Summer has finally arrived, and with it comes the perfect excuse to shake off those winter blues and get your hands on some deliciously refreshing cocktails! As the temperature rises, there’s nothing quite like a cool and revitalizing drink to quench your thirst and beat the heat. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 of our favorite summer cocktail recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic mojitos to fruity spritzers and spicy margaritas, we’ve got you covered with a range of flavors and styles to suit every taste. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy on your own, these recipes are sure to hit the spot. So grab your favorite cocktail shaker and get ready to mix up some summer fun!
Classic Mojito with Fresh Mint
Classic Mojito with Fresh Mint: A Refreshing Twist on a Timeless Cocktail
Combine the bright, citrusy flavors of lime and mint with the subtle sweetness of sugar and the kick of rum for a classic mojito that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Handful of fresh mint leaves
– Club soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Muddle the mint leaves with a spoon or muddler in the bottom of a highball glass.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to the glass.
3. Fill the glass with ice and stir gently to combine.
4. Top with club soda and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Strawberry Basil Margarita
This sweet and savory cocktail combines the flavors of ripe strawberries, fragrant basil, and tequila for a unique and delicious drink perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– Salt, for rimming glass
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree strawberries and sugar until smooth.
2. Add basil leaves to the blender and blend until well combined.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and strawberry-basil mixture.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with additional basil leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this unique twist that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the spiciness of jalapeño. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for a warm day or as a bold alternative to traditional margaritas.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce pineapple juice
– 1/4 ounce agave syrup
– 1-2 slices jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
– Salt for rimming glass
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, pineapple juice, and agave syrup.
3. Add the minced jalapeño pepper and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to infuse the flavors.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Blueberry Lavender Gin Fizz
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of blueberries with the subtle floral notes of lavender, all wrapped up in a fizzy gin-based drink. Perfect for warm weather or as a sophisticated twist on a classic G&T.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz blueberry syrup (see note)
– 1/4 oz lavender syrup (see note)
– 3 oz Prosecco or sparkling water
– Fresh blueberries and sprigs of lavender for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, blueberry syrup, and lavender syrup.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with Prosecco or sparkling water.
6. Garnish with fresh blueberries and sprigs of lavender.
Cooking Time: None!
Cucumber Lime Vodka Cooler
Beat the heat with this light and refreshing cocktail that combines the crispness of cucumber, the zest of lime, and the smoothness of vodka.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed ice
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pitcher with ice.
2. Add vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
3. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and add them to the pitcher.
4. Stir gently to distribute the cucumber slices evenly.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve over ice in a tall glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in under 10 minutes.
Passionfruit Rum Punch
Transform your gatherings into a tropical oasis with this refreshing Passionfruit Rum Punch. The sweet and tangy combination of passionfruit puree, rum, and citrus will transport your guests to a Caribbean paradise.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups passionfruit puree
– 1 cup dark rum
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup grenadine syrup
– Splash of lemon-lime soda
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves and passionfruit slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine passionfruit puree, dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine syrup.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add a splash of lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Passionfruit Rum Punch over the ice.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and passionfruit slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Watermelon Mint Sangria
Beat the heat with this unique and flavorful sangria that combines sweet watermelon with refreshing mint. Perfect for summer gatherings or a relaxing evening by the pool!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cubed seedless watermelon
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups white wine (chardonnay or sauvignon blanc work well)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
– Ice cubes
– Sliced watermelon for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine sugar and cubed watermelon. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add white wine and stir well.
3. Stir in chopped mint leaves.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Just before serving, add lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with sliced watermelon.
Cooking Time: None! This sangria is ready to serve when you are.
Enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Mint Sangria!
Espresso Martini with Vanilla Vodka
Elevate your martini game with this unique twist on the classic espresso martini, featuring the smooth and creamy flavor of vanilla vodka. Perfect for coffee lovers and vodka enthusiasts alike!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vanilla vodka
– 1/2 ounce Kahlúa
– 1/2 ounce freshly brewed espresso
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice
– Coffee beans or grinds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, espresso, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of vanilla extract.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with coffee beans or grinds.
Cooking Time: None!
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
This Blackberry Bourbon Smash is a fruity and refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, perfect for warm weather gatherings. With the sweetness of blackberries and the richness of bourbon, this drink is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 2 cups mixed blackberries
– 6-8 mint leaves
– Ice
– Club soda (optional)
Instructions:
1. Muddle the blackberries and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker to release their flavors and aromas.
2. Add the bourbon, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda, if desired, for a bit of fizz.
6. Garnish with additional mint leaves and blackberries, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Peach Prosecco Bellini
Peach Prosecco Bellini Recipe
Elevate your brunch game with this sweet and bubbly twist on the classic Bellini cocktail. Fresh peaches and Prosecco come together to create a refreshing and fruity drink perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1 cup Prosecco
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
– Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the diced peaches until smooth.
