Summer is here, and it’s time to dust off your cocktail shaker! There’s nothing like a cool drink on a hot day to make the most of the season. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just need a refreshing pick-me-up after a long day at the beach, these 20 mixology recipes are sure to hit the spot.
From classic cocktails with a twist to innovative fusions that will tantalize your taste buds, this collection has something for everyone. With flavors like minty freshness, spicy kick, and fruity sweetness, you’ll find the perfect drink to quench your thirst and add some excitement to your summer gatherings.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of refreshing mixology, sharing our favorite recipes that are sure to become new classics. So grab your shaker, gather your friends, and let’s get started!
Classic Mojito with Fresh Mint and Lime
Experience the refreshing essence of Cuba with this timeless cocktail recipe. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this Classic Mojito is perfect for warm weather gatherings or casual nights in.
Ingredients:
– 2 lime wedges
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons white rum
– 1 tablespoon club soda
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add the lime wedges and sugar to the shaker. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
3. Add the rum and fill the shaker with ice cubes.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Fill a highball glass with ice and strain the cocktail into the glass.
6. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: 2 minutes
Spicy Pineapple Margarita with Chili Rim
Elevate your margarita game with this bold and tangy twist on a classic cocktail. The combination of spicy chili rim, sweet pineapple, and smoky tequila will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– Salt for chili rim
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt and chili powder mixture.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and pineapple juice.
3. Add chopped jalapeño pepper to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation time: 5 minutes)
Elderflower Gin Fizz with Cucumber
Elevate your summer sipping game with this light and crisp elderflower gin fizz, infused with the cooling essence of cucumber. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz elderflower-infused gin
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 3 oz club soda
– Slice of cucumber, for garnish
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add elderflower-infused gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake gently to combine and chill ingredients (about 15 seconds).
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a slice of cucumber and a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None required! Just shake, strain, and serve.
Blackberry Bourbon Smash with Thyme
Elevate your summer gatherings with this unique twist on the classic bourbon smash. The sweet and tart flavors of blackberries combine perfectly with the herbal notes of thyme, creating a refreshing cocktail that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 cup fresh blackberries
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/4 oz thyme syrup (see note)
– Ice
– Club soda
– Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Muddle the blackberries and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker until well combined.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and thyme syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Top with club soda and garnish with a fresh thyme sprig.
Cooking Time: None (assemble and serve immediately)
Watermelon Basil Vodka Cooler
A refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, this Watermelon Basil Vodka Cooler is perfect for hot summer days and warm nights.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks (seedless)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– Splash of sparkling water
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. Add the basil leaves and blend until well combined.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp or seeds.
4. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
5. Add the watermelon-basil puree and shake until chilled.
6. Fill glasses with ice and strain the cocktail into each glass.
7. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Smoky Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit
Elevate the classic Paloma cocktail by adding a smoky twist from mezcal and a tangy touch of grapefruit.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Grapefruit slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add mezcal, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail!)
Lavender Lemonade Prosecco Punch
Elevate your gatherings with this refreshing and elegant punch that combines the sweetness of lemonade, the subtlety of lavender, and the effervescence of Prosecco. Perfect for springtime soirees or summer parties.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh lemonade
– 1 cup Prosecco
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Slices of lemon and lime for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the lemonade and dried lavender buds. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Just before serving, stir in the honey until dissolved.
3. Add the Prosecco and stir gently.
4. Chill the punch in the refrigerator for an additional 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve the punch over ice and garnish with slices of lemon and lime.
Cooking Time: None
Mango Coconut Rum Tiki Cocktail
Escape to a tropical paradise with this sweet and tangy cocktail, featuring the flavors of mango, coconut, and rum.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1 oz fresh mango puree
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of club soda
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the rum, coconut cream, mango puree, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a tiki glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Rosemary Grapefruit Gin and Tonic
This refreshing twist on the classic G&T combines the bright, citrusy flavor of grapefruit with the earthy, herbaceous notes of rosemary. Perfect for a warm evening or as a sophisticated apéritif.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 4 oz tonic water
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
– Slice of grapefruit, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin and grapefruit juice.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Add a sprig of rosemary to the glass.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with an additional sprig of rosemary and a slice of grapefruit.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and enjoy!)
