18 Refreshing Cocktail Drink Recipes for Summer

Summer’s here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a delicious, refreshing cocktail in hand? Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard BBQ, or just dreaming of a tropical getaway, we’ve got 18 irresistible drink recipes that’ll transport your taste buds to paradise. From fruity favorites to cool classics, these cocktails are sure to make your summer sizzle. Let’s mix things up!

Classic Mojito

Nothing beats the refreshing zing of a Classic Mojito on a warm summer day—it’s like a little vacation in a glass!

Ingredients

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 1/2 ounces white rum
• 1/2 cup club soda

Instructions

1. Place the mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and muddle again with the mint and lime.
3. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice.
4. Fill the glass with club soda. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired.
5. Garnish with the remaining lime wedges and a sprig of mint.

The magic of a Classic Mojito lies in the muddling—it’s what unlocks the mint’s vibrant flavor and marries it perfectly with the lime and sugar. Perfect for sipping as the sun sets.

Tip: For an extra frosty mojito, chill your glass in the freezer for about 30 minutes before making your drink.

Strawberry Daiquiri

Nothing says summer like a refreshing Strawberry Daiquiri, blending sweet strawberries with a tangy lime kick for the perfect poolside sip.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light rum
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Lime wedges and additional strawberries, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine the fresh strawberries, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and light rum.
2. Add 1 cup of ice cubes to the blender and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and slushy, about 30 seconds.
3. Pour the daiquiri into chilled glasses and garnish with lime wedges and additional strawberries on the rim.

The secret to this Strawberry Daiquiri’s vibrant flavor? The perfect balance of sweet strawberries and zesty lime, creating a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Tip: For a frozen version, use frozen strawberries and skip the ice for an even thicker, frostier texture.

Piña Colada

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this creamy, dreamy Piña Colada recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1/4 cup white rum
• 2 cups ice
• Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup coconut cream, 1/4 cup white rum, and 2 cups ice.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds.
3. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries.

The secret to this Piña Colada’s irresistible texture? Coconut cream adds a luxurious thickness that milk simply can’t match.

Tip: For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and add a splash of coconut water for extra flavor.

Margarita

Nothing beats the classic Margarita when you’re in the mood for something refreshingly tart with a sweet edge. Perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon or as a festive cocktail at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

1. Rim a chilled margarita glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge, then dip it into a plate of salt to coat.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz Cointreau, and 1/2 oz simple syrup with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.

The beauty of this Margarita lies in its perfect balance of sweet and sour, with the salt rim enhancing every sip. It’s a timeless recipe that never fails to impress.

Tip: For a smoother drink, use high-quality 100% agave tequila and fresh lime juice—never the bottled stuff!

Cosmopolitan

Shake up your cocktail game with this classic Cosmopolitan recipe, a perfect blend of sweet and tart that’s sure to impress at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• 1/2 ounce triple sec
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• Ice
• Lime wheel or twist, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
2. Add 1 1/2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce cranberry juice, 1/2 ounce triple sec, 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice, and 1/4 ounce simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel or twist.

The Cosmopolitan’s vibrant pink hue and crisp, citrusy finish make it a standout choice for those who appreciate a cocktail with both style and substance.

Tip: For an extra frosty drink, chill your martini glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Bloody Mary

Kick off your brunch with a classic Bloody Mary, a spicy, savory cocktail that’s as hearty as it is refreshing. Perfect for sipping alongside your favorite breakfast dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 3 oz tomato juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce
• 1/4 tsp celery salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 pinch smoked paprika
• Ice cubes
• Celery stalk and lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add the vodka, tomato juice, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold, about 15 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a celery stalk and a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.

The smoky paprika and Worcestershire sauce give this Bloody Mary a depth of flavor that stands out from the crowd, making it a brunch staple with a twist.

Tip: For an extra kick, rim your glass with a mix of celery salt and smoked paprika before pouring.

