Are you ready for a summer pool party? Well, no party is complete without cocktails. Let’s find some of the best summer cocktails to beat the heat off on the hot days.
Summer comes with an additional layer of heat which makes us swift to healthier choices and more refreshing food to beat the heat. However, you cannot miss out on cocktails in any season and fortunately, there are some amazing summer cocktail recipes that can quench your thirst and offer a refreshing experience this summer. Whether you enjoy icy margaritas or some fruity punch; here are more than 50 exquisite cocktails to make your summer days better.
50+ Refreshing Summer Cocktails
- Strawberry Daiquiri
Daiquiri is one of the most loved cocktails that offer energetic punch and when it comes with the consistency of strawberry slushy, it is almost heavenly. The juicy red strawberries are blended with frozen ones to create that consistency along with lemon juice and an ample amount of rum. The sweet and sour essence offers a strong sensation on the tongue.
- Campari Spritz
Campari is one of the most preferred ingredients when it comes to making exotic cocktails. This cocktail can be easily made within 5 minutes with just 5 simple ingredients that include the Campari, grapefruit, and any kind of bubbly soda or booze to create the punch. It is greatly refreshing and suitable for the palette of all kinds of individuals.
- Cosmo Summer Slush
This beautiful-looking cocktail is a must-have in summer which is a frozen slushy drink that can take you on a mini tropical vacation. It might remind you of frozen margaritas and this recipe has slight changes. Just like the cosmopolitan, this includes cranberry juice, citrus vodka, and orange liquor which create a tangy and refreshing flavor. But you also add slushy made from frozen berries which offer a slushy-like texture and sweetness.
- Hugo Spritz
How do you like the idea of a sparkling wine cocktail? Hugo Spritz might be your thing which offers a floral yet fruity flavor along with the zesty lime punch. Served with fresh mint leaves, this cocktail is highly preferable on hot summer days. It is the perfect drink when you are hanging by the poolside or having a summer party with your friends. The alcohol content is very low and you can enjoy this drink at any hour of the day.
- Frozen Margarita
This cocktail is highly popular all around the world due to its simplicity and refreshing taste. It is the staple summer cocktail that is enjoyed by most people. While it is mainly enjoyed with shredded ice and lime, there are also alternative fruity varieties such as pineapple, and peach and spicy varieties like jalapeño, and whatnot. It is a very adaptable cocktail that everyone can adjust to their preferred palette.
- Poolside Popsicle Spritzers
Now, who does not like popsicles on a hot summer day? This cocktail comes with a popsicle in the glass that is served with a low-ABV spritz. The Popsicle melts and keeps the flavor intact in the cocktail while keeping it cool and colorful. To make this cocktail, you would require mango juice, pineapple juice, vodka, thin slices of lime along with orange wine and club soda.
- Frozen Limoncello Drop
Think about a lemon slushy that can also make you a bit tipsy which is Liumocello for you. When life gives you lemons, make limoncello by adding vodka to it. You might have already guessed from the name that it is an Italian drink and a little extra alcoholic in flavor but not too much as the lemon balances it out. It is almost like a tart but more like a frozen cocktail which can be easily made from homemade lemonade.
- Pimm’s Cup
This summer beverage offers a quick burst of energy and refreshment which makes it perfect for day drinking. Pimm’s Cup is an iconic British cocktail that also offers a crunch of fruits. It is said that the late Queen Elizabeth used to love this drink even in the outdoors and picnics. It is like a snacky drink that you can spend hours with. The cocktail includes slices of Persian cucumber, strawberry, and orange along with lemon juice, ginger ale, and your favorite spirit.
- Frozen Strawberry Margarita
This is another alternative version of a frozen margarita that is made from strawberry and comes with a bright red color. The strawberries are frozen overnight in this case to create that slushy-like consistency that stays chilled for a long time. You can add a little lime and mint leaves to offer that refreshing summer essence. Make sure to add some salt to the edges of the margarita glass.
- Strawberry-Mint Sangria
Strawberry, lemon, and mint together create the best combination for the summer days and it can get even better with a bit of white wine. Get your own sweet and refreshing sangria that also come with a beautiful pink color. The cocktail is served with chopped strawberries, creating a fruitier flavor to enjoy. Tint in the glass offers a summer vibe while the white wine will help you relax. You can enjoy this drink in the daytime and even after having a long day.
- Piña Colada Spritz
This classic cocktail is a favorite of many due to its simple yet iconic taste. The cocktail is made with a fine blend of pineapple, coconut, and lemon which makes it unbeatable in the summer days. The sweet flavors taste quite well along with the richness of rum. Make sure to use white rum in lemon flavor to get that citrusy punch. By adding club soda to the drink, the cocktail gets even lighter and refreshing.
