24 Summer Cocktails Made for Summer Sipping
Warm weather means margaritas, mocktails and more!
Is there anything better than kicking back in the sunshine with a cold beverage on a hot summer day? We'd argue that's about as good as it gets. We've rounded up our favorite triple-tested summer cocktail recipes that you'll want to sip on all season long. From pretty pink cocktails to classic drinks that are perfect for serving a crowd, there's sure to be a recipe here that you'll enjoy. Many of them can also be modified to be enjoyed as mocktails if you or someone you're serving is skipping the booze this summer.
Don't be afraid to modify these recipes to make them your own. If you like extra-spicy Piña Coladas (♫ and getting caught in the rain ♫), increase the amount of serrano chiles used in the rum. If you like a spritz that's extra sweet, add a little simple syrup to your glass before the rest of the ingredients. And if you want to use gin instead of tequila in your margaritas, go for it!
Here are the best summer cocktails to enjoy this season.
Spicy Piña Coladas
Give the refreshing summer cocktail an update with chile-infused rum. It's sweet, it's cold, and it's best enjoyed in the sunshine if you ask us.
Get the Spicy Piña Coladas recipe.
Cynar Spritz
Tired of aperol spritzes? Mix things up with the Cynar spritz, made with prosecco, club soda, and Cynar, an Italian bitter aperitif.
Get the Cynar Spritz recipe.
Gran Classico Spritz
It's a spritzy summer! Another variation on the fizzy, refreshing beverage is the Gran Classico Spritz, made with orange peel, rhubarb, and vanilla.
Get the Gran Classico Spritz recipe.
Gran Classico Spritz
Prefer bold over sweet? This recipe is made with prosecco, Gran Classico and club soda. Plus, you can garnish with olives and an orange slice for extra flair.
Hugo Spritz
If you ask us, this should be the official drink of summer. It's made with lime, elderflower liqueur, and mint and served over ice.
Get the Hugo Spritz recipe.
Grapefruit Ginger Paloma
If you like a cocktail that's flavorful without being overly sweet, add this to your summer drink menu. It's made with grapefruit juice, lime juice, a little bit of sugar, tequila and ginger beer.
Get the Grapefruit Ginger Paloma recipe.
Berry Bellini Party Ice
Keep prosecco chill and add a burst of fruity flavor as these cubes melt. A two-in-one treat!
Get the Berry Bellini Party Ice recipe.
Strawberry Meyer Lemon Spritz
Consider this a boozy take on the most summery of beverages, lemonade. Mix in strawberries, gin, and sparkling wine for a crowd-pleasing drink.
Get the Strawberry Meyer Lemon Spritz recipe.
Margarita Citrus Wedge Shots
These aren't the Jell-O shots you remember from college parties. They're a little more elevated, but still plenty of fun.
Get the Margarita Citrus Wedge Shots recipe.
RELATED: Pair With The Perfect Party App
Pimm's Cup
This refreshing summer sipper is made with a gin-based aperitif, fresh fruit, and cucumber. We feel refreshed just thinking about it.
Get the Pimm's Cup recipe.
Big-Batch Watermelon Margaritas
Next time you're having friends over to hang by the pool or in the backyard, mix up a batch of these summery watermelon margaritas. You'll need watermelon (duh!), plus lime juice, tequila, and Cointreau.
Get the Big-Batch Watermelon Margaritas recipe.
RELATED: 15 Delicious Watermelon Cocktails to Enjoy All Summer Long
Cosmopolitan
This fun, bright-pink drink is perfect for the warmer months. To have your own Carrie Bradshaw moment at home, stock your bar cart with vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice and lime juice.
Get the Cosmopolitan recipe.
Aperol Spritz Granita
This fun (frozen!) twist on Aperol spritz stays perfectly cold till the end, ideal for porch sipping in the sun.
Get the Aperol Spritz Granita recipe.
Vanilla-Citrus-Honey Sangria
You're four ingredients away from a refreshing and elegant sangria.
Get the Vanilla-Citrus-Honey Sangria recipe.
Zesty Michelada
This Mexican-inspired drink made with beer, tomato juice and spices is a tasty, bold pick for your backyard cookout.
Get the Zesty Michelada recipe.
Negroni
Bitter Campari and herby gin serve up a spirit-forward drink with serious complexity.
Get the Negroni recipe.
Mai Tai
Nothing says palm trees and sandy beaches quite like this Polynesian drink. The dark rum float adds depth to each fruity sip.
Get the Mai Tai recipe.
Star-Spangled Spritzer
Hosting a 4th of July bash? This large format punch is perfect for a crowd. Plus you can easily swap in sparkling water for prosecco, making it a family-friendly mocktail.
Get the Star-Spangled Spritzer recipe.
RELATED: 35 Refreshing 4th of July Drinks Perfect for Independence Day
Honeydew Margarita
Put ripe melon to good use in this twist on the classic tequila-based cocktail.
Get the Honeydew Margarita recipe.
Elderflower Gin Cocktail
Cucumber and lime garnishes will tell your summer party guests exactly what flavors they're getting with this fresh cocktail.
Get the Elderflower Gin Cocktail recipe.
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