These summer cocktails are refreshing and can be enjoyed no matter what season it is. We love the cucumber-rose Gin spritz which has a subtle floral flavor thanks to dried rose petals. Also, we love the golden-hued white sangria that is infused with Thai basil. And, of course, our favorite frozen drinks. These are just a few of the summer cocktails we love.
Paloma
This cocktail is dominated by fresh grapefruit juice. For a refreshing, flavorful version, shake the drink with a splash of reposado Tequila and plenty of ice.
Watermelon Daiquiri
This blend-and-sip cocktail is made with fresh watermelon juice. However, you can also use store-bought juice. This rum drink is perfect for margarita fans, as it has a salty rim that balances tart lime juice and sweet agave syrup. It can also be made with leftover juice for eight drinks.
Tabernacle Crush
This refreshing and light cocktail is as American as the South of France. It is made with fresh peach, basil, gin and Lillet, lemon juice, and club soda.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins has a similarity to a Gin Sling or Gin Fizz. It is a simple cocktail that uses gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and carbonated water. It is refreshing and thirst to quench, and has balanced sweet and tart flavors. The fizzy finish makes it tempting.
Thai Basil Sangria
The blood-red color of traditional red wine gives sangria its Spanish name. This version is stripped down and gets its rich, golden hue and zingy flavors from white wine, fresh squeezed orange juice, and a kick of brandy.
Aperol Spritz
This drink is typically served in a wine glass with ice and orange wedge garnish. It’s best to use brut Prosecco as it already has plenty of sweetness from the eponymous ingredient. You can play with the ratios: for a bitter taste, add more Aperol. For a more boozy spritz opt for more soda water.
Cucumber-Rose Gin Spritz
The classic combination of club soda, gin, and lemon gets a refreshing twist thanks to the addition of cucumber, basil, and cardamom-infused syrup. Dry rose petals are a lovely garnish and add a subtle floral taste.
Tamarind-Mezcal Sour
This punchy cocktail features savory bitters and smokey mezcal. It is rounded out with sweet-tart lemon juice, tamarind purée, and sweet-tart lime juice.
Banana-Rum Old-Fashioned
This bold and strong cocktail features both light rum and high-proof Bourbon. It is enhanced by the floral sweetness of creme de banana.
Third-Wave Swizzle
This cold, frothy, gin-based cocktail is best made with a swizzle stick. However, if you don’t have one, you can mix it using a long spoon. For the best froth, use both your hands to rub the swizzle sticks between your fingers and swirl it around in the cocktail.
Strawberry-Rum Coolers
Once the strawberries are tender, they are cooked in lime, ginger, and honey. Then, they are blended with white and dark Rum and topped off with a glass of ginger beer.
Pimm’s Cup
Pimm’s Cup, also known as a fruit cup or a summer cup in English, is a type of cocktail that includes herbal spirits, bubbly mixers, and juices. It also has plenty of seasonal edible garnishes. This classic summer cocktail features a herbal, gin-based liquor, bubbly ginger ale, or lemon soda, and intricate garnishes such as sliced apples, lemons, and oranges.
Fresh and Simple Pina Coladas
Coconut milk adds richness to sweet-tart frozen pineapple chunks. It also gives this lighter version of classic pina coladas a creamy texture. To recombine coconut liquids with coconut cream, shake the coconut milk can vigorously before opening it.
Margarita with Sour Cherry Mezcal Margarita
This refreshing twist on a margarita features smoky mezcal and citrusy Cointreau. It is a bright red drink that’s perfect for late-summer sipping. This simple roasted purée preserves the bright, tart, and delicious sour cherries that are only available for a short time.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai, perhaps the most famous tiki drink is a celebration of rum. A classic rum float tops this pale yellow cocktail, which elegantly marries citrus flavors and just the right amount of sweetness. The sweet, bitter flavor of orgeat is what gives it its rich, almondy taste. It’s a sweet syrup made from blanched, ground almonds, which are boiled and then sweetened with sugar.
Apricot Nectarine Julep
The perfect late-summer cocktail is a puree of nectarines and roasted apricots. For a cocktail that looks almost like Hawaiian shaved ice, pour some of the reserved purees over the crushed ice. You can also roast and purée other stone fruits like plums or sour cherries.
Tequila-Watermelon Aguas with Prosecco
Prosecco is a refreshing addition to this light, watermelon-forward cocktail. You can use a juicer if you have one.
Strawberry-Lemon Mojitos
These mojitos are sweetened with strawberries by Joaquin Simo, a mixologist. He says, “This is a great cocktail when you feel like something fruity.”
Frozen Cucumber Margaritas With Chili-Sumac salt
“My latest slushy obsession” is a tequila-cucumber and coconut water creation, blended with cilantro and lime, and rimmed in chili powder and sumac,” Gail Simmons, Top Chef judge, says about her recipe for Frozen Cucumber Margaritas With Chili-Sumac Salt. We first published it in 2019. It’s a tribute to my favorite Mexican street snack, Fruta con Chile y Limon. These are little bags of mango, cucumber and jicama that are seasoned with Tajin, which is a spicy and sour snack seasoning.
Long Island Iced Tea
Long Island Iced Tea isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s made with vodka, white and silver tequilas, simple syrup, cola, and orange liqueur.