- Long Island Iced Tea
Long Island Iced Tea or LIIT is a cocktail that can be enjoyed in every season and it is especially preferable on hot summer days. It is recommended to have LIIT at night-time when you have no work as this cocktail is pretty strong with a combination of five types of alcohol. The unique taste of the cocktail comes from lemony sweet iced tea. It can go pretty well with the homemade sour mix and diced lemons.
- Dragon Fruit Drop Martini
Made with Dragon fruit, this cocktail comes with a beautiful pinkish-red color and the lemon drop tastes absolutely magnificent. This tropical fruit is widely used in salads and smoothies for its health benefits. It comes with a delicate sweet taste that goes perfectly with a lemon drop and the complementing hue. This summer sipping drink is perfect for enjoying a refreshing summer day.
- Lemon Meringue Pie Martinis
If you never tried something other than the espresso martini, it is time for you to expand your palette with the Lemon Meringue Pie Martinis which looks absolutely stunning. This cocktail is like everything you could ask for. It comes with a sweet and tangy tart flavor which is also boozy and enjoyable. It is like a combination of a dessert and a drink, turning into a tasty and intoxicating cocktail.
- Frozen Espresso Martini
What can be better than an ice-cold espresso martini on the hot summer days? Espresso has that energetic bitter flavor which tastes absolutely amazing along with a strong vodka and a dash of Bailey’s whipped cream. It is a super impressive cocktail that offers a sudden punch of energy and a bit of intoxication. The cocktail is supper easy to make and recommended for all kinds of caffeine lovers. Make sure to sip it slowly since it comes with a strong alco punch.
- Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is also known as the Spritz Veneziano which is a classic Italian cocktail with bittersweetness in it. It is a bright red liquor that is served with soda and orange or tangerine to offer that sweet refreshing aftertaste. It is one of the most iconic summer cocktails that can offer a delightful taste, color, and ample fizz to feel light afterward.
- Drunken Tequila Mangoes
Summer is the season of mangoes and how can you say no to drunken mangoes? It is a unique dish that is made with tequila-soaked ripe mango cubes which is more like a fruity version of the tequila shots in a smaller dose. The chunks of mango are required to be dipped in a mixture of tequila and lime juice and then served with a bit of chili salt or Tajin powder. It is a mouth-watering snack and the best part is that you can also serve the mixture along with the chunks of mango. The infused tequila tastes pretty good.
- Creamsicle Mimosas
Mimosas are not only famous for their iconic glasses but also for their delicious taste. This particular cocktail is made from a blend of cream and peaches along with orange. The creamy sweet texture is made with a half-and-half mixture of condensed milk, orange juice, and a bunch of drinks that makes it taste quite rich and creamy. It is a heavy drink that can be enjoyed along with brunch. The sweet taste of the cocktail can go pretty well with hot and spicy food.
- Piña Paloma
No more colada, as it is time for Paloma. It is a traditional Mexican cocktail made from tequila that comes with the bitter taste and floral aroma of grapefruit. It is a simple beverage that completes every meal and will make you ask for more. The blend of grapefruit syrup, juice, and soda offers a sweet aftertaste that lingers on your tongue. It comes with a beautiful color that can change based on the ingredients you add. If you want for sweetness, add more pineapple juice to it.
- Bahama Mama
Yes, Mama! You got that right! This sassy cocktail from the islands can take you on an instant vacation to the Bahamas. This amazing cocktail is comprised of three types of juices, two types of rums along a splash of grenadine which tastes absolutely amazing and delightful. You can make this cocktail appear more amazing with some attractive garnish which includes pieces of pineapple and an umbrella straw. It is a strong rum cocktail with sweet and refreshing flavors.
- Bikini Bellini
It is slightly different than the classic Bellini and not what are you imagining. This cock is made with ripe peaches and rich pineapple juice which tastes rebelliously good. Sweet basil is added to offer a slight botanic undertone which makes it more wild and earthy. The cocktail is served with cucumber slices and made to top off with Prosecco for the final touch. The drink comes with a beautiful lime-green color, offering an essence of summer foliage.
- Bourbon Peach Iced Tea
This royal-looking cocktail is another brother of LIIT. There is nothing greater than a glass of iced tea on a hot summer day and when you have alcohol in it; talk about the summer pool party. It is a perfectly sweet cocktail that is spiked with the rich taste of bourbon. This cocktail is very easy to make and can be served at any time whether is a dinner gathering or afternoon pool party. A lot of people say this cocktail is perfect for backyard BBQ sessions.
- Porn Star Martini
Do not mind its provocative name as this cocktail can easily steal your heart. This special martini is made from vanilla vodka, tart passion fruit, and simple syrup. It comes with a beautiful orange and rust-like color and a frothy texture which is the result of bubbly Prosecco. This cocktail summarizes the summer mood through a single glass and it feels like you are sipping on your emotions. So, if you are hot and thirsty; go for a provocative porn star.
