27 of the Best Summer Cocktails

Summer Vodka Drinks

After first knocking out a batch of simple basil syrup, this cocktail recipe calls for vodka, lime juice, seltzer water, and fresh basil leaves for the garnish. 

Combine the liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, give it a good shake, and serve in a Collins or a highball glass.

For many, strawberries are the quintessential summer fruit, and when combined in this recipe with vodka and fresh mint leaves, they help create a superb summer cocktail. 

As well as the strawberries, vodka, and mint leaves, you’ll need freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup, and club soda.

The ultimate 1980s summer vacation drink! If you want to channel your inner Tom Cruise, grab hold of some vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. 

Simply combine the ingredients in a glass filled with ice cubes, and garnish with an orange slice and cherries.

Best Rum Drinks for Summer

This Cuban cocktail recipe has gained popularity in recent years, and its fresh mint flavor results in a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for a hot summer’s evening. 

To make a batch of mojitos, gently muddle simple syrup and two sprigs of mint in a cocktail shaker, then add the rum and lime juice, followed by a few ice cubes. Strain into a Collins glass filled with more ice, and top off with the club soda.

With its vibrant blue color and deliciously fruity flavors, the blue Hawaiian may just become your favorite recipe this summer. 

The recipe calls for some rum, blue curaçao orange liqueur, pineapple juice, cream of coconut (not coconut cream or coconut milk), and maraschino cherries and pineapple wedges for garnish.

Also known as the Surfer on Acid Cocktail, the Californian surfer is both a cool and a cooling cocktail based on coconut rum and Jägermeister. 

It makes a great shooter but also works well served on the rocks as a cocktail. It’s an easy cocktail that just needs pineapple juice in addition to the coconut rum and Jäger, and all three are used in the same proportions.

Gin Cocktails for Summer

If you still have some basil syrup left over from your basil lime coolers, you can use some in this refreshing drink too. The fresh basil complements the herbal notes from the gin’s botanicals, and the full-flavored sweet and citrusy pomelo adds the perfect balance for a great summer cocktail.

The French and the English put aside their neighborly differences as the gin and Lillet Blanc harmoniously combine in this light and refreshing summer cocktail. You’ll also need some simple syrup and fresh lemon juice, as well as some basil leaves and half a peach.

While the original Rickey cocktail was based on bourbon, the gin Rickey mixes things up a little. The addition of the raspberries ensures a summery flavor, and the lime juice adds tartness. 

Muddle a few raspberries in the bottom of a cocktail glass, then add two tablespoons of lime juice, two tablespoons of simple syrup, and three tablespoons of gin. Pop a couple of ice cubes in and top with sparkling water.

Summer Bourbon Cocktails

A refreshing mix of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, ginger beer (or ginger ale), and soda water will have you convinced after one sip. 

Shake the bourbon and lemon juice with some ice and pour, then top up with the fresh ginger beer and club soda, and garnish with fresh lemon wedges.

There’s no need to wait for the Kentucky Derby before mixing up some of these summer-ized mint julep cocktails. 

Start by making some jalapeño syrup by heating up some water, sugar, and jalapeños, then muddle together the strawberries and mint in a cocktail glass. Pour the bourbon and add a tablespoon of your jalapeño syrup and add ice before topping with seltzer water.

If you fancy an alternative to a traditional mint julep come Derby day, this variation on the Moscow mule could be the perfect drink to sip as you pick your winning horse. 

If you’re not a fan of vodka, switching it for bourbon will allow you to enjoy this classic drink and cool down in the summer heat. In addition to the bourbon, you’ll just need some lime juice and ginger ale or beer – simple yet delicious!

Summer Whiskey Cocktails

For a boozy version of a refreshing sweet tea, grab yourself a bottle of Tennessee whiskey and a cocktail shaker, and you’ll also need some Strega – an Italian liqueur made from herbs. 

Start by smashing the mint and lemon in a cocktail shaker, then add the whiskey, Strega, iced tea, cane syrup, and ice. Shake well and serve in a Collins glass adorned with a sprig of mint.

For a simpler whiskey smash recipe that’s just as refreshing and tasty, you’ll just need your preferred whiskey and some simple syrup, along with lemon wedges and mint sprigs for garnish. 

Give the whiskey and syrup a good shake with ice, and strain and pour into a rocks glass.

