As the temperature rises and the sun beats down, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing cocktail to quench your thirst and beat the heat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a way to cool off after a long day, these 19 refreshing summer alcohol drinks recipes are sure to hit the spot.
From fruity twists on classic cocktails to unique flavor combinations and creative uses of seasonal ingredients, these recipes offer something for everyone. With options ranging from light and bubbly to rich and indulgent, you’re bound to find the perfect drink to sip on all summer long.
Strawberry Basil Gin Smash
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of strawberries with the brightness of basil and the crispness of gin. Perfect for warm weather or a relaxing evening, this Strawberry Basil Gin Smash is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz strawberry puree
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Ice
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, strawberry puree, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Muddle in 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves to release their oils and flavors.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with additional basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to be enjoyed immediately.
Watermelon Mojito
Beat the heat with a refreshing twist on the classic mojito. This sweet and tangy cocktail combines the flavors of watermelon, lime, mint, and rum for a truly unique drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 oz light rum
– 2 oz club soda
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the watermelon chunks and mint leaves together until well combined.
2. Add the lime juice and rum to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes.
4. Top with club soda and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready to be enjoyed in just a few minutes.
Peach Bourbon Iced Tea
Escape to a warm summer evening with this refreshing twist on classic iced tea. This recipe combines the sweetness of peaches with the smoothness of bourbon for a taste that’s perfect for sipping on its own or serving at your next backyard gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast)
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey (or to taste)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add tea bags and let steep for 3-5 minutes.
2. Remove tea bags and add diced peaches. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the peaches are tender.
3. Stir in bourbon whiskey and honey until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Spritzer
Escape the ordinary with this unique twist on lemonade! This sweet and tangy spritzer combines the flavors of fresh blueberries, lavender, and citrus for a refreshing drink perfect for warm days or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups blueberries
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 4 cups sparkling water
– Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine blueberries and simple syrup. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Strain the blueberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher, pressing on solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard solids.
3. Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
4. Add dried lavender buds to the pitcher and let it steep for 10-15 minutes to allow the lavender flavor to infuse.
5. Strain the mixture again through a fine-mesh sieve to remove lavender buds.
6. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Just before serving, stir in sparkling water.
Cooking Time: None
Enjoy your Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Spritzer!
Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch
Perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a tropical escape, this refreshing punch combines the sweetness of pineapple with the creaminess of coconut and a hint of rum.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup coconut water
– 1/2 cup dark rum (such as Myers’s)
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– Slices of fresh pineapple for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, coconut water, and rum. Stir until well combined.
2. Add simple syrup and stir to dissolve.
3. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, sprinkle shredded coconut over the surface of the punch.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional pineapple slices if desired.
Cooking Time: None (as it’s a drink!)
Blackberry Mint Julep
As the temperatures rise, beat the heat with a refreshing twist on the classic mint julep. This Blackberry Mint Julep combines sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of mint for a unique summer cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh blackberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly brewed mint tea (or 1/4 cup peppermint schnapps)
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– Club soda, to top
– Fresh mint leaves and blackberry for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, muddle the blackberries with sugar until well combined.
2. Add the mint tea or schnapps and stir to combine.
3. In a separate container, mix the bourbon whiskey and simple syrup.
4. Fill a julep cup or highball glass with ice.
5. Pour the bourbon mixture over the ice.
6. Top with the blackberry-mint mixture and club soda.
7. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a blackberry.
Cooking Time: None
Lemon Drop Martini Slush
This sweet and tangy slush is the perfect way to enjoy a Lemon Drop Martini without the hassle of mixing individual martinis. With its vibrant yellow color and citrusy flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups vodka
– 1 cup lemon-flavored liqueur (such as Limoncello)
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup ice
– Sliced lemons for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine vodka, lemon-flavored liqueur, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
2. Add ice to the blender and blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
4. Pour into glasses and garnish with sliced lemons.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply blend and serve.
Cucumber Lime Vodka Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on a classic cocktail! Combine crisp cucumber, zesty lime, and smooth vodka for a perfect summer drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 cup fresh cucumber slices
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Soda water
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine vodka, cucumber slices, and lime juice.
2. Stir in simple syrup until well combined.
3. Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in soda water.
5. Serve over ice in tall glasses and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None (prepare in advance for effortless entertaining)
Mango Margarita with Chili Salt Rim
Elevate your margarita game with this refreshing twist that combines the sweetness of mango with a spicy kick from chili salt. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion when you need a little excitement.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– Salt and chili powder for rimming glass
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt and chili powder.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Add diced mango to the shaker and muddle gently.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and enjoy!)
