Summer has finally arrived, and with it comes the heat! There’s nothing like a cool and refreshing drink to quench your thirst on a hot day. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, having a backyard BBQ, or just need a pick-me-up after a long day, these 18 summer alcohol drinks recipes are sure to hit the spot.
From classic cocktails with a twist to fruity twists on traditional drinks, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take you through our top picks for refreshing summer drinks that incorporate popular alcohols like gin, rum, vodka, tequila, and more. So grab your sunglasses, slip into something comfy, and get ready to cool off with these 18 refreshing summer alcohol drinks recipes!
Classic Mojito with Fresh Mint and Lime
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of rum with the brightness of lime and mint, perfect for warm evenings or any celebration.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 6-8 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
– Ice
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint sprigs with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add the lime juice, simple syrup, and rum to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with soda water and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Strawberry Basil Gin Smash
A refreshing twist on the classic gin smash, this recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the brightness of basil.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz strawberry puree
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Handful of fresh basil leaves
– Ice
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. Muddle 2-3 fresh basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
2. Add gin, strawberry puree, lemon 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 Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of basil and a strawberry slice.
Cooking Time: None, this is a cocktail recipe!
Watermelon Margarita with Chili Salt Rim
Experience the refreshing combination of sweet watermelon and spicy chili salt in this unique margarita recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon puree
– 1 cup tequila
– 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup agave syrup
– Ice
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Chili powder or chili flakes, for rimming glass
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with chili powder or chili flakes by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and then dipping it into a shallow dish of chili powder.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine watermelon puree, tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a slice of watermelon or a sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: None
Serves: 1
Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch
A refreshing tropical twist on a classic rum punch, perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a taste of the islands.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup coconut cream
– 1/2 cup dark rum
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 lime, juiced
– Splash of club soda
– Pineapple wedges and cherry garnishes for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, coconut cream, and dark rum.
2. Add simple syrup and stir until dissolved.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir again.
4. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add a splash of club soda to give it a fizzy boost.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with pineapple wedges and cherries.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and chill.
Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Vodka Spritzer
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing twist on the classic spritzer, featuring the sweetness of blueberries, the subtlety of lavender, and the brightness of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1.75 oz Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Vodka (or regular vodka with a splash of lemonade)
– 4 oz Prosecco
– 2 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup Fresh blueberries
– 1 tsp Dried lavender buds
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Vodka and Prosecco.
3. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add a few blueberries to the glass.
4. Sprinkle a pinch of dried lavender buds on top (optional).
5. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Peach Prosecco Sangria with Citrus
Peach Prosecco Sangria with Citrus
As summer sunshine pours down, quench your thirst with this refreshing sangria featuring peaches, prosecco, and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle Prosecco
– 1 cup peach slices (fresh or canned)
– 1/2 cup mixed citrus juice (orange, lemon, lime)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– Slices of orange, lemon, and lime for garnish
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine peach slices, citrus juice, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Add Prosecco to the pitcher and stir gently.
3. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add sparkling water to the pitcher. Stir gently.
5. Serve sangria over ice-filled glasses and garnish with citrus slices and mint leaves (if desired).
Cooking Time: None needed! Just chill and serve.
Cucumber Mint Vodka Cooler
Cool off with this refreshing cocktail perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 cup cucumber-mint puree (see note)
– 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka and cucumber-mint puree.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (all prep)
Note: To make cucumber-mint puree, combine 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a blender. Blend until smooth, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess pulp.
Spicy Mango Tequila Sunrise
Start your day with a twist on the classic tequila sunrise by adding a spicy kick and sweet mango flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces tequila
– 4 ounces pineapple juice
– 2 ounces mango puree
– 1/2 ounce ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– Splash of lime juice
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila and pineapple juice.
3. Add the mango puree and ginger liqueur.
4. Squeeze in a splash of lime juice.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of fresh cilantro.
Cooking Time: None needed, just mix and enjoy!
Blackberry Thyme Bourbon Smash
Elevate your summer cocktail game with this refreshing Blackberry Thyme Bourbon Smash! This sweet and savory drink combines the flavors of blackberries, thyme, bourbon, and lemonade for a truly unique taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemonade
– 1/2 cup mixed blackberries
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
– Ice
– Lemon wheel or sprig of fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the blackberries and simple syrup together until well combined.
