Summer is here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a cool and refreshing cocktail? As the temperatures rise, our cravings for sweet treats and icy drinks increase. Whether you’re looking for a classic mojito or something new and adventurous, we’ve got you covered with these 19 refreshing summer drink recipes that are sure to quench your thirst.
From fruity and flavorful sips to spicy and invigorating concoctions, our selection has something for every taste bud. So grab some ice, get creative, and let the good times roll!
Classic Mojito with Fresh Mint
Refresh your spirits with this iconic cocktail, featuring crisp mint and a hint of lime. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
– 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)
– Club soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint sprigs with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release oils and flavors.
2. Add rum, lime 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 highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with an additional sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just shake and serve!)
Strawberry Daiquiri with Lime Zest
Add a touch of tropical flair to your summer gatherings with this refreshing strawberry daiquiri infused with the bright, citrusy flavor of lime zest. This simple recipe is perfect for warm weather get-togethers or as a pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup white rum
– 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lime zest, for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine strawberries, rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness to your liking.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the strawberry daiquiri mixture over the ice.
5. Garnish each glass with a sprinkle of lime zest.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep and blend time)
Spicy Margarita with Chili Salt Rim
Elevate your margarita game with this spicy twist that combines the bold flavors of chili peppers and tequila.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, muddled
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Chili salt (see note), for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with chili salt by rubbing the lime wedge around the rim and then dipping it into the salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and muddled chipotle pepper.
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 lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Blue Hawaiian with Coconut Cream
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Blue Hawaiian. The addition of coconut cream adds a creamy and indulgent touch to this tropical drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz light rum
– 1 oz blue curaçao
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– Splash of grenadine
– Ice
– Pineapple wedges and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add the light rum, blue curaçao, and coconut cream.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add the pineapple juice and grenadine.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Piña Colada with Pineapple Chunks
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing twist on the classic piña colada, featuring sweet and tangy pineapple chunks. This simple recipe is perfect for warm weather gatherings or relaxing evenings at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup coconut cream
– 1/2 cup white rum (optional)
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pineapple chunks, heavy cream, coconut cream, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
2. Add white rum, if using, and blend until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into glasses filled with ice.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Watermelon Sangria with Fresh Berries
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on traditional sangria! This sweet and tangy drink combines the flavors of watermelon, fresh berries, and sparkling wine for a perfect summer treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
– 1 bottle white wine (chardonnay or sauvignon blanc work well)
– Sparkling water
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cubed watermelon and mixed berries.
2. Sprinkle sugar over the fruit and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Add triple sec and stir gently.
4. Pour in white wine and stir to combine.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Just before serving, add sparkling water and stir gently.
7. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve over ice.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Passion Fruit Martini with Vanilla Vodka
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing twist on the classic martini. The combination of sweet passion fruit puree, creamy vanilla vodka, and a hint of citrus will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Vanilla Vodka
– 1/2 oz Passion Fruit Puree
– 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of Sparkling Water
– Edible Gold Dust or Lime Wedge for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Vanilla Vodka, Passion Fruit Puree, Fresh Lime Juice, and Simple Syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with a splash of Sparkling Water.
6. Garnish with Edible Gold Dust or a Lime Wedge.
Cooking Time: None required, just shake and serve!
Lavender Gin Fizz with Elderflower Tonic
Experience the sweet harmony of floral flavors with this refreshing Lavender Gin Fizz, perfectly balanced by the subtle charm of elderflower tonic. This delightful cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz lavender-infused gin
– 4 oz elderflower tonic
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Fresh lavender sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the lavender-infused gin and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top the cocktail off with elderflower tonic.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and, if desired, a sprig of fresh lavender.
Cooking Time: None (ready in 2 minutes)
Peach Bellini with Prosecco
Elevate your brunch game with this sweet and tangy Peach Bellini, featuring fresh peaches and Prosecco.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, pureed
– 1 cup Prosecco
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the peach puree and simple syrup. Blend until smooth.
2. Fill glasses with ice. Pour 1/4 cup of the peach mixture into each glass.
3. Top each glass off with 1/4 cup Prosecco.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, as this cocktail is served chilled.
