There is nothing better than a hot summer Saturday by the pool, at a BBQ, at the beach or on a patio. Sipping on a delicious and refreshing summer cocktail makes the day that much better.
This list of summer cocktails contains a little bit of everything: super easy sippers, beautiful show stoppers, and refreshing twists on old classics. There's something for everyone here!
So grab your swimsuit, your sunnies, and your besties, because these drinks are going to cool you off all summer long!
Lychee Martini
Savor the exquisite blend of flavors in a lychee martini, a delightful cocktail that combines the subtle sweetness of lychee with the crispness of vodka and a hint of lime. This refreshing libation is perfect for any occasion, offering a balance of tropical essence and invigorating zest. Elevate your cocktail experience with this elegant and flavorful lychee martini.
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Limoncello Spritz
The limoncello spritz is a classic, beloved cocktail - for good reason. It's simple, easy, elegant, and quick to prepare.
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Pina Colada on the Rocks (Shaken)
Bursting with sweet coconut and pineapple flavors, this classic tropical cocktail gets even easier when you don't have to blender. Simple throw everything in a cocktail shaker, garnish, and serve. The perfect summer treat!
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Easy Classic Grapefruit Paloma
Indulge in the classic paloma, a refreshing and citrusy cocktail that combines the zing of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with the tang of lime and the effervescence of soda water. This vibrant and invigorating drink, traditionally made with blanco tequila, offers a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and bubbly flavors. Served over ice and garnished with a grapefruit wedge, the classic paloma is a go-to cocktail for those seeking a refreshing and effortless sip of elegance. Cheers to embracing the timeless allure of this beloved Mexican libation!
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Easy Classic Negroni Recipe
The Negroni is a bitter, boozy drink that's perfect for an aperitif at your next dinner party. It's so easy to make, and you can even whip up a pitcher a head of time for super simple serving!
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Naked and Famous Cocktail
The Naked and Famous cocktail is a bold and balanced libation that combines the smoky notes of mezcal, the bitter-sweetness of Aperol, the herbal complexity of Chartreuse, and the tartness of lime juice. Its harmonious flavors and modern twist make it an amazing choice for cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate bold and complex drinks.
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Mango Tango
Easy, breezy, and epically delicious, this mango tango is the perfect fit for when you want to be on a tropical beach, but can't. The mango, coconut and lime flavors make this perfect any time of the year.
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Sidecar Cocktail
Made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, the Sidecar is sweet and fresh drink is the perfect blend of luxury, elegance, and flavor. It's easy, pretty and perfect for just about any occasion!
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French Martini
A French Martini is a delicious and fruity cocktail made with vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice. You'll love it because it's sweet, tangy, and refreshing, and perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening with your besties.
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Fresh and Fruity White Sangria
White sangria, with its refreshing blend of white wine, citrus fruit, and just the right amount of sweetness is going to blow you away. It's a game changer for any summer gathering or happy hour. Plus, it's easy to make, and tastes even better when you make it ahead!
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Watermelon Vodka Cocktail (with Basil)
Get ready to indulge in this watermelon vodka cocktail, a fabulous fusion of flavors that will elevate your cocktail game. This exquisite drink combines the sweetness of fresh watermelon, the aromatic essence of basil, and the smoothness of vodka. With a touch of zesty lime juice and just the right amount of simple syrup, this concoction strikes the perfect balance between refreshing and indulgent. Served over ice and garnished with watermelon wedges and basil leaves, this cocktail is a showstopper that will impress even the most discerning palates.
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Blueberries and Gin Cocktail
Delightfully sweet with a hint of fresh citrus, these blueberry gin cocktails are perfect for enteraining. Make the syrup ahead of time if you're planning on serving to guests.
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Passion Fruit Margaritas
Passion fruit margaritas are an easy and fun cocktail with perfectly balanced flavor. They're light and refreshing, tart, a little sweet, and even spicy if you want! They're perfect for entertaining because you can batch make them long before guests start to arrive.
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Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail
This cocktail literally tastes like strawberry shortcake but in liquid form. And with vodka. Oh and it's super easy. What more could you ask for?
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Classic Mint Juleps
Mint juleps are an iconic classic cocktail, most often associated with Kentucky Derby weekend. But don't limit yourself to one weekend a year! These are good no matter when you drink them, and very easy to m ake as well.
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French Gimlets
French gimlets are everything a good dinner-party cocktail should be. Refreshing, elegant and easy. Whip up a batch before your next cocktail hour, and your guests will rave about them!
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Elderflower Thyme 75
Light, floral and sparkly, this drink is super refreshing and ridiculously good. Make it for yourself or make it for a crowd, this spring stunner is bound to wow your audience.
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Grapefruit Rosemary Sour
This grapefruit gin cocktail is light, refreshing, and oh-so-pretty. Perfect for afternoon cocktail hour basically any time of year!
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Spicy Pineapple Margarita Recipe with Easy Habanero Syrup
Spicy pineapple margaritas combine all of my favourite flavour profiles into one drink. The habanero is spicy, the pineapple is sweet, the lime is sour, the salt is obviously, salty and finally, the tequila even brings a little bit of smoke. The disparity between drinking something ice cold but yet having it taste spicy is my favourite.
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The Last Word
The Last Word cocktail is rumored to have gotten it's name because it was so well-balanced, it was the "last word" on cocktails. Whether or not that's true, it's certainly sweet, bitter, tart, and refreshing enough to have stuck around for over 100 years. It's truly a classic for a reason. It's easy drinking and crowd-pleasing, making it the perfect drink for your next get-together!
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Cucumber Mint Gimlets
Fresh, beautiful, and perfect for a hot afternoon on the patio, these gimlets are a refreshing twist on the classic.
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Bellinis
Bellinis are a classic cocktail. Bright, fruity, sweet and refreshing, there's nothing not to love here. Plus, they're easy to make!
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Paper Plane Cocktail
The paper plane cocktail is an easy-drinking classic. It's easy to prepare, and is absolutely a hit with crowds. The balance of flavors make it perfect for almost any palate, and simple ingredients and technique mean you'll be turning to it over and over again, any time of the year.
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Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
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