Summer is the perfect time to enjoy refreshing drinks that help you beat the heat.
From classic favorites to creative concoctions, summer cocktails offer a delightful way to cool down while entertaining friends or simply relaxing on a warm evening.
Whether you prefer fruity, frozen, or fizzy beverages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The best summer cocktails combine seasonal ingredients like watermelon, peach, coconut, and fresh herbs with your favorite spirits to create drinks that are both refreshing and flavorful.
You’ll find options ranging from traditional margaritas and mojitos to more sophisticated choices like spritz variations and rum punches. These drinks are typically easy to prepare, making them ideal for both casual gatherings and special summer celebrations.
1. Frozen Margarita
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a Frozen Margarita. This frosty cocktail is ideal for hot days when you need something cool and delicious.
You can make a classic version with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. Or try variations like watermelon or strawberry for a fruity twist.
The secret to a great frozen margarita is using quality tequila and fresh ingredients. Don’t forget the salt rim – it enhances the flavors and gives you that classic margarita experience.
Serve in a chilled glass for the best results. It’s like a vacation in a glass!
2. Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is Italy’s most beloved summer cocktail. With its bright orange color and perfect balance of bittersweet flavors, it’s ideal for hot days.
You can easily make this refreshing drink at home.
The classic ratio is 3-2-1: three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol, and one part soda water.
Serve your Aperol Spritz in a wine glass with ice and an orange slice.
For entertaining, consider making a pitcher with 2 cups Prosecco, 1 cup Aperol, and 3 cups sparkling water.
This Italian classic works well as both a pre-dinner aperitif and an all-day sipper on warm summer afternoons.
3. Piña Colada
The Piña Colada is a classic tropical cocktail that brings vacation vibes to any summer gathering. This creamy, sweet drink combines rum, pineapple, and coconut for a refreshing treat.
Think of it as a delicious variation of a daiquiri, using pineapple as the citrus component mixed with coconut for richness. The result is a smooth, fruity beverage perfect for hot days.
You can find traditional versions with white rum, but some recipes incorporate spiced rum or even cognac for a unique twist.
Serve it blended with ice for a slushy texture or shaken and poured over ice for a more traditional approach.
4. Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a vibrant summer cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is refreshing. With its gradient orange-to-red appearance, it mimics an actual sunrise in your glass.
To make this classic drink, you’ll need tequila, orange juice, and grenadine.
Simply shake tequila and orange juice with ice, then pour into a glass and slowly add grenadine, which will sink to create that signature sunrise effect.
This cocktail works perfectly for summer brunches or hot afternoons by the pool. The sweet citrus flavor balances the tequila nicely, making it approachable even for those who aren’t typical tequila fans.
For garnish, add an orange slice or cherry to complete this colorful summer favorite.
5. Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail perfect for hot summer days. This classic drink combines rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and club soda for a fizzy, cooling experience.
To make a traditional Mojito, muddle about 6-8 mint leaves with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and the juice of one lime in a glass.
Add ice and 2 ounces of white rum, then top with club soda and gently stir.
For a crowd-pleasing variation, try making Mojitos by the pitcher. Simply scale up the ingredients – about 1 cup of rum, 36 mint leaves, 3 quartered limes, 1/2 cup sugar, and a liter of club soda.
You can also experiment with flavor twists like ginger or grapefruit for an unexpected but delightful summer sip.
6. Sangria
Sangria is a refreshing fruit-infused wine cocktail that’s perfect for summer gatherings. You can make this Spanish classic with either red or white wine as your base.
The most popular sangria recipes include classic red berry, peach, strawberry-kiwi, and watermelon variations. Rosé sangria offers a lighter option, often mixed with strawberries, peaches, and watermelon for a fruity twist.
Making sangria is surprisingly easy.
Simply combine your wine with chopped fresh fruits, a splash of juice, and sometimes a bit of brandy or other spirits. Let the mixture chill for a few hours before serving.
For the best results, serve your sangria cold with plenty of ice and extra fruit garnish.
7. Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a classic summer cocktail that brings tropical vibes to any gathering. This iconic drink dates back to the 1930s and has become a symbol of island vacations.