Dark ‘n’ Stormy with Ginger Beer
Add some heat to the traditional Dark ‘n’ Stormy cocktail by substituting ginger beer for the traditional lime juice and simple syrup. This spicy twist is perfect for those who like a little kick in their drinks.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Lime wedge (optional)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour the dark rum over the ice.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your spicy and refreshing Dark ‘n’ Stormy with Ginger Beer!
Espresso Martini with Coffee Liqueur
Combine the rich flavors of espresso and coffee liqueur with vodka and a splash of sugar to create a decadent cocktail perfect for coffee lovers. This Espresso Martini recipe is quick, easy, and sure to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz Kahlúa (coffee liqueur)
– 1 oz espresso shots (strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice
– Coffee beans or grinds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, Kahlúa, espresso shots, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with coffee beans or grinds.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Bloody Mary with Horseradish and Celery
Take your Bloody Mary game to the next level with this spicy and refreshing twist, featuring bold flavors from horseradish and celery.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups tomato juice
– 1/2 cup vodka
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh celery leaves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Ice cubes
– Celery stalks, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the tomato juice, vodka, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Add the chopped celery leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with additional celery stalks, if desired.
Cooking Time: None needed! This refreshing drink is ready in minutes.
French 75 with Champagne and Lemon
This classic cocktail is a perfect blend of citrusy freshness and effervescent charm. Made with champagne, lemon juice, and gin, it’s a sophisticated drink for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) gin
– 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 oz (60 ml) champagne
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin and lemon juice.
3. Shake until well combined and chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
5. Top with champagne.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Amaretto Sour with Cherry Garnish
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors with this classic cocktail recipe. The addition of a cherry garnish adds a pop of color and a touch of elegance.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Amaretto
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 egg white
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine Amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
2. Shake vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds to emulsify the mixture.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice.
4. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Rum Punch with Tropical Fruit Juice
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing twist on the classic rum punch, featuring tropical fruit juice for an added layer of flavor and fun.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dark rum
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup coconut cream
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional)
– Sliced tropical fruits (such as mango, kiwi, and pineapple) for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
2. Stir in coconut cream until well combined.
3. Add simple syrup, if using, to balance the flavors.
4. Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with sliced tropical fruits.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing punch is ready when you are.
White Russian with Cream and Coffee
Experience a unique twist on the classic cocktail with this Creamy Coffee White Russian recipe. The addition of freshly brewed coffee and rich cream takes this drink to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce Kahlúa
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1 shot of freshly brewed coffee (about 1 ounce)
– Ice
– Whipped cream and grated nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, Kahlúa, and heavy cream to the shaker.
3. 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. Pour in the freshly brewed coffee, being careful not to overflow the glass.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with whipped cream and grated nutmeg if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Cosmopolitan with Cranberry and Lime
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing spin on the classic Cosmopolitan, featuring cranberry and lime for a tangy and fruity twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Vodka
– 3/4 oz Triple Sec
– 1/2 oz Cranberry juice
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, Triple Sec, cranberry juice, 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 chilled martini glass or coupe.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake, strain, and serve.
Old Fashioned with Orange Peel
Combine the classic flavors of bourbon, sugar, and bitters with the bright citrus notes of orange peel for a unique spin on the timeless cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water, dissolved)
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters.
2. Fill the glass with ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Express a thin slice of orange peel over the drink by gently squeezing it above the surface. This will release its oils onto the cocktail.
4. Garnish the Old Fashioned with the expressed orange peel, allowing its aromatic flavors to mingle with the bourbon.
Cooking Time: None! Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tequila Sunrise with Grenadine
Tequila Sunrise with Grenadine Recipe: A refreshing twist on the classic cocktail!
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz orange juice
– 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
– Splash of soda water
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila and orange juice.
3. Add a splash of grenadine syrup (about 1/4 teaspoon).
4. Top with a splash of soda water.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a slice of orange.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Note: Adjust the amount of grenadine to your taste, as it can be quite sweet. Enjoy!
Summary
Beat the summer heat with these refreshing alcoholic drink recipes! From classic cocktails to fruity twists, we’ve got you covered. Try a Classic Mojito with fresh mint, Strawberry Daiquiri with lime zest, or Spicy Margarita with chili salt rim. Or, get adventurous with Blue Hawaiian, Piña Colada, and Watermelon Sangria. For something sweet, indulge in Passion Fruit Martini, Peach Bellini, or Espresso Martini. Whatever your taste, there’s a recipe here to quench your thirst this summer.