Martini

Shake up your evening with this classic Martini, a timeless cocktail that’s as elegant as it is simple to make.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• 1 dash orange bitters
• 1 lemon twist or olive, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to chill.
2. Add 2 1/2 oz gin, 1/2 oz dry vermouth, and 1 dash orange bitters to the chilled mixing glass.
3. Stir the mixture well for about 30 seconds until the outside of the glass feels cold.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with 1 lemon twist or olive on the edge of the glass.

The beauty of a Martini lies in its clarity and the balance between the botanicals of the gin and the herbal notes of the vermouth, making it a sophisticated choice for any occasion.

Tip: For a smoother drink, ensure your gin and vermouth are of high quality and always use fresh ice for stirring.

Old Fashioned

There’s nothing quite like the classic Old Fashioned to warm up your evening. This timeless cocktail is all about simplicity and depth of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 orange twist, for garnish
• 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir well for about 30 seconds until the outside of the glass feels cold.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
4. Express the oil of the orange twist over the glass, then drop it in as garnish along with the maraschino cherry.

The magic of an Old Fashioned lies in its balance—sweet, bitter, and strong, with the citrus oils adding a bright finish. It’s a cocktail that demands attention with every sip.

Tip: For an extra smooth drink, use a large ice cube to slow down dilution.

Whiskey Sour

There’s nothing like a classic Whiskey Sour to unwind after a long day—simple, refreshing, and with just the right balance of sweet and tart.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz egg white (optional for frothiness)
• Ice cubes
• Maraschino cherry and orange slice for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and 1/2 oz egg white if using.
2. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
3. Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again for another 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice on the rim.

The optional egg white gives this Whiskey Sour a silky texture and a beautiful frothy top, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Tip: For an extra smooth cocktail, make your own simple syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat, then cooling before use.

Manhattan

Manhattan, a classic cocktail that’s as sophisticated as it is simple to make, is perfect for those evenings when you want something a little special without too much fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to chill.
2. Add 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters to the chilled mixing glass.
3. Stir well for about 30 seconds until the outside of the glass feels cold.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with 1 maraschino cherry on a skewer or dropped directly into the glass.

The Manhattan’s beauty lies in its balance—the spicy rye softened by sweet vermouth, with bitters adding just the right amount of complexity. It’s a drink that feels both timeless and tailor-made for the moment.

Tip: For an extra smooth sip, chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving.

Gin and Tonic

There’s nothing quite like the crisp, refreshing taste of a perfectly made Gin and Tonic to unwind after a long day or to kick off a weekend gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz tonic water
• 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes to ensure your drink stays chilled.
2. Pour 2 oz of gin over the ice, allowing it to cool as it settles.
3. Squeeze the juice from one lime wedge into the glass and drop the wedge in for added flavor.
4. Gently top with 4 oz of tonic water, stirring lightly to combine without losing the bubbles.
5. Garnish with another lime wedge on the rim for a fresh, citrusy aroma with every sip.

The beauty of this Gin and Tonic lies in its simplicity and the balance between the botanicals of the gin and the quinine bitterness of the tonic, elevated by a bright lime finish.

Tip: For an extra aromatic twist, lightly muddle a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few juniper berries with the lime before adding the gin.

Long Island Iced Tea

Looking for a cocktail that packs a punch with a refreshing twist? The Long Island Iced Tea is your go-to drink, blending five spirits with a splash of cola for a deceptively smooth finish.

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz tequila
• 1/2 oz rum
• 1/2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz triple sec
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Cola, to top
• Lemon wedge, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, tequila, rum, gin, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold, about 15 seconds.
2. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of cola, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
3. Gently stir to combine, then garnish with a lemon wedge on the rim of the glass.

What sets this cocktail apart is its clever combination of spirits that, when mixed just right, mimics the taste of iced tea without a single drop of tea in sight.

Tip: For a lighter version, substitute the cola with club soda and add an extra splash of lemon juice.

Sangria

Nothing says summer like a refreshing pitcher of sangria, perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon or sharing at your next barbecue.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 lime, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, cored and diced
• 1 cup club soda, chilled

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the orange, lemon, lime slices, and diced apple to the pitcher. Stir gently to mix.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in the chilled club soda for a fizzy finish.