A traditional Mai Tai features fresh lime juice, light rum, orange curaçao (or triple sec), orgeat syrup, and a float of dark rum on top.
Unlike many tropical drinks that have evolved over time, an authentic Mai Tai contains only lime as its fruit juice—no pineapple or orange.
You can garnish your Mai Tai with a lime wheel, mint sprig, or cherry for an extra touch of summer flair. It’s perfect for poolside sipping or backyard entertaining.
8. Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic is a classic summer cocktail that offers a perfect balance of botanical gin and fizzy tonic water. It’s incredibly refreshing on hot days.
To make this simple drink, fill a highball glass with ice, add 2 ounces of gin, and top with 4-5 ounces of tonic water. Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a lime wedge or cucumber slice for an extra touch of freshness.
For variety, try using flavored tonic waters or adding herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Some bartenders recommend using a ratio of 1:3 gin to tonic for the perfect balance of flavors.
9. Sgroppino
Sgroppino is a refreshing Italian cocktail perfect for summer. It combines lemon sorbet or gelato with Prosecco and vodka for a light, citrusy treat.
This easy-to-make drink serves as both a cocktail and a dessert. You can prepare it in just a few minutes with three simple ingredients.
While traditionally made with vodka and Prosecco, you can experiment with other sparkling wines like Cava or Crémant. Some versions use limoncello instead of vodka for a sweeter flavor.
Sgroppino works well as an after-dinner drink that cleanses the palate. The balance of sweetness and acidity makes it ideal for hot summer evenings.
10. Tamarind-Mezcal Sour
The Tamarind-Mezcal Sour combines smoky mezcal with tangy tamarind for a perfect summer cocktail. This drink balances the bold flavors of mezcal with a citrus-forward profile.
A key ingredient is tamarind-citrus syrup, which can be made in larger batches for entertaining. One batch yields about 2½ cups, enough for approximately 20 cocktails.
For a complementary pairing, add dry manzanilla sherry to enhance the drink’s complexity. You can also top it with ginger beer for a refreshing twist.
Serve this cocktail in a glass rimmed with chamoy and tajin for an extra kick of flavor. It’s an excellent choice for summer gatherings.
11. Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde is a light, slightly fizzy white wine from Portugal that makes a perfect base for summer cocktails. It’s crisp, refreshing, and has a lower alcohol content than most wines.
Try combining 3 ounces of Vinho Verde with 1 ounce of gin for a simple yet sophisticated drink. Garnish with green olives or a lemon twist.
For a crowd-pleasing option, turn it into sangria by adding cubed melon, cucumber slices, green grapes, lime, and herbs like mint and basil.
You can also make a spritzer by muddling mint with simple syrup and lime juice, then adding Vinho Verde and a splash of soda water.
12. Tiki Drink: Saturn
The Saturn is a refreshing gin-based tiki cocktail that stands out from the rum-heavy tiki family. This tropical drink combines gin with fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy base.
What makes the Saturn special is its unique blend of passion fruit syrup, orgeat (almond syrup), and falernum. These ingredients create complex layers of flavor that balance perfectly with the botanical notes of gin.
You can find the Saturn on many cocktail menus during summer months. It’s perfect for warm evenings when you want something refreshing but interesting. Some bars even offer frozen versions for extra cooling power on hot days.
13. Tiki Drink: Jungle Bird
The Jungle Bird is a refreshing tiki cocktail perfect for summer sipping. It’s known for its balance of sweet and bitter flavors that set it apart from other tiki drinks.
To make a Jungle Bird, you’ll need dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, and fresh lime juice. The typical recipe calls for 1.5 oz dark rum, 0.75 oz Campari, 1.5 oz pineapple juice, and 0.5 oz lime juice.
What makes this cocktail special is the Campari, which adds a pleasantly bitter contrast to the sweet pineapple. You can substitute spiced rum if you prefer a different flavor profile.
The Jungle Bird is considered a must-try summer cocktail and pairs wonderfully with warm weather gatherings.
14. Strawberry Daiquiri
The Strawberry Daiquiri is a refreshing summer cocktail that combines white rum, fresh strawberries, and lime juice. It’s best made with fresh fruit rather than store-bought mixes for a more authentic flavor.
