28 Refreshing Summer Cocktails That Totally Beat the Heat
Happy hour lasts all season long thanks to these summer drink recipes.
Don’t face another sweltering day without one of these summer cocktails in in hand. From old favorites (ice-cold daiquiris) to new discoveries (a tomato cocktail that doesn’t involve horseradish or 10 things on a skewer), we’ve got you quenched. Want something light and not-too-sweet? Maybe a tangy paloma is for you. Feeling a slushy? Do we have a granita recipe for you! How about something to go with that killer picnic food spread you put together? Throw together a pitcher or two of your favorite sangria recipe — red, white, or somewhere in between.
Whether you're sipping your drinks poolside, seaside, or next to the air conditioner, these cocktails — fruity, sweet, and spicy — will keep you cool all summer long. Cheers!
Berry-Lemon-Basil Sangria
Homegrown basil doing really well? Use it in pestos, salads, pastas, and a pitcher or two of this fresh sangria.
Thyme-Plum Moscow Mule
Plums are delicious in desserts and eaten out of hand, and — who knew? — in cocktails! This sophisticated take on an ice cold vodka drink is just one example.
Ginger-Grape Sangria
We love this combination of spicy ginger and sweet grapes.
Mai Tai
For the full tropical vibe, don't forget the pineapple garnish.
Caipirinha
So simple and so refreshing, this classic Brazilian cocktail will bring you straight to South America.
Mojito
The combo of mint and fresh lime juice is the ultimate summer refresher.
Beer Cocktails
Beer adds its signature fizz and bitterness, making these cocktails both bright and complex.
Classic Daiquiri
No frozen slushie here — serve this classic shaken with lots of ice and it will be just as refreshing.
Passion Fruit Mai Tai
Once you’ve experienced sweet-tart passion fruit, you’ll want to add it to all your cocktails.
Blackberry-Mint Moscow Mule
A spicy ginger beer stands up to the ice cubes in this frosty drink. Smashing the blackberries with the mint takes it to the next level.
Grapefruit Ginger Paloma
A little sugar goes a long way in this tart and tangy cocktail.
Raspberry Daiquiri
A simple raspberry syrup will be your fave new addition to all your drinks, alcoholic and non. Once cocktail o'clock is over, try it with ice cream for dessert.
Citrusy White Sangria Margarita
The secret to not getting stuck behind the bar for the entire party? Prep a few big batch cocktails ahead of time and stash in the fridge.
Get the recipe for Citrusy White Sangria Margarita »
What you'll need: pitcher ($19, amazon.com)
Jalapeño Mango Margarita
Spice up your summer with this fruity marg, garnished with jalapeño slices.
Summer Pimm's Cup
Pimm's is a staple British drink come summertime. Watch this video to learn how you can make this cucumber-infused cocktail stateside.
Honeydew Margarita and Watermelon Rum Punch
Honeydew and watermelon are essentials on hot summer days — and same goes for these fruity cocktails.
Peach Sweet Tea With Bourbon
This boozy sweet tea is a porch party necessity.
Fizzy Fruity Floats
We'd like to think that the old-school soda fountain drinks will never go out of style (and they're even better with a splash of rum).
Tomato, Tomato
Peppercorn-infused vodka adds a hint of sophistication to this light tomato cocktail.
Orange Sherbet Mimosa Punch
Step up your mimosa game (yep, it's a thing) with this creamy punch bowl. Your Sunday brunch will never look — or taste — the same.
What you'll need: ice cream scoop ($15, amazon.com)
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