Raspberry Rosé Sangria
Sip into a warm summer evening with this refreshing twist on the classic sangria recipe, featuring sweet raspberries and rosé wine.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of dry rosé wine (750ml)
– 1 cup of fresh raspberries
– 1 orange, peeled and segmented
– 1 lemon, peeled and segmented
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons triple sec or Cointreau
– Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine rosé wine, raspberries, orange segments, and lemon segments.
2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add triple sec or Cointreau and stir gently.
5. Fill glasses with sangria and top with sparkling water.
Cooking Time: None! Let it chill for a few hours and enjoy when ready.
Spicy Jalapeño Paloma
A twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, this spicy version adds a kick with fresh jalapeños and tequila.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1-2 slices of fresh jalapeño pepper
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Add 1-2 slices of fresh jalapeño pepper to the shaker and muddle gently.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail only)
Coconut Mojito with White Rum
This refreshing twist on the classic mojito combines the creamy sweetness of coconut with the crispness of mint and a hint of tropical fruit. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a break from the ordinary.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1 oz club soda
– Handful of ice
– Sprigs of fresh mint leaves
– Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the sprigs of mint with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the oils and flavor.
2. Add the white rum, coconut cream, and lime juice to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! Just shake, strain, and serve.
Passion Fruit Caipirinha
Escape to the tropics with this refreshing twist on the classic Brazilian cocktail, the Caipirinha. This Passion Fruit Caipirinha combines the sweetness of passion fruit with the tanginess of lime and the kick of cachaça.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz cachaça
– 1 oz passion fruit puree
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– Ice
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the cachaça, passion fruit puree, and lime juice.
3. Add the sugar and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and enjoy!)
Honeydew Melon Gin Fizz
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy cocktail that combines the flavors of honeydew melon, gin, and a hint of citrus. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups honeydew melon chunks
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of club soda
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the honeydew melon chunks until smooth.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add the blended melon puree to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with a lime wheel and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing cocktail is ready in minutes.
Tequila Sunrise Smoothie
Start your day with a twist on the classic Tequila Sunrise cocktail, transformed into a refreshing smoothie. This tropical blend combines the bold flavors of tequila, orange juice, and pineapple with a hint of grenadine for a sweet and tangy treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz tequila
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
– 1 tablespoon grenadine syrup
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Fresh mint leaves and orange slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Kiwi Cucumber Vodka Soda
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of kiwi with the crispness of cucumber and a hint of vodka, perfect for hot summer days. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this unique and delicious drink in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 cup kiwi slices
– 1/2 cup cucumber slices
– 3 oz soda water
– Lime wedge (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a tall glass, muddle the kiwi and cucumber slices together with a spoon or a muddler.
2. Add the vodka and stir to combine.
3. Top with soda water and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Pomegranate Sparkling Aperol Spritz
Experience the essence of Italy with this refreshing twist on the classic Spritz cocktail, featuring pomegranate and Aperol’s signature bitter-sweet flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 4 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1/2 cup pomegranate juice (fresh or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional)
– Slice of orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Aperol and Prosecco.
3. Add the pomegranate juice, stirring gently to combine.
4. If desired, add simple syrup to balance sweetness.
5. Stir briefly to distribute flavors.
6. Garnish with an orange slice.
Cooking Time: None required!
Enjoy your Pomegranate Sparkling Aperol Spritz and experience the perfect blend of Italian flair and fruity freshness!
Cherry Limeade Vodka Slush
Beat the heat with this refreshing Cherry Limeade Vodka Slush! This sweet and tangy drink is perfect for hot summer days or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups vodka
– 1 cup cherry limeade mix
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 cup ice
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine vodka, cherry limeade mix, and boiling water. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
2. Add ice to the pitcher and stir until the ice is crushed and the mixture has a slushy consistency.
3. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and add simple syrup. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve the Cherry Limeade Vodka Slush over ice in glasses and garnish with lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Frozen Piña Colada with Dark Rum
Experience a tropical twist on the classic piña colada with this refreshing frozen treat, infused with the rich flavors of dark rum.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup coconut cream
– 1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 1/2 ounces dark rum
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Ice cubes
– Pineapple wedges and cherry halves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pineapple juice, coconut cream, simple syrup, and dark rum.
2. Add ice cubes to the blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or rum flavor as needed.
4. Pour into glasses and garnish with pineapple wedges and cherry halves.
Cooking Time: None! Simply blend and serve.
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing alcohol drinks! From fruity twists to classic cocktails, we’ve got 19 mouthwatering recipes that are sure to quench your thirst. Try a Strawberry Basil Gin Smash or a Watermelon Mojito for a sweet and savory treat. Or go bold with a Spicy Jalapeño Paloma or a Mango Margarita with Chili Salt Rim. Whatever your taste, there’s something on this list for everyone.