The beauty of this sangria lies in its versatility; the longer it sits, the more the fruit infuses the wine with its vibrant flavors, creating a drink that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Tip: For an extra chill, freeze some of the fruit slices and use them as ice cubes to keep your sangria cold without diluting it.

Mimosa

Start your brunch off right with this classic Mimosa, a bubbly blend of orange juice and champagne that’s as simple as it is elegant.

Ingredients

• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, chilled
• 1 bottle (750 ml) champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
• 1 tbsp orange liqueur (optional)
• Orange slices, for garnish

Instructions

1. Divide the freshly squeezed orange juice evenly among 4 champagne flutes, filling each about 1/3 full.
2. Slowly top each flute with champagne or sparkling wine, leaving a little space at the top for the bubbles to dance.
3. If using, add 1/4 tbsp of orange liqueur to each flute for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Gently stir each mimosa once to combine, then garnish with a slice of orange on the rim of the glass.

The beauty of a Mimosa lies in its simplicity and the joy of watching the bubbles rise through the vibrant orange juice—a surefire way to brighten any morning.

Tip: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and serve immediately to preserve the champagne’s effervescence.

Bellini

Start your brunch with a splash of elegance by whipping up this classic Bellini, a sparkling peach cocktail that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to sip.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe peaches, peeled and pitted
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine

Instructions

1. In a blender, puree the peaches with the lemon juice and sugar until smooth.
2. Strain the peach puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove any pulp.
3. Divide the peach puree evenly among 4 champagne flutes, filling each about one-third full.
4. Slowly top each flute with Prosecco, stirring gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, fruity effervescence of your homemade Bellini.

The magic of a Bellini lies in the balance of sweet peach and crisp Prosecco, creating a drink that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Tip: For an extra chill, place your champagne flutes in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving.

Espresso Martini

Shake up your evening with this sleek Espresso Martini, a perfect blend of coffee kick and smooth vodka that’s as stylish as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Coffee beans for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
2. Add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, and 1/2 oz simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a few coffee beans on top.

The Espresso Martini stands out with its velvety texture and the perfect balance between the bitterness of espresso and the sweetness of the liqueur, making it an unforgettable after-dinner treat.

Tip: For an extra frothy top, double strain the cocktail by using a fine mesh sieve after shaking.

Blue Lagoon

Dive into the refreshing taste of summer with this vibrant Blue Lagoon cocktail, a fizzy, citrusy delight that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup ice cubes
• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz blue curaçao
• 4 oz lemon-lime soda
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Lime wheel and maraschino cherry, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with 1/2 cup ice cubes to chill.
2. Pour 1 1/2 oz vodka and 1/2 oz blue curaçao over the ice.
3. Top with 4 oz lemon-lime soda and 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, gently stirring to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and a maraschino cherry on a skewer.

The Blue Lagoon’s stunning hue and tangy-sweet flavor make it a standout at any gathering, offering a taste of paradise in every sip.

Tip: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the vodka with additional lemon-lime soda and a splash of lime cordial.

Sex on the Beach

Dive into the vibrant flavors of this Sex on the Beach cocktail, a fruity and refreshing drink that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny day.

Ingredients

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz peach schnapps
• 2 oz orange juice
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz grenadine
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to chill.
2. In a shaker, combine 1 oz vodka, 1 oz peach schnapps, 2 oz orange juice, and 2 oz cranberry juice with ice. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
3. Strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass over fresh ice.
4. Slowly pour 1/2 oz grenadine into the glass; it will sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful gradient effect.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry on the rim.

The Sex on the Beach cocktail stands out with its stunning layers and sweet-tart flavor profile, making it a hit at any gathering.

Tip: For an extra chill, place your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before preparing the cocktail.

Conclusion

There you have it—18 refreshing cocktail recipes to beat the summer heat! Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just lounging by the pool, these drinks are sure to impress. Don’t forget to try them out, share your favorites in the comments, and pin this article on Pinterest for your next summer gathering. Cheers to a deliciously cool summer!