You can enjoy this delightful drink on hot summer days or really any time you want something fruity and refreshing. The frozen version is especially popular, requiring just a few cups of ice blended with the other ingredients.
To make one at home, you’ll need 1 cup white rum, 3 cups chopped fresh strawberries, ¼ cup fresh lime juice, and 1-2 cups of ice cubes. Simply blend until smooth for a cocktail that’s both light and packs a punch.
15. Campari Spritz
The Campari Spritz is a refreshing summer cocktail that’s easy to make at home. It follows a simple ratio of 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Campari, and 1 part soda water.
To prepare this vibrant drink, fill a wine glass with ice cubes, add the Campari, and top with prosecco and a splash of soda water. Garnish with a slice of orange to complement the bitter-sweet flavor of Campari.
Unlike its more famous cousin the Aperol Spritz, the Campari version offers a more robust and bitter profile. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a slightly stronger aperitif before dinner.
You can adjust the ratio to suit your taste preferences if you find the bitterness too intense.
16. Cosmo Summer Slush
The Cosmo Summer Slush is a refreshing frozen twist on the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail. This icy treat is perfect for hot summer days when you need something cool and delicious.
To make this slush, you’ll need vodka (citrus vodka works best), cranberry juice cocktail, triple sec or Cointreau, a splash of lime juice, and plenty of ice.
Simply combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
For the best results, use about 2 cups of ice, 1 cup cranberry juice, 1/4 cup vodka, and 1/4 cup triple sec. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less cranberry juice.
Serve in chilled glasses for a sophisticated summer refreshment that your guests will love.
17. Hugo Spritz
The Hugo Spritz is a refreshing summer cocktail that’s gaining popularity as an alternative to the Aperol Spritz. This delightful drink combines elderflower liqueur with prosecco and sparkling water.
To make a Hugo Spritz, fill a wine glass with ice, add elderflower liqueur (like St. Germain), and top with prosecco and a splash of soda water.
Then, gently stir to mix.
For extra flavor, muddle fresh mint leaves and lime slices in your glass before adding the other ingredients. Garnish with more mint and lime for a visually appealing presentation.
This light, floral cocktail is perfect for hot summer days and outdoor gatherings.
18. Dirty Shirley
The Dirty Shirley is a grown-up version of the classic non-alcoholic Shirley Temple. This nostalgic cocktail adds vodka to the sweet, familiar mix.
To make one, fill a highball glass with ice and add vodka. Top with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale, then pour in grenadine for that signature red color.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry to complete this simple yet satisfying drink. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less grenadine.
The Dirty Shirley gained popularity as a summer cocktail in 2022, when it was even featured in the New York Times as the drink of the season.
19. Greyhound
The Greyhound is a refreshing summer cocktail that combines the tartness of grapefruit juice with the smoothness of vodka or gin. It’s perfect for hot days when you need something cool and crisp.
Making a Greyhound is simple. Just mix grapefruit juice with your choice of vodka or gin over ice.
The ratio is typically 3 parts juice to 1 part alcohol.
Some people enjoy adding a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic twist. This herb complements the citrus flavors beautifully.
You can use either pink or white grapefruit juice. Pink juice makes a sweeter cocktail, while white grapefruit creates a more tart drink.
20. Paloma
The Paloma is a refreshing tequila-based cocktail perfect for summer days. It’s simple to make and combines bright citrus flavors with the smooth kick of tequila.
Traditional Palomas mix tequila with lime juice and grapefruit soda like Squirt. For a fresher take, you can use real grapefruit juice and club soda instead.
The 21 Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Tequila works wonderfully in this drink, adding floral notes to complement the citrus. Mix it with fresh lime juice, a splash of agave nectar, and top with sparkling water.
Garnish your Paloma with a grapefruit wedge or a sprig of basil for an aromatic touch that elevates this simple yet sophisticated summer sipper.
21. Blended Watermelon with Mint and Vodka
This refreshing summer cocktail combines juicy watermelon with cool mint and smooth vodka. It’s perfect for hot days when you need something light and fruity.
To make this drink, add watermelon cubes, vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to a blender.
Then, blend until smooth for a slushy texture that’s incredibly refreshing.
Garnish with fresh mint sprigs to enhance the aromatic experience. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup depending on your watermelon’s natural sweetness.
