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Summer cocktail recipe ideas you need to try for the upcoming heatwave 😎☀️
Quick and easy cocktail recipes that are made for sipping in the sunshine.
We love a cocktail here at Good Housekeeping and we've compiled all our favourite drinks to celebrate with our friends and family.
We've got plenty of options for everyone, whether you're more into fruity, sweet, sour or looking for low and no alcohol cocktails - we've got you covered.
From boozy mojitos, Aperol Spritz, gin sours and non-alcoholic Pimm's, our cocktail recipes will give you plenty of inspiration to enjoy the warmer weather.
We have plenty of ideas for frozen cocktails too - including a frozen strawberry daiquiri and a a frozen Aperol cocktail.
If you're entertaining and want an easy option then you can't go wrong with a jug of Pimm's, or have a look at our tried and tested cocktails in a can for the ultimate convenience.
Bourbon Iced Tea
A get-ahead tipple, ideal for a balmy evening. You can leave out the bourbon for a virgin version.
Recipe: Bourbon Iced Tea
Strawberry Royal Cocktail
This deliciously fruity cocktail has a strawberry infused-gin base, topped up with sparkling wine for a fizzy finish.
Recipe: Strawberry Royal Cocktail
Coconut rum punch
This summery cocktail is made with coconut rum, coconut water and vanilla pods.
Recipe: Coconut rum punch
Hugo spritz
The most delicious and refreshing summer cocktail with elderflower, Prosecco, mint and lime.
Recipe: Hugo spritz
Negroni Sbagliato
Yep, with Prosecco in it. This delicious bitter-sweet drink replaces the gin with bubbly Prosecco for a lighter and slightly lower ABV.
Recipe: Negroni Sbagliato
Ginger mojito
The traditional mojito has a surprise up its sleeve - a sugar syrup made with ginger makes it zing on a hot summer's day.
Recipe: Ginger mojito
Cucumber, mint and elderflower mocktail r
A refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail made with elderflower cordial and soda water - then topped with mint and limes.
Negroni
You can't beat a classic bitter-sweet and bold Negroni and this is our recipe for the perfect serve.
Recipe: Negroni
White Port and Tonic
Your go-to gin sidekick just got a new best friend. Floral white port pairs perfectly with sharp fizzy tonic. Swap the rosemary for fresh mint, if you like.
Recipe: White Port and Tonic
Desi Mango Spritz
You haven't had a spritz until you've tried this insane mango spritz using one of our favourite spirits of all time: Desi Daru Alphonso Mango Vodka. You'll need:
- 25ml Desi Daru Alphonso Mango Vodka
- 25ml Sauvignon Blanc
- 100ml London Essence Co Peach & Jasmine Soda
Method: Add all ingredients over ice in a wine glass. Stir gently and garnish with a curry leaf if you like.
White wine sangria
We've taken a refreshing twist on the Spanish classic, with this sparkling white wine Sangria – perfect for summer parties.
Recipe: White wine sangria
White Negroni
The lighter and fruitier version of a classic Negroni with a gorgeous Bergamot liqueur added to the mix. Simply delicious when served alongside green olives.
Recipe: White Negroni
Rhubarb martini
A martini with a twist for a sunny day – just add rhubarb syrup.
Recipe: Rhubarb martini
Frozen strawberry daiquiri
Strawberries, rum and lime combine for the perfect chilled summer cocktail
Recipe: Frozen strawberry daiquiri
Pimm's No 1 Cup
Do you know how to make Pimm's properly? We explain how to make the perfect jug of Pimm's, whether you prefer the classic recipe or want to try something new.
Recipe: How to make a jug of Pimm's
Dr. Squid Mule
Haven't you heard? Squid ink is in gin now and before you turn away let us tell you how delicious it is. It's not fishy at all - but rather adds a lovely salinity to drinks. Plus it looks cool when you mix it with anything acidic for that mesmerising colour-changing effect. Try it in this Moscow mule riff:
Ingredients:
- 50ml Dr Squid Gin
- 15ml Lime Juice/fresh lime
- Topped with Ginger Beer
- Crushed ice
Method:
- Fill a Hi Ball glass to the top with ice
- Squeeze half a fresh lime over the ice
- Top almost to the top with Ginger Beer (we use Old Jamaica), leaving enough room for your gin at the top
- Pour 50ml Dr. Squid Gin into the top of the glass slowly, layering the Gin on top
- Serve with a fresh lime wheel and a sprig of Rosemary
- Stir with a straw before tasting.
Frozen pink gin
Pink gin is the DRINK of the moment, and this frozen version using pre-mixed cans is a fun summer cocktail.
Recipe: Frozen pink gin
Frozerol
Forget frosé (ok, we still love this, too) - Frozerol is about to become your new obsession. This Aperol Spritz slushie is the perfect adult summer drink.
Recipe: Frozerol
Frozen Espresso Martini
We love an espresso martini and this frozen version is seriously tasty - hello summer!
Recipe: Frozen Espresso Martini
Frozen Gin Fizz
Lemonade, gin, caster sugar and lemon juice... that's it, and you've got this AMAZING drink!
Recipe: Frozen Gin Fizz
An experienced and highly skilled team of food writers, stylists and digital content producers, the Good Housekeeping Cookery Team is a close-knit squad of food obsessives. Cookery Editor Emma Franklin is our resident chilli obsessive and barbecue expert, who spends an inordinate amount of time on holidays poking round the local supermarkets seeking out new and exciting foods. Senior Cookery Writer Alice Shields is a former pastry chef and baking fanatic who loves making bread and would have peanut butter with everything if she could. Her favourite carb is pasta, and our vibrant green spaghetti is her weeknight go-to. Lover of all things savoury, Senior Cookery Writer Grace Evans can be found eating crispy corn and nocellara olives at every opportunity, and will take the cheeseboard over dessert any time (though she cannot resist a slice of tres leches cake). With a wealth of professional kitchen know-how, culinary training and years of experience between them, they are all dedicated to ensuring every Good Housekeeping recipe is the best it can be, so you can trust they’ll work (and if they don’t – we’ll have the answer for why*) every time (*90% of the time the answer is: “buy an separate oven thermometer”!).
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