make and perfect for hot days.
To create a Paloma, rim a glass with salt. Mix tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, and lime juice in the glass. Add ice and top with grapefruit soda or club soda.
You can customize your Paloma by using different types of tequila or adding a splash of simple syrup. For extra flavor, try infusing the tequila with jalapeño or adding a sprig of fresh herbs.
Serve your Paloma with a grapefruit wedge garnish. It’s a great choice for backyard parties or relaxing by the pool.
The French 75 is a perfect summer cocktail that brings elegance and refreshment to any occasion. This classic drink combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne for a bubbly, citrusy delight.
To make a French 75, mix gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute. Top it off with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
For a fun twist, try a Rosé 75. Replace the champagne with dry rosé wine for a pretty pink version. You can also experiment with different gins to change up the flavor profile.
The French 75 is great for summer parties or sipping by the pool. Its light, crisp taste is sure to cool you down on hot days.
The Bahama Mama is a tropical cocktail that brings the beach to you. This fruity drink blends rum with fruit juices for a refreshing summer sipper.
To make one, you’ll need dark rum, coconut rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice. Some recipes also add banana liqueur or coffee liqueur for extra flavor.
Mix the ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a tall glass. For a frozen version, blend everything with ice until slushy.
Garnish your Bahama Mama with a pineapple wedge and cherry. The bright colors and tropical flavors will transport you to an island getaway with every sip.
The Frozen Mudslide is a cool, creamy cocktail perfect for hot summer days. It blends vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and vanilla ice cream into a smooth, frosty treat.
To make one, you’ll need a blender. Mix the alcohol and ice cream until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass for best results.
For extra flair, drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before adding the drink. Top with whipped cream and a cherry if you like.
You can adjust the recipe to your taste. Use more ice cream for a thicker drink, or add crushed ice for a slushier texture. For a lighter version, try it on the rocks instead of blended.
The Tom Collins is a classic summer cocktail that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day. It’s simple to make and refreshing to drink.
To mix a Tom Collins, you’ll need gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and club soda. Shake the gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, then strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top it off with club soda and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry for a classic look.
The drink has been popular for over a century. Its crisp, citrusy flavor makes it a great choice for backyard barbecues or lazy afternoons by the pool.
The Singapore Sling is a fruity gin cocktail perfect for summer sipping. It was created in the early 1900s at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
This refreshing drink combines gin, cherry liqueur, and pineapple juice. It also includes lime juice, Cointreau, and a splash of grenadine for extra flavor.
To make a Singapore Sling, shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with club soda for a fizzy finish.
You can garnish your Singapore Sling with a cherry and pineapple slice. It’s great for tropical-themed parties or relaxing on warm evenings.
Planter’s Punch is a classic rum cocktail that brings tropical vibes to your glass. This drink combines dark rum with fruit juices and a touch of sweetness.
To make it, mix rum, pineapple juice, and lime juice in a tall glass filled with ice. Add a splash of grenadine for color and sweetness. Top it off with a dash of bitters for depth.
You can adjust the recipe to your taste. Some versions include orange juice or soda water for extra fizz. Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a cherry for a fun tropical look.
This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days. It’s easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next party.
24. Sea Breeze
The Sea Breeze is a tasty summer cocktail that’s easy to make. It blends vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice for a refreshing drink.
To mix a Sea Breeze, fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in 1.5 ounces of vodka, 3 ounces of cranberry juice, and 1.5 ounces of grapefruit juice.
Stir gently to combine the ingredients. Garnish with a lime wedge if you like. The result is a light, fruity drink perfect for hot days.
You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. Add more cranberry for sweetness or grapefruit for tartness. The Sea Breeze is versatile and fun to customize.
Lynchburg Lemonade is a refreshing summer cocktail named after Jack Daniel’s hometown in Tennessee. You’ll love its perfect blend of whiskey and citrus flavors.
To make it, mix Jack Daniel’s whiskey, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top it off with lemon-lime soda for a fizzy kick. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Garnish your drink with a lemon wedge or wheel for a pretty touch.