Serve over ice in a tall glass for best results. This cocktail contains about 120 calories per serving, making it a lighter choice for summer gatherings.
Mixology Basics
Making great summer cocktails requires understanding a few key principles and having the right supplies on hand. Knowing these fundamentals will help you create balanced, refreshing drinks that impress your guests.
Essential Cocktail Ingredients
Every home bar needs a foundation of quality ingredients. Start with a few versatile spirits like vodka, rum, and gin. These form the base of many summer cocktails and can be mixed with various ingredients.
Keep fresh citrus fruits on hand—lemons, limes, and oranges add brightness to drinks. Limes are especially important for summer classics like Mojitos and Margaritas.
Simple syrup is easy to make by combining equal parts sugar and water. It dissolves better than granulated sugar in cold drinks.
Bitters add complexity with just a few drops. Angostura and orange bitters are versatile options for your collection.
Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary elevate cocktails with aromatic qualities. Mint is essential for Mojitos while basil pairs beautifully with strawberry drinks.
Key Bartending Tools
A proper shaker is essential—either a Boston shaker (two-piece) or cobbler shaker (three-piece) works well. Shaking properly aerates and chills drinks.
A jigger ensures accurate measurements, which is crucial for balanced cocktails. Most have dual measurements like 1 oz/2 oz or 0.5 oz/0.75 oz.
A bar spoon with its long handle helps stir drinks that shouldn’t be shaken, like those with carbonated ingredients.
A Hawthorne strainer fits over your shaker to hold back ice and muddled ingredients. For finer straining, add a fine mesh strainer.
Don’t forget a good muddler for crushing herbs and fruits to release their flavors. Wood or plastic options work well without damaging glassware.
Balancing Flavors
The secret to great cocktails is balance between sweet, sour, strong, and weak elements. Most cocktails follow this structure to create harmony.
Sweet components include simple syrup, liqueurs, and fruit juices. Sour comes from citrus—primarily lemon and lime juice. Strong refers to the alcohol base, while weak elements dilute and lengthen drinks through ice, water, or soda.
Taste as you go and adjust ingredients accordingly. If a drink tastes too sweet, add more citrus. If it’s too strong, add more dilution.
Temperature matters significantly in summer drinks. Proper chilling through shaking or stirring with ice makes cocktails more refreshing. Frozen variations offer even more cooling power when temperatures rise.
Consider garnishes not just for appearance but for aroma. The smell of a fresh mint sprig or lime wheel enhances the drinking experience.
Seasonal Ingredients
Fresh, seasonal ingredients make the difference between an average cocktail and an exceptional one. The right fruits, herbs, and quality components elevate summer drinks with authentic flavors that capture the essence of the season.
Summer Fruits and Herbs
Berries reign supreme in summer cocktails. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add natural sweetness and vibrant color to any drink. Muddle them at the bottom of a glass or use as a beautiful garnish.
Watermelon is another summer favorite. Its high water content makes it perfect for creating refreshing cocktails when blended or juiced. Try it with mint and a splash of lime for a perfect cooling drink.
Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary thrive during summer months. These aromatic additions provide complexity and freshness to drinks. Mint is essential for mojitos, while basil pairs wonderfully with strawberry in gin-based cocktails.
Citrus fruits are year-round staples but shine in summer drinks. Lemons, limes, and oranges provide the acidity needed to balance sweetness in tropical cocktails.
Sourcing Fresh Ingredients
Farmers’ markets offer the freshest seasonal produce for your cocktails. Visit them early in the morning for the best selection of just-picked fruits and herbs that will elevate your drinks.
Growing your own herb garden is surprisingly easy. Even a small windowsill can accommodate pots of mint, basil, and rosemary—ensuring you always have fresh ingredients on hand.
When selecting fruits, look for firm, fragrant specimens with bright colors. Avoid bruised or overripe options that may affect the flavor of your cocktail.
Freeze excess fruit in ice cube trays with water to create beautiful, flavored ice for your drinks. This prevents waste and adds visual appeal to summer beverages.
Consider preserving seasonal bounty through simple syrups. Combine equal parts sugar and water, then infuse with your favorite fruits or herbs for use throughout the season.