The French and the Irish get friendly in this bright red summer cocktail, with a combination of Irish whiskey and Lillet Rosé. 

Lightly smash the cucumber in a mixing glass, then add the other ingredients and stir with ice. Strain into a striking coupe glass and garnish with a cucumber slice.⁠

Summer Drinks with Tequila

The addition of peach to summer cocktail recipes is always a winner. In addition to peach, you’ll also need some peach schnapps, silver tequila, and lime juice, as well as a bottle of Tajin seasoning to add a salted rim. 

For the salt rim, first, rub a wedge of lime around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip it into the Tajin seasoning. Shake the rest of the ingredients together, and garnish with a wedge of lime or a peach slice.

Citrus fruits always work well in summer cocktails, and we’re getting the citrus kick from grapefruit juice in this refreshing Paloma drink. 

Shake the grapefruit juice, reposado tequila, and lime juice together before straining it into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with Sprite and club soda, and have some lime wedges on hand for garnish.

Born out of the sweltering heat of Texas, there’s no surprise ranch water is among the more refreshing summer cocktails. And the fact that it comes together so easily makes it a double winner on a hot afternoon. 

You just need tequila, lime juice, and seltzer, while an optional dash of Cointreau orange liqueur can add just a hint of sweetness to the proceedings.

Summer Champagne Cocktails

For many, Champagne is a special drink for big occasions and celebrations, but who says we can’t celebrate the arrival of summer? Aperol is a bitter Italian apéritif with a vibrant orange hue, and when mixed with Champagne (or Prosecco), it creates the Aperol spritz, a refreshing summer cocktail that’s perfect for your next lawn party.

For another bubbly, red summer drink with a touch of class, you’ll need to start by preparing syrup with hibiscus leaves, sugar, and water. Add a few tablespoons to the bottom of a Champagne flute and top with decadent rosé champagne. Simple, refreshing, and delicious.

This Champagne-based recipe creates a fruity cocktail that’s a great addition to any barbecue or summer party. Grab a chilled bottle of Champagne, some ruby red grapefruit juice, orange juice, simple syrup, and grenadine. Simply combine all the ingredients in a punch bowl and float some edible flowers on top.

Summer Pitcher Cocktails

For many, the king of tropical drinks is a classic piña colada, and we’re not arguing. But if you have guests coming over and want to prepare a big batch in advance, this piña colada sangria is perfect. 

You just need to grab a large punch bowl or pitcher and combine white wine, pineapple juice, seltzer, pineapple, coconut rum, and maraschino cherries, then slide it into the fridge until your guests arrive.

Another great, fruity pitcher cocktail recipe that’s filled with fruity goodness. Add strawberries, sliced orange, sliced lime, and basil to your pitcher, then pour in a bottle of white wine and half a cup of tequila or vodka. You can then add some bubbles by mixing in some sparkling water.

A pitcher of pineapple rum punch is a great drink to get your summer party started and is also very easy to put together. Coconut rum, white rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, orange juice, and ginger ale are the main ingredients, but you are free to switch the light rum to dark rum if you prefer. Simply combine all the ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate for a few hours.

Low-Calorie Summer Cocktails

If you’re looking for a delicious summer cocktail that won’t ruin your diet, these skinny margaritas will cool you down without piling in the calories. It’s made from fresh lime juice, tequila blanco, and soda water, and you can sweeten it with agave syrup to taste.

For a skinny tequila sunrise margarita, low-sugar orange juice, limes, tequila, Cointreau, and a little grenadine. Salt the rims of your glasses, and then fill them with ice, and then grab a pitcher and mix together the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, orange juice, and a sugar-free sweetener. Add a splash of grenadine to the bottom of each glass before pouring…

Summer Mocktails 

Not everybody wants an alcohol-laced drink when the sun comes out, and if you’re looking for a booze-free option that’s still super refreshing, these pineapple strawberry agua frescas will certainly do the trick. 

And you’ll just need four ingredients and some water. Simply blend pineapple chunks together with fresh strawberries, agave nectar, and water and strain…

A classic daiquiri cocktail is made with Cuban white rum, lime juice, and sugar, but for this virgin version, there’s no need for the rum. You’ll just need frozen strawberries, lime and lemon juice, Sprite, some water, and plenty of crushed ice to ensure it stays cool to the end.

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