First published July 2021
Summer has come. Just like food, it’s the best season for cocktails (in my opinion). summer cocktails A theme of seasonal berries, stone fruit, or fresh herbs makes it endlessly more fun. The weather is ripe for a refreshing lather or a thick, icy puree with just the right amount of sweetness. You don’t even need alcohol. Mocktails are king even in the summer. This refreshing summer drink is best enjoyed outdoors, whether in your backyard, restaurant patio, or by the pool.
Here are some of my favorite classic cocktail recipes from this season.
First, you’ll see each basic recipe listed, plus a few creative variations to help get your wheels turning. enjoy!
1. Mojito
Mojito is a traditional Cuban cocktail that goes well in any season, but it’s best in summer when it’s full of refreshing mint. You’ll need tons of mint leaves, white rum, and sparkling water. Try adding strawberries or peaches to the mix.
recipe: classic mojito
transform: try it strawberry mojito, Raspberry Mojito, peach mojitoor Virgin Mojito
2. Aperol Spritz
Spritz is another ideal bubbly cocktail to beat the heat. The most popular is the Aperol Spritz, but you can mix it with other liqueurs too! Basic idea? The ratio of sparkling wine (aka Prosecco), liqueur, and club soda is 3:2:1. The citrus flavor makes this drink even more refreshing.
recipe: Aperol Spritz
transform: Saint-Germain Spritze, Lillet Spritz, Amaro Spritzor Limoncello Spritz
3. Spritzer
A spritzer sounds like a spritz, but it’s a completely different concept! Mix wine and club soda and you have a spritzer! This concept has been around since the 1800s, and that’s because it’s simple and very refreshing. Use any wine of your choice.
recipe: white wine spritzer
transform: Rosé Spritzer
4. Highball
Highball is the definition of refreshing. The alcohol adds a lot of bubbles! There are many variations on the concept of mixing alcohol and sparkling water. The history of whiskey highballs dates back to the early 1900s. Is there a trendy new variation you’ve probably heard of? Ranch water!
recipe: vodka soda
transform: whiskey highball, tequila soda, ranch water
5. Gene Ricky
Ricky’s is similar to a highball, but with gin and lime juice! The classic gin Rickey was invented in the 1880s. Since then, it has evolved into a popular variation called mocktails and is an endlessly customizable concept.
recipe: Gene Ricky
transform: Cherry Lime Ricky, Raspberry Lime Rickyor Lime Ricky
6. Sandy
Shandy is to beer what Wine Spritzer is to wine! Have you ever tried making shandy at home? It’s a British drink that dates back to the mid-1800s. Originally the beer was mixed with ginger beer or ginger ale, today’s Shandy is mixed with lemon-lime soda or sparkling lemonade. Summer Shandy and Grapefruit Shandy (recipe link below) is a classic dish updated with freshly squeezed lemon and grapefruit juice for a refreshing twist.
recipe: classic sandy
transform: summer sandy, Grapefruit Sandy
7. Whiskey Smash
The classic whiskey smash dates back to the 1880s as a refreshing summer drink in the Victorian era! Many variations have evolved since then. Enjoy it with any alcohol, and mix it with fresh berries for a unique taste.
recipe: whiskey smash
transform: Gin Basil Smash, Berry Vodka Smash, Blackberry Bourbon Smash
8. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is one of the country’s most popular cocktails, featuring the classic combination of lime and ginger beer. This has given rise to numerous variations using different liqueurs. The watermelon version is perfect for the taste of summer!
recipe: classic moscow mule
transform: mexican mule, kentucky mule, jean jean mules, watermelon mule
9. Frozen Daiquiri
Frozen daiquiris may be a thing of the 1990s, but we’re here for them! The classic daiquiri is made with lime, rum, and simple syrup, and when frozen, you have a resort and restaurant classic. It’s incredibly refreshing and easy to make into a mocktail. All you have to do is mix the ingredients, add a decoration or two if you like, and enjoy!
recipe: Strawberry Daiquiri
transform: Lime Frozen Daiquiri, Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri
10. Sangria
The last of this summer’s cocktail collection is one that can be made in a large pitcher. Sangria! This Spanish wine punch has been lifting people’s spirits for centuries. Common ingredients include fruit, sugar, wine, brandy, triple sec, and seltzer or soda water (optional). There are many fruity variations that are perfect for the season.
recipe: red sangria
transform: white sangria, rose sangria, Watermelon Sangria, Strawberry Sangria
For a more refreshing summer cocktail…
Search by alcoholic beverages vodka, rumor jin.
Sonja is the author of an award-winning food blog. couple chef and cookbook pretty simple dish. Together with her husband, Alex, they are leading voices on plant-based eating and authors of a recipe series for Washington Post Food. Greedy: Powered by plants. Featured on everything from the TODAY Show to Bon Appetit, Sonja inspires adventurous eating and strives to make the world a better place, one bite at a time.
