Best summer cocktail and mocktail recipes
Summer is in full swing and it’s time to raise a glass to everyone’s favorite time of year. There’s nothing quite like the sun on your skin and a cool drink in your hand to make you appreciate the joys of the season. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply enjoying a quiet evening on the porch, the right cocktail can elevate your summer experience. Rejoice and soak up all of the warm weather fun with these seven fun and fruity cocktails and mocktails that are sure to impress your guests and refresh your spirits. From the sweet and tangy to the light and fizzy, we’ve got a recipe for every palate.
1. Watermelon sunrise
This is a refreshing summer spin on the traditional tequila sunrise.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce watermelon schnapps
- 1 ounce tequila
- 12 ounces orange juice
- Ice
Directions:
- Combine the tequila and watermelon schnapps in a glass
- Add ice and mix together
- Fill the glass with orange juice and serve
2. Peach sangria
Instead of using the typical red wine, this recipe calls for Chardonnay.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound yellow peaches, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup peach liqueur
- 1 bottle of chilled Chardonnay
- 1 liter chilled ginger ale
Directions:
- Place the sliced peaches into the bottom of the sangria pitcher
- In a small saucepan, bring 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water to a boil, and stir until the sugar is dissolved to form a simple syrup
- Remove from heat and allow to cool
- Pour the simple syrup, peach liqueur, and white wine over the peaches
- Stir and place the pitcher in the refrigerator
- Let it sit for at least three hours
- When ready to serve, top the pitcher off with chilled ginger ale and stir
3. Blueberry cosmopolitan
This is a unique summer twist on a usual cosmopolitan that contains cranberry and lime juice.
Ingredients:
- 8 blueberries
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce St. Germain liqueur
- 1/2 ounce white cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
Directions:
- Muddle the eight blueberries in a cocktail shaker
- Add ice and the remaining ingredients
- Shake well and fine strain into a chilled martini glass
- Garnish with blueberries
4. Tropical mango cooler
This vibrant mocktail captures the essence of a tropical paradise.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mango juice
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Ice
- Mango slices and mint for garnish
Directions:
- Combine mango juice, pineapple juice, coconut milk, and lime juice in a shaker
- Add ice and shake well
- Strain into a glass filled with ice
- Garnish with mango slices and mint
5. Strawberry mojito
This cocktail is packed with strawberries and limes, giving it a minty, slightly sweet summer flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 10 mint leaves
- 1/2 lime cut into 4 wedges
- 4 strawberries cut into quarters
- 2 ounces white rum
- Crushed ice
- Club soda
Directions:
- To make the simple syrup, pour the sugar and water in a saucepan, and then add two mint leaves, bringing it to a boil
- Stir and then boil until all the sugar has dissolved
- Set aside to cool and remove the mint leaves
- In a large glass, layer the cut lime wedges, mint leaves, and quartered strawberries
- Pour in the simple syrup and muddle the mixture
- Add the rum to the mixture and then add crushed ice
- Top off with club soda and stir well
6. Cherry margarita
This summer margarita tastes just like a cherry pie!
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces frozen pitted cherries, thawed overnight
- 1 1/2 cups silver tequila
- 1 cup Cointreau
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup fresh cherry juice
- Agave syrup to taste
- Limes for garnish
Directions:
- Blend the thawed cherries and their juices in a blender until pulverized
- Add all ingredients to a large pitcher with ice and stir well
- Sweeten to taste with agave syrup
- Serve with fresh limes and cherries
7. Cucumber mint fizz
This cool and refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 10 mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Ice
- Mint sprigs and cucumber slices for garnish
Directions:
- Muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves in a glass
- Add honey and lemon juice, stirring until the honey is dissolved
- Fill the glass with ice
- Top with sparkling water and stir gently
- Garnish with mint sprigs and cucumber slices
References
- “16 Easy Cocktails Inspired by Summer Fruits,” Buzzfeed, November 9, 2016.
- “Summer Fruit Cocktails,” Food & Wine, February 27, 2017.