Honey Ginger Whiskey Sour
A twist on the classic whiskey sour, this recipe adds a touch of honey and ginger to create a sweet and tangy cocktail perfect for sipping on a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– 1 dash Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, honey syrup, and ginger liqueur to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Strawberry Balsamic Vodka Spritz
Elevate your summer gatherings with this sweet and tangy cocktail that combines the flavors of fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and crisp vodka. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a unique alternative to traditional spritzes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz strawberry puree
– 1/4 oz balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– 3 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
– Slice of strawberry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large glass filled with ice, combine vodka and strawberry puree.
2. Add the balsamic glaze and stir gently to combine.
3. Top with Prosecco or sparkling wine.
4. Stir briefly to combine ingredients.
5. Garnish with a slice of strawberry.
Cooking Time: None! This spritz is ready in just 2-3 minutes.
Blueberry Maple Old Fashioned
Elevate your classic old fashioned cocktail with the sweetness of blueberries and the richness of maple syrup. This unique twist on a timeless favorite is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz blueberry puree
– 1/4 oz maple syrup
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine bourbon or whiskey, blueberry puree, maple syrup, and simple syrup.
2. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange peel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Passion Fruit Rum Punch with Lime
Combine the sweetness of passion fruit with the tanginess of lime and the warmth of rum, and you’ll have a refreshing cocktail perfect for any tropical getaway.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup passion fruit puree
– 1/2 cup dark rum
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine passion fruit puree, dark rum, and lime juice.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Add lemon-lime soda and simple syrup.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice in tall glasses and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None required!
Espresso Martini with Vanilla Infusion
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and creamy Espresso Martini infused with the warmth of vanilla.
Ingredients:
– 2 shots of espresso
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz Kahlúa
– 1/2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add espresso, vodka, Kahlúa, and Baileys Irish Cream.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. In a small bowl, mix heavy cream and vanilla extract until combined.
6. Drizzle the vanilla-infused cream on top of the martini.
7. Garnish with a coffee bean or chocolate shavings, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Enjoy your Espresso Martini with Vanilla Infusion!
Peach Jalapeño Mezcal Mule
Peachy Keen Mule: Spice up your happy hour with this unique twist on the classic Moscow Mule!
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (infused with sliced peaches and jalapeño peppers)
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Slice of peach, for garnish
– Jalapeño slice, for garnish
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add Mezcal, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Top with ginger beer.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with sliced peach, jalapeño slice, and lime wheel.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in no time!)
Cucumber Mint Gin Gimlet
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on the classic gin gimlet. The addition of cucumber and mint gives this drink a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the cucumber slices with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their flavor and aroma.
2. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup 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 chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Pomegranate Rosemary Gin Fizz
Pomegranate Rosemary Gin Fizz: A refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, this drink combines the tartness of pomegranate juice with the earthy flavor of rosemary and the crispness of gin.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz pomegranate juice
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves
– Club soda
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the rosemary sprigs with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add gin, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a dish to cook.
Toasted Coconut White Russian
Elevate your cocktail game with this creamy and indulgent twist on the classic White Russian. Toasted coconut adds a unique tropical flavor to this rich and velvety drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces vodka
– 1 ounce coffee liqueur
– 1 ounce heavy cream
– 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes (see note)
– Ice
– Whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
5. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the drink (about 1/4 teaspoon).
6. Garnish with whipped cream and additional toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Blood Orange Aperol Spritz
This recipe puts a vibrant spin on the classic Aperol Spritz by incorporating blood orange juice and slices. The result is a drink that’s perfect for warm weather, with its sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 4 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1/2 cup blood orange juice
– Slice of blood orange, for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Aperol and Prosecco.
3. Add the blood orange juice and stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze a slice of blood orange over the drink and drop it in.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None needed, just mix and serve!
Vanilla Fig Bourbon Sour
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors. The combination of vanilla, fig jam, and bourbon creates a rich and complex taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz fig jam
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– 1/4 oz vanilla extract
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or fig slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, fig jam, simple syrup, and vanilla extract.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or fig slice.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Summary
Get ready to beat the heat with these refreshing mixology recipes perfect for summer entertaining! From classic cocktails like the Mojito and Margarita, to unique twists like the Spicy Pineapple Margarita and Peach Jalapeño Mezcal Mule, there’s something for everyone. Other standout drinks include the Elderflower Gin Fizz, Lavender Lemonade Prosecco Punch, and Toasted Coconut White Russian. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or a garden party, these 20 recipes will keep your guests cool and delighted all summer long.