This cocktail is easy to make and great for sipping on hot summer days. Its sweet-tart taste and smooth whiskey notes create a balanced drink you’ll want to make again and again.
The Painkiller is a refreshing tropical cocktail that’s perfect for summer. It combines dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut for a smooth, creamy taste.
To make a Painkiller, mix 2 ounces of dark rum with 4 ounces of pineapple juice, 1 ounce of orange juice, and 1 ounce of cream of coconut. Shake well with ice and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish your drink with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg on top. You can adjust the rum amount to your liking, typically between 2-4 ounces. The Painkiller originated in the British Virgin Islands and has become a popular tiki bar staple.
The Cuba Libre is a simple yet refreshing summer cocktail. You’ll need just three ingredients to make this classic drink: rum, cola, and lime juice.
To make a Cuba Libre, fill a tall glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of light rum and squeeze in the juice of half a lime. Top it off with cola and give it a gentle stir.
The lime adds a tangy zing that balances the sweetness of the cola. For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled.
You can customize your Cuba Libre by trying different types of rum. While light rum is traditional, some people enjoy using spiced rum for a twist on the classic recipe.
A frozen peach bellini is a cool twist on the classic Italian cocktail. You can make it easily with just a few ingredients.
Blend frozen peaches with prosecco or sparkling wine until smooth. This creates a slushy texture without watering down the drink.
Some recipes add a splash of peach schnapps for extra flavor. Others include grenadine for a pop of color.
This frosty drink is perfect for hot summer days. It’s also great for brunches or parties. You can make a big batch ahead of time and keep it in the freezer.
Try garnishing with a fresh peach slice or mint leaf for a fancy touch. Serve in chilled glasses for the best experience.
The Zombie cocktail packs a powerful punch with its mix of rums and fruity flavors. This tiki drink originated in the 1930s and remains a summer favorite.
To make a Zombie, you’ll need light rum, dark rum, and 151-proof rum. Add pineapple juice, lime juice, and a splash of grenadine for sweetness and color.
Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a tall glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry for a tropical touch.
Be careful when sipping this potent cocktail – its name comes from its ability to leave you feeling a bit zombie-like if you drink too many!
This cocktail is a fresh and fruity summer drink. It blends strawberries, vodka, lemon juice, and honey syrup. The mix creates a sweet and tart flavor that’s perfect for hot days.
You can enjoy Strawberry Fields at outdoor parties or backyard gatherings. It’s light and refreshing, making it great for sipping by the pool or at a picnic.
To make it, muddle fresh strawberries with the other ingredients. Shake well with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a strawberry slice or mint leaf for a pretty touch.
This drink is versatile and can work for different occasions. Try it for brunch, as an afternoon treat, or even as a liquid dessert after dinner.
The Blood Orange Margarita is a vibrant twist on the classic cocktail. It adds a pop of color and unique flavor to your summer drink lineup.
To make this refreshing cocktail, you’ll need tequila, orange liqueur, blood orange juice, and lime juice. Rim a glass with salt for that classic margarita touch.
Shake all the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of Campari. This gives the drink a slightly bitter edge that complements the sweet-tart blood orange.
Garnish your Blood Orange Margarita with a slice of blood orange. The deep red hue makes for a stunning presentation.
The Blackberry Smash is a refreshing summer cocktail that’s easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors. You’ll love its vibrant color and fruity taste.
To create this drink, muddle fresh blackberries with mint leaves in a glass. Add your choice of liquor – rum or bourbon work well. Pour in some ginger beer for fizz and sweetness.
Stir gently and garnish with more blackberries and mint. The result is a cool, fruity beverage perfect for hot days. It’s ideal for backyard parties or relaxing on the porch.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding simple syrup if desired. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the liquor and enjoy a refreshing blackberry mocktail.
