Summer Cocktail Recipes

When the weather gets warm, we’re all about refreshing cocktails. From fresh, fizzy and fruity, to mixers and margaritas, we’ve got plenty of easy-to-make ideas. And you can make on-the-spot cocktail mixing even easier with our guide to putting together a summer bar cart. Once you’ve checked that out, find recipes below to mix into your craft cocktail routine this summer.

What’s a Good Summer Cocktail?

Delicious summer cocktails are 3 things: cold, fresh and refreshing. So drinks like Sunrise Mimosas or Watermelon and Strawberry Cocktails are always a hit. Whether you’re stirring, shaking or blending, here are some more of our favorites to fill your glass this season:

• Mojito: Fresh mint and lime wedges give this classic cocktail unmistakable summer flavor. Muddle the mint and lime, then add simple syrup, white rum and ice, and top up with soda water. Garnish with additional mint or a lime wedge. Mojitos are just as good with tequila or vodka instead of rum, if that’s more to your liking.
• Margarita: If you’re searching for your lost shaker of salt, you’d better find it before you craft this cocktail. Shake tequila, triple sec and lime juice over ice and pour into a glass with a salted rim. If you want to bust out your blender, frozen blended margaritas are another great way to enjoy this popular sipper.
• Sangria: It doesn’t get fresher than this Spanish punch. Start by slicing up your favorite combination of fresh summertime fruits, like oranges, lemons, limes, berries or stone fruits. Then combine with 1 bottle of red wine, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and optionally a generous splash of brandy or triple sec. Just before serving, add a little fizz with a cup of club soda.

What Are the Best Virgin Cocktails?

Virgin cocktails, also called mocktails, are one way to make sure that everyone enjoys a glass of something refreshing and no one misses out on the fun. Some mocktail recipes are just cocktails without the alcohol, while others are their own thing entirely. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Mojito Mocktail: Made almost the same way as the regular mojito you’ll find above, this version substitutes just a bit more soda water for the spirits.
• Shirley Temple: To make this classic mocktail, combine ginger ale and grenadine in a glass with ice, to your desired color and sweetness. Then, garnish with a maraschino cherry.
• Watermelon Agua Fresca: Blend watermelon chunks until smooth, add lime juice and honey to taste, then strain through a fine mesh sieve and serve. Garnish with a slice of watermelon for a super-fresh, super-delicious drink everyone can enjoy.

Looking for more mocktails? We love mocktail versions of the Strawberry Paloma and Sparkling Hibiscus cocktails. If you’re mixing for a crowd, our Hibiscus Pineapple Batch Mocktails are a great make-ahead drink.

How Do You Host a Good Summer Party?

• Think about comfort: Shade and seating are always important. Providing sunscreen and insect repellant will also help to keep guests comfortable and the good times rolling.
• Plan for fun: Lawn games like cornhole are great fun for all ages. And for kids, you can’t go wrong with a sprinkler to run through and an old-fashioned water balloon fight. Consider other lawn games too if the party’s planned for the whole afternoon. Need a refreshing drink to help active partiers cool off? We love Tropical Fruit Cocktails.
• Have a backup plan: If wind or rain spoil the party, have a plan to take the fun indoors. Or, a portable pop-up tent can be a lifesaver if there’s only a sprinkling of rain in the forecast.

More Summer Inspiration

See our summer party tips for more inspiration, and visit our summer shop for all things summer.