As the temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing cocktail to quench your thirst on a sweltering summer day. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard BBQ, these 18 delightful summer alcohol drinks recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and keep you cool all season long.
From fruity twists on classic cocktails to creative combinations of flavors and ingredients, this list has something for everyone. With recipes ranging from sweet and sippable to tangy and tart, you’ll find the perfect drink to suit your style. So go ahead, grab a glass, and let’s dive into the world of refreshing summer drinks!
Strawberry Mojito with Fresh Mint
Revitalize your senses with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito recipe, featuring sweet strawberries and fragrant fresh mint.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz white rum
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2-3 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
– 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries
– Club soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Muddle in the sliced strawberries for about 30 seconds, until they’re well combined with the liquid.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Fill a highball glass with ice. Strain the mixture into the glass.
6. Top with club soda and garnish with additional mint leaves and strawberry slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Watermelon Margarita with Chili Salt Rim
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on a classic margarita! This sweet and tangy drink is perfect for hot summer days or nights spent outdoors under the stars.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon puree
– 1 cup tequila
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup agave nectar
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Chili powder or chili salt, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine watermelon puree, tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar. Blend until smooth.
2. Rim a rocks glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and then dipping it into a shallow dish of salt.
3. Fill the prepared glass with ice and pour in the margarita mixture.
4. Garnish with a slice of watermelon, a sprig of cilantro, or a pinch of chili powder or salt.
Cooking Time: None! Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch
Combine the sweetness of pineapple with the creaminess of coconut and the warmth of rum for a refreshing summer cocktail. This Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch is perfect for your next outdoor gathering or simply as a relaxing treat on a warm evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/2 cup dark rum
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of lemon-lime soda
– Pineapple wedges and cherry halves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, coconut milk, and dark rum. Stir until well combined.
2. Add simple syrup and stir to dissolve any remaining lumps.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, add a splash of lemon-lime soda.
5. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with pineapple wedges and cherry halves.
Cooking Time: None!
Blueberry Lavender Gin Fizz
This sweet and tangy cocktail combines the flavors of fresh blueberries, lavender syrup, and gin for a unique and refreshing drink perfect for warm weather or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 cup fresh blueberry puree
– 1 tsp lavender syrup (see note)
– Splash of soda water
– Fresh blueberries and lavender sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and blueberry puree.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add lavender syrup and stir gently.
6. Top with a splash of soda water.
7. Garnish with fresh blueberries and lavender sprigs.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Peach Bellini with Prosecco
Elevate your cocktail game with this sweet and bubbly Peach Bellini, featuring fresh peaches and Prosecco. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or any celebration.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 1 cup Prosecco
– 2 tablespoons peach puree (or peach syrup)
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the diced peaches until smooth.
2. In a champagne flute or wine glass, combine 2-3 tablespoons of peach puree and 1 tablespoon of sugar (if using).
3. Top with Prosecco, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to be enjoyed in just a few minutes.
Lemon Basil Vodka Spritzer
This revitalizing drink combines the brightness of lemon and basil with the smoothness of vodka, perfect for warm weather gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water dissolved)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a sprig of basil and a slice of lemon.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill and serve.
Mango Daiquiri with Lime Zest
Escape the ordinary with this vibrant and tangy twist on the classic daiquiri, featuring the sweetness of ripe mango and the brightness of lime zest.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, pureed
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lime zest, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine mango puree, rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge or strip of zest, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Cucumber Mint Gin Cooler
Beat the heat with this revitalizing cocktail that combines the coolness of cucumber, the zest of mint, and the crispness of gin.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils.
2. Add the gin, cucumber slices, lime juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Raspberry Rosé Sangria
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing twist on classic sangria. This fruity and bubbly drink is perfect for warm weather celebrations, featuring the sweetness of raspberries and the elegance of rosé wine.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of rosé wine (750ml)
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup triple sec or Grand Marnier
– Sparkling water (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the rosé wine, raspberries, orange slices, and lemon slices.
2. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Stir in the triple sec or Grand Marnier.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add sparkling water if desired for a fizzy twist.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with additional raspberries and orange slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Passionfruit Tequila Sunrise
Elevate your tequila sunrise game with the sweet and tangy flavors of passionfruit! This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a fruity twist.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz passionfruit puree
– 1 oz orange juice
– 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
– Splash of soda water
– Ice
– Lime wheel and passionfruit slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila, passionfruit puree, and orange juice.
3. Add a splash of grenadine syrup.
4. Top with soda water.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and passionfruit slice.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Kiwi Lime Vodka Soda
Escape the ordinary with this revitalizing twist on a classic vodka soda. The sweet and tangy combination of kiwi and lime will quench your thirst and leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) kiwi-infused vodka (see note)
– Juice of 1 lime
– 4 oz (120 ml) club soda
– Slice of kiwi, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the kiwi-infused vodka and squeeze in the juice of one lime.
3. Top with club soda and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a slice of kiwi.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and enjoy.
Note: To make kiwi-infused vodka, muddle 1-2 kiwis with 1/2 cup (120 ml) vodka in a bowl until the fruit is well crushed. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another container, discarding the solids.
Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and bubbly with this elegant Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail. This refreshing drink is perfect for special occasions or a night out with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/2 cup champagne
– 1/4 cup triple sec
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Fresh pomegranate seeds and ice for serving
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add pomegranate juice, triple sec, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute or wine glass.
5. Top with champagne and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds.
Cooking Time: None
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of honey syrup to your taste, depending on how sweet you like it.
– Use high-quality champagne for the best flavor.
– Experiment with different types of citrus juice or liqueurs to create unique variations.
Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash
Elevate your summer cocktails with this refreshing Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash! Sweet strawberries and fragrant basil complement the smoothness of bourbon, making it a perfect drink for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice
– Club soda
– Fresh strawberry slices and basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle strawberries and basil leaves together until well combined.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with additional strawberry slices and basil leaves.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Peach Iced Tea with Bourbon
Peach Iced Tea with Bourbon is a refreshing twist on traditional tea, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart of peach puree (canned or fresh)
– 4 cups of strong brewed black tea
– 1/2 cup of bourbon whiskey (such as Maker’s Mark or Jim Beam)
– 1 cup of sugar
– Ice cubes
– Fresh peach slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the tea according to package instructions.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the peach puree and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the brewed tea to the pitcher and stir well.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, add the bourbon whiskey and stir gently.
6. Serve the tea over ice cubes and garnish with fresh peach slices if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
Lemon Ginger Whiskey Sour
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this zesty and citrusy Lemon Ginger Whiskey Sour, perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine Canton)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, ginger liqueur, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 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! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Blackberry Thyme Gin Smash
Elevate your summer gatherings with this sweet and savory Blackberry Thyme Gin Smash. This refreshing cocktail combines the tartness of blackberries, the earthiness of thyme, and the smoothness of gin, perfect for warm weather sipping.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup blackberry puree (or 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries)
– 1 sprig fresh thyme
– Ice
– Club soda
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, and blackberry puree.
2. Add a sprig of thyme to the shaker and muddle gently to release oils and flavors.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Coconut Rum Pineapple Slush
A refreshing twist on traditional slushies, this Coconut Rum Pineapple Slush combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the sweetness of pineapple and a hint of rum. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a tropical escape.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 tablespoons dark rum
– Ice cubes
– Fresh pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pineapple juice, coconut milk, and simple syrup.
2. Add dark rum and blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or rum level to your liking.
4. Pour mixture into glasses filled with ice cubes.
5. Blend again until slushy and creamy.
6. Garnish with fresh pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Orange Blossom Gin and Tonic
Elevate your gin and tonic game with this refreshing twist, featuring the sweet and floral notes of orange blossom water. This elegant cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) gin
– 4 oz (120 ml) tonic water
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
– 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) orange blossom water
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin and orange liqueur.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Add a splash of orange blossom water.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with an orange slice.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready when you are!)
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these 18 refreshing alcohol drinks recipes. From fruity twists on classic cocktails to unique flavor combinations, there’s something for everyone. Try a Strawberry Mojito with fresh mint, Watermelon Margarita with chili salt rim, or Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch. Or, get adventurous with Blueberry Lavender Gin Fizz, Peach Bellini with Prosecco, and more! Perfect for hot summer days and nights out with friends.
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