Spiked lemonade is a perfect summer cocktail. You can make it easily by adding vodka to your favorite lemonade. Mix 8 oz of lemonade with 2 oz of vodka in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a glass. For extra flavor, add a splash of limoncello. You can also use gin instead of vodka for a different twist.
To make it fancy, rim your glass with sugar. Cut a lemon wedge and run it around the rim. Then dip the rim in sugar. This adds a sweet touch to each sip.
The Tropical Itch is a refreshing summer cocktail that packs a punch. Created in 1957 by Harry Yee in Waikiki, this drink combines multiple spirits for a boozy treat.
To make a Tropical Itch, you’ll need light rum, dark rum, bourbon, and passion fruit juice. Add orange juice, pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine for extra flavor.
Mix the ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a tall glass. For the finishing touch, float some dark rum on top and add a dash of bitters.
This cocktail is perfect for sipping by the pool or at a beach party. Its fruity flavors will transport you to a tropical paradise.
The Melon Ball is a refreshing summer cocktail that combines sweet and fruity flavors. It’s easy to make and perfect for hot days.
To create this drink, you’ll need Midori melon liqueur, vodka, and fruit juice. Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Pour the chilled mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. For extra flair, garnish with a melon ball or cherry on a cocktail pick.
The Melon Ball has a vibrant green color that catches the eye. Its taste is sweet and light, making it a crowd-pleaser at parties.
You can adjust the recipe to your liking. Try using different fruit juices like pineapple or orange to change up the flavor.
Understanding Summer Cocktails
Summer cocktails cool you down and refresh you on hot days. They use light, fruity flavors and plenty of ice to quench your thirst.
The Science of Refreshment
Cold drinks cool your body faster than room temperature ones. Ice chills the liquid and provides extra coolness as it melts. Carbonation in mixers like tonic water or soda adds a fizzy sensation that feels refreshing.
Citrus fruits like lemons and limes are popular in summer drinks. Their acidity stimulates saliva production, which helps fight thirst. Mint leaves give a cooling effect by triggering cold-sensitive nerves in your mouth.
Sugar balances out sour and bitter flavors. It also helps your body absorb water more quickly. But too much can make you thirstier, so many recipes use just a touch of sweetness.
Popular Ingredients
Rum, vodka, and gin are common bases for summer cocktails. These clear spirits mix well with fruity flavors without overpowering them.
Fresh fruit juices add natural sweetness and vitamins. Pineapple, watermelon, and peach are summer favorites. Berries like strawberries or raspberries give bright colors and tart flavors.
Herbs bring complexity to drinks. Basil pairs well with strawberries, while rosemary complements citrus. Cucumber slices add a crisp, cooling element to gin-based cocktails.
Frozen versions of classic drinks are perfect for very hot days. Blending cocktails with ice creates a slushy texture that stays cold longer.
Creating the Perfect Summer Cocktail
A great summer cocktail balances flavors and looks appealing. You’ll want to mix refreshing ingredients and add eye-catching garnishes. Let’s explore how to craft delicious drinks for hot weather.
Balancing Flavors
Start with a base spirit like vodka, gin, or rum. Add fresh fruit juices for sweetness and acidity. Lemon, lime, and grapefruit work well. Use simple syrup to balance tartness.
Mix in herbs like mint or basil for depth. A splash of soda water adds fizz. Taste as you go and adjust.
Try unexpected pairings. Watermelon and basil or cucumber and gin can be tasty. Don’t overdo strong flavors. You want a light, drinkable cocktail.
Chill your ingredients beforehand. This helps the drink stay cold longer.
Garnishing Techniques
Garnishes add flair and aroma to your drink. Use fresh fruit slices, herbs, or edible flowers. Citrus wheels, berries, and mint sprigs are classic choices.
Rim your glass with sugar or salt for extra flavor. Dip the rim in water, then the seasoning. Let it dry before pouring.
Get creative with ice. Use large cubes or spheres to slow melting. Freeze fruit or herbs into ice for a pretty effect.
Try a flavored sugar or salt rim. Mix sugar with lime zest or salt with chili powder. These small touches make your drink stand out.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