2. Add the bourbon, lemonade, and thyme leaves to the pitcher.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon wheel or sprig of fresh thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes ( Assembly only)
Passionfruit Mojito with White Rum
Combine the sweet and tangy flavors of passionfruit with the crispness of a mojito, all thanks to this refreshing cocktail recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 cup passionfruit puree
– 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 1/2 cup club soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or spoon to release oils and flavors.
2. Add white rum, passionfruit puree, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake until well combined and chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
4. Top with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and enjoy!
Rosemary Grapefruit Gin Fizz
Rosemary Grapefruit Gin Fizz Recipe
Experience the harmonious blend of citrusy grapefruit and herbaceous rosemary in this refreshing gin fizz cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/4 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Club soda
– Slice of grapefruit, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with rosemary-infused simple syrup (see note) and club soda.
6. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Note: To make rosemary-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan. Add 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves to the mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and let cool before using.
Cooking Time: None
Kiwi Lime Rum Punch
Combine the sweetness of kiwi with the tanginess of lime and the smoothness of rum for a refreshing punch perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh kiwi, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup ginger ale
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine kiwi and lime juice. Stir to combine.
2. Add the dark rum and stir well.
3. Add the pineapple juice and ginger ale. Stir gently.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the punch over the ice.
5. Stir briefly and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time only)
Yield: 6-8 servings
Honeydew Melon Vodka Slush
A refreshing summer treat that combines the sweetness of honeydew melons with the smoothness of vodka, perfect for hot days and outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups honeydew melon chunks
– 1 cup vodka (any brand or flavor)
– 1 cup ice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of honeydew melon for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine melon chunks, vodka, and ice.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add simple syrup and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or vodka level to your liking.
5. Pour slush into glasses and garnish with additional melon slices.
Cooking Time: None! This is a no-cook recipe that’s ready in just minutes.
Pomegranate Tequila Paloma
A refreshing twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, this Pomegranate Tequila Paloma combines the sweetness of pomegranate juice with the tanginess of lime and the warmth of tequila.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– 4 ounces pomegranate juice
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Pomegranate seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Top with pomegranate juice.
7. Stir gently.
8. Garnish with a lime wheel and pomegranate seeds.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Lemon Verbena White Wine Spritzer
A refreshing summer drink that combines the bright citrus flavor of lemon verbena with the crispness of white wine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, dissolved)
– 4-6 sprigs of fresh lemon verbena leaves
– Sparkling water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine white wine, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Stir to dissolve the honey.
2. Add the lemon verbena sprigs to the pitcher and muddle (gently press) them with a spoon or muddler to release their oils and flavor.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, top the mixture with sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the spritzer over the ice.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready when you are.
Cherry Limeade Vodka Cocktail
A refreshing twist on a classic summer cocktail, this Cherry Limeade Vodka Cocktail combines the sweetness of cherry puree with the tanginess of lime and vodka.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Vodka
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz Cherry puree (such as Maraschino or Cherry Heering)
– 1/2 cup Club soda
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, lime juice, and cherry puree to the shaker.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and a cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes of shaking and pouring.
Peach Ginger Beer Bourbon Smash
A refreshing twist on the classic bourbon smash, this recipe combines the sweetness of peaches with the spicy warmth of ginger beer.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz peach puree
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Ice
– Fresh mint leaves and sliced peaches for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, peach puree, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and sliced peaches.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a dish.
Tropical Coconut Mojito with Dark Rum
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
– 1 oz coconut simple syrup (see note)
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz mint leaves
– 3-4 oz club soda
– Ice
– Lime wedges and toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions:
1. Muddle mint leaves with a splash of club soda in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add dark rum, coconut simple syrup, and lime juice to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with additional club soda and garnish with a lime wedge and toasted coconut flakes.
Note: To make coconut simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup shredded coconut in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly. Let cool before using.
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing alcohol drinks recipes! From classic mojitos to fruity sangrias, we’ve got you covered. Try our Strawberry Basil Gin Smash or Watermelon Margarita with Chili Salt Rim for a twist on traditional cocktails. For a tropical vibe, go for Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch or Kiwi Lime Rum Punch. And for something unique, try our Blackberry Thyme Bourbon Smash or Rosemary Grapefruit Gin Fizz. Whatever your taste, we’ve got the perfect recipe to quench your thirst this summer.
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