- Mai Tai
If you are a fan of tiki drinks, this drink is something that you will definitely like. These babies are quite strong and you should make sure to handle them carefully. Only one of them is enough to get the party started. The name of the cocktail is a Tahitian word that translates to ‘Excellent’. The tiki drinks are especially known for their garnish and offering a strong punch through small glasses. It is mainly made of lime juice, a lot of rum, orange liquor, and orange syrup. The garnish depends on you however, mint leaves are recommended.
- Frozen Palomas
As mentioned before, Palomas have a special demand among people and nothing can be better than a frozen paloma on a hot summer day. This citrusy sweet cocktail is made of lime and grapefruit juice which appears to be quite refreshing and can help you cool off quickly. All you need is 5 basic ingredients and a lot of ice to create this frozen delicacy.
- Tomato Tini
Olive brine is used in cocktails to offer a savory and tangy taste. But in this case, cheery tomatoes are used instead of olives to create that unique taste along with a bright red color. If you are one of those persons who remove tomatoes from burgers and sandwiches; this cocktail is not for you. However, if you like Bloody Mary, this is only the clear version of it. It is complemented with a botanical pair of gins which offers a wild and earthy taste.
- Blackberry Margarita
The standard margarita has taken many shapes and colors based on the demand of people. You can always be creative with your margaritas as it is one of the best tequila cocktails you can have. It is made from juicy red blackberries which reach their ripe form in the months of July and August. This cocktail comes with a sweet and tangy flavor that is delicious and intoxicating at the same time. You can enjoy this cocktail throughout the summer.
- Frozen Blue Moscato Margaritas
Just like the other berry blasts, this margarita is made from blueberry syrup which offers that beautiful blue ocean-like color. It is made with frozen blueberry and tequila to create that unique texture. Just put all the ingredients together in the blender and it will be done within minutes. Blueberry offers a sweet summer punch that you can complement with a bit of lemon.
- Blackberry-Mint Julep
Mint Juleps are best known for their refreshing minty flavor that can revive you on hot summer days. The blackberry-mint julep is a unique blend of the traditional recipe that which also known as the Kentucky Derby drink. The blackberries offer that rich purple color which looks very beautiful along with the chunky ice and mint leaves.
- Coconut-Pineapple Spritz
Are you seeking a tropical vacation? Then Coconut-Pineapple Spritz could be the right drink for you to enjoy. With the main ingredients of coconut and pineapple, it offers a sweet flavor that can instantly take you to an island or a beach. Added with club soda and a hefty amount of rum, this cocktail is a must for everyone. It offers a strong punch and sets the mood for summer parties whether it is friends or family.
- Moscow Mules
Moscow Mules rule over the summertime as it is one of the most preferred cocktails by most individuals even people at work. This refreshing cocktail is made from three main ingredients including vodka, spicy-sweet ginger beer fresh lime juice, and a lot of ice. It is served with an adorable copper cup and garnished with lemon slice and mint leaves which makes it even more attractive. Adding the copper cup helps to keep your drink cold and fizzy for a long time.
- Blueberry Gin & Tonic
Do you want a twist in the classic gin and tonic? Well, here you go. Add some blueberries, and blueberry syrup along with ice and lemon, and combine these all together with the classic gin and tonic recipe. This OG purple drink is very delicious and can tantalize the hearts of all kinds of cocktail lovers who are looking for something new this summer.
- Salted & Spiced Watermelon Margaritas
Who does not like watermelons in the summertime? That’s right, everybody loves it. There is something magical about watermelons that it blends perfectly with all kinds of beverages. This margarita recipe includes tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and a salt rim which is enough to offer that punch of flavors with every sip. Watermelons are greatly refreshing and their sweetness is sublime enough to complement the other flavors. This drink can help you beat the heat within seconds.
- Layered Ombre Lemonade Drops
Who said ombre can be only found in hair dyes and prints as it can be also found in cocktails? This layered cocktail has a thick texture and comes with a trio color combination of cream, red, and yellow. It is like a cocktail moose of different flavors. However, this good-looking bad boy required only 5 ingredients to make it. Garnish it with whatever fruit you like.
- Skinny Margaritas
Do not believe its name as this slim cocktail can take down a big man after a few. While the alcohol is toned down in this case, some people prefer it strong to get tipsy quickly. You can use lemon and pineapple juice in this case to get the sweet and tangy punch every time you take a sip. It comes with small portions and so, you can have many of them until you pass out.
- Red Sangria
It is the classic sangria recipe that you can make easily at home. It is perfect for house parties in summer when you would like to cool yourself off with a chilled drink. Just put all the freshly cut fruits along with a blend of juices and liquor and you will a bright color that signifies it. Make sure to serve in a juge so that everyone can have the cocktail along with fruit chunks.
- Key Lime Mojitos
No matter how many new cocktails arrive, none can beat the popularity of mojito which is enjoyed all around the world. The cocktail is made by mixing key lime juice along with cream and ice which taste good and are capable of refreshing your soul.
There are a lot of summer cocktails you can easily find on the internet. Just make sure they are healthy because you are an alcoholic already. Cheers!
