24 Best Summer Cocktails That Keep You Cool on a Hot Day
The season was made for sipping.
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If there was a season that was made for cocktails, it would be summertime. After all, there's nothing better than relaxing by the pool with a frozen beverage or enjoying a backyard barbecue with a pitcher of sangria. Summer cocktails keep you cool on a sweltering hot day, but they're also a great way to get the party started. Whether it's a 4th of July cocktail or an icy margarita for Taco Tuesday, you'll find summer drinks made for sipping all season.
Looking to put summer fruits to good use? Try the peach bellini or the white wine spritzer filled with garden-fresh berries. Or if you prefer a cocktail with tequila instead, try watermelon drinks like margarita for a summery twist on a classic drink. Speaking of classic drinks, if you haven't tried an herby mint mojito or a tropical bay breeze cocktail, you'll definitely want to give them a try during the warmest days of the year.
All of these summer cocktails would be fun to serve at your next backyard bash, including frozen drinks like lemonade for the kids or a glass of frosé for the grownups in the house. We've even included a few mocktails like the strawberry lemonade. Then all you have to do is add a few party dips and your favorite grilling recipes, and you'll be ready for a day filled with fun in the sun!
Piña Colada
If you like piña coladas and gettin' caught in the rain, make this recipe all summer and plan your escape... to the kitchen to make another batch.
Get the Piña Colada recipe.
Aperol Spritz
Looking to serve a crowd? This trendy option is the way to go. Simply pour Aperol, prosecco, and sparkling water over ice and garnish. And just look at that color!
Get the Aperol Spritz recipe.
Strawberry Daiquiri
You only need four ingredients for frozen drink heaven: strawberries, sugar, lime juice, and rum. If you want to make them non-alcoholic, you can throw in a splash of rum extract for flavor instead.
Get the Strawberry Daiquiri recipe.
Spicy Jalapeño Margarita
Turn up the heat this summer with a subtle spicy spike. You start with jalapeño tequila and add triple sec, lime juice, and a sugar syrup for the perfect balance of spicy, tart, and sweet.
Get the Spicy Jalapeño Margarita recipe.
Mudslide
Milkshake lovers, this one is for you! Vanilla ice cream gets a boozy upgrade with Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and vodka with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for good measure.
Get the Mudslide recipe.
Campari Spritz
If you like Aperol but wish it was a little less sweet, try Campari instead! It will give your cocktail a bittersweet and herbaceous flavor that contrasts the juice and prosecco perfectly.
Get the Campari Spritz recipe.
White Sangria
Having trouble choosing between white wine and prosecco? Have a taste of both in the same drink, along with fresh pops of citrus, apple, mango, and strawberry.
Get the White Sangria recipe.
Strawberry Lemonade
This sweet-tart mashup will quench everyone's thirst on a hot, sunny day so perfectly that you won't even miss the alcohol. With that said, if you do want to add something, try vodka or tequila.
Get the Strawberry Lemonade recipe.
Frosé
If "frosé, all day" is your summer motto, you don't have to go out to have some. Nope, just make it at home with four simple ingredients that take a whirl in your blender.
Get the Frosé recipe.
Mojitos
Growing mint in your garden? Try this icy mojito recipe that's loaded with the fresh herbs. There's also plenty of lime juice and a bit of sugar for sweetness.
Get the Mojito recipe.
Watermelon Margarita
It wouldn't be summer without juicy watermelon! Here, the sweet fruit gets blended into a classic margarita.
Get the Watermelon Margarita recipe.
White Wine Spritzer
Wine lovers will appreciate this refreshing bubbly drink. It combines chilled white wine with sparkling water and fruity ice cubes.
Get the White Wine Spritzer recipe.
Bay Breeze Cocktail
You'll feel like your on a tropical island (even if you're just in your own backyard) with this fruity drink. The mini umbrellas are optional but highly recommended.
Get the Bay Breeze Cocktail recipe.
Tequila Sunrise
The colors of red, orange, and yellow will remind you of a beautiful summer sunrise. For an extra pop of fun, add a cherry on top!
Get the Tequila Sunrise recipe.
Ranch Water
This lightened-up drink is Ree Drummond's go-to cocktail and it's easy to see why. It's refreshing and it comes together in just a couple of minutes!
Get the Ranch Water recipe.
Frozen Lemonade
Grab your blender and a bunch of lemons for this frosty beverage. It's great for kids of all ages, but if you want to turn it into an adults-only cocktail, just add your favorite boozy beverage.
Get the Frozen Lemonade recipe.
Red Sangria
Take it from Ree: "All you need is a pitcher of sangria to make it a party!" Add whatever fruit you like best: apples, strawberries, lemon slices, and more.
Get the Red Sangria recipe.
Red, White, and Blue Cocktail
The summertime has plenty of occasions for making this American flag-inspired drink—Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day to a name a few.
Get the Red, White, and Blue Cocktail recipe.
Peach Bellini
Put juicy summer peaches and strawberries to good use with this sparkling cocktail made with a blend of both. It would be a lovely addition to a morning brunch.
Get the Peach Bellini recipe.
Marg-a-Ree-Ta
Ree loves this version of a margarita so much, she even named it after herself. It has a refreshing twist of cucumber slices and fresh mint.
Get Ree's Marg-a-Ree-Ta recipe.
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