2. Strain the peach puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any excess pulp and seeds.
3. Fill glasses with ice. Pour 1-2 tablespoons of the peach puree into each glass, depending on desired sweetness.
4. Top each glass off with Prosecco. If desired, add a squeeze of sugar to balance out the flavors.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Top each glass off with sparkling water for added fizz.
Cooking Time:
– 5 minutes (prep and pureeing peaches)
– Serving: Immediately
Enjoy your Peach Prosecco Bellini!
Ginger Lemongrass Moscow Mule
Elevate your Moscow Mule game with this refreshing twist that combines the spicy warmth of ginger and the citrusy zing of lemongrass. This unique flavor combination is sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 stalk of fresh lemongrass, bruised
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and lime juice.
3. Add ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
4. Place sliced ginger and bruised lemongrass on top of the drink.
5. Stir again and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve!
Pomegranate Rosemary Spritz
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Pomegranate Rosemary Spritz, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. This fruity and herbaceous drink combines the sweetness of pomegranate juice with the earthy flavor of rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Prosecco
– 1 oz Pomegranate juice
– 1/2 oz Rosemary-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Splash of soda water
– Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Prosecco, pomegranate juice, and rosemary-infused simple syrup.
3. Top with a splash of soda water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Note: To make rosemary-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it steep for at least 30 minutes before straining and using.
Coconut Lime Daiquiri
Escape to the tropics with this unique spin on the classic daiquiri, featuring coconut and lime for a creamy and zesty treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– Splash of club soda
– Lime wheel (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add shredded coconut to the shaker and muddle gently with a muddler or spoon to release its flavor and texture.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 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.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Enjoy your Coconut Lime Daiquiri!
Honeydew Melon Gin Cocktail
Escape to a tropical haven with this refreshing cocktail that combines the sweetness of honeydew melon with the crispness of gin. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a fruity pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz honeydew melon puree (see note)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– Splash of club soda
– Ice
– Lime wheel and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, honeydew melon puree, simple syrup, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint leaves.
Note: To make honeydew melon puree, simply blend 1 cup of cubed honeydew melon with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth.
Smoky Mezcal Paloma
Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky twist on the classic Paloma, featuring mezcal’s distinct flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe!)
Raspberry Elderflower Collins
This sweet and tangy cocktail combines the flavors of fresh raspberries and elderflower liqueur with gin and lemonade, perfect for a warm summer evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz elderflower liqueur
– 1 oz fresh raspberry puree
– 2 oz lemonade
– Slice of lemon, for garnish
– Fresh raspberries, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, and raspberry puree to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with lemonade and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a slice of lemon and fresh raspberries.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Blood Orange Negroni
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing take on the classic Negroni, featuring the sweet and tangy flavor of blood oranges.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce Campari
– 1/2 ounce blood orange juice
– 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
– Slice of blood orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, Campari, and blood orange juice.
3. Pour in the sweet vermouth.
4. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a slice of blood orange.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a dish.
Kiwi Mint Rum Cooler
Escape the ordinary with this unique blend of kiwi, mint, and rum. This cooler is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 1 cup fresh kiwi chunks
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine kiwi, mint, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Add rum and simple syrup to the blender. Blend until well combined.
3. Fill glasses with ice. Pour the Kiwi Mint Rum Cooler mixture over the ice.
4. Stir gently and garnish with additional fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply blend and serve.
Enjoy your refreshing Kiwi Mint Rum Cooler!
Vanilla Chai White Russian
Combine the warm spices of chai with the creamy sweetness of vanilla and the smoothness of vodka, and you have a unique cocktail that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vanilla-flavored vodka
– 1/2 oz Kahlúa
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 oz vanilla syrup (see note)
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, Kahlúa, and heavy cream.
3. Add the vanilla syrup, cinnamon, and cardamom.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired.
Note: To make vanilla syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool before using.
Tropical Mango Rum Punch
Escape to the tropics with this sweet and tangy punch, perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a taste of paradise. This refreshing drink combines juicy mango puree, citrusy pineapple juice, and a hint of rum to create a unique and delightful cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup mango puree
– 1/2 cup dark rum
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of grenadine syrup (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves or lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, mango puree, and dark rum. Stir to combine.
2. Add simple syrup and stir until fully dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Serve the punch over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves or lime wedges. If desired, add a splash of grenadine syrup for a pop of color.
Cooking Time: None! This is a no-cook recipe perfect for quick entertaining.
Summary
Get ready to beat the heat with these 20 refreshing cocktail recipes perfect for summer! From classic mojitos and margaritas to unique twists like strawberry basil and ginger lemongrass, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for fruity flavors or spicy kicks, these drinks are sure to quench your thirst and add some fun to your summer gatherings.
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