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    Home » Drink Collections

    Jun 3, 2023 by Kristin. This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    33+ Best Summer Cocktails

    If you looking for delicious drinks to try this summer, then you are in the right place. This collection of the best summer cocktails is sure to make you grab your shades, flip-flops and little drink umbrellas and hop right into the sunshine.

    closeup of mudslide cocktail with chocolate syrup on a wooden table
    Jump to:
    • 🥂 The Best Summer Cocktails
    • 🥃 Two-ingredient Summer Drinks
    • 🍸 Margaritas & Martinis
    • 🥃 Summer Shots
    • 🍓 Fruity Cocktails
    • 🍹 Frozen Summer Drinks

    🥂 The Best Summer Cocktails

    Summer Cocktails can run a large range of different types of drinks. From easy two ingredient refreshers to more elaborate frozen drinks, there’s something for everyone.

    Picture yourself sitting poolside, taking in a little sun and dipping your toes in the sparkling water. Now, what is missing? That’s right, a nice summery drink would make this picture complete.

    What makes something a perfect summer cocktail?

    • Refreshing
    • Brightly colored
    • Light
    • Fruity
    • Sweet
    • Frozen

    If it’s got one or a few of these above, then you’ve got the start of your perfect summer drink. Go on, take scroll below to start taste testing and find your favorite summer sipper.

    🥃 Two-ingredient Summer Drinks

    Rum & Lemonade
    Pop over to a tropical paradise with this cocktail. It combines the tangy zest of lemonade with the smooth and mellow notes of rum, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors.
    Why it's good: with only two ingredients and a little stirring needed, this cocktail is a breeze to whip up. Great for summer time events.
    Check out this recipe
    rum and lemonade
    Vodka & Lemonade
    Looking for a crisp and refreshing cocktail? This classic combination of vodka and lemonade is a must try. It is a smooth blend of tangy lemonade with a little bite of vodka.
    Why it's good: this one is easily customizable, just add a flavored vodka to switch up the flavors. Also, easily make it in large batches for a crowd.
    Check out this recipe
    vodka and lemonade
    Adult Capri Sun
    Take a step back in time with this adult twist on a classic drink. This adult capri sun is easy and refreshing. You simply combine your liquor of choice with your juice and choice and voila, it's good to sip!
    Why it's good: this one has endless customizable flavors to fit whatever your desires are. Also, it is super easy to make since it only needs two ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    two adult capri suns next to the ingredients used to make the drinks
    Vodka Soda
    This timeless classic is full of crisp refreshing flavor, yet is so simple. This should be the go to choice when looking for something refreshing, easy and low calorie.
    Why it's good: the flavor is customizable by using flavored vodka or flavored soda water. It is easy to make, just add both ingredients to the glass and stir.
    Check out this recipe
    Vodka soda
    Tequila & Sprite
    Looking for a crisp, refreshing and bubbly sipper? Try out this tequila and sprite. It is full zesty lemon flavor which is mixed with the light spice and sweetness of tequila. This one tastes a little like a margarita.
    Why it's good: with only two ingredients, you an stir this one up in just a few minutes. It is perfect to serve at any warm weather event.
    Check out this recipe
    Tequila and sprite in a highball with a lemon wedge on the rim.
    Rum & Orange Soda
    This enticing blend of sweet citrus and lightly sweet and spicy rum is a can't miss drink. This fizzy, sweet orange drink is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
    Why it's good: it's a simple and effortless cocktail that's so easy to make. It is well suited to serve at occasions and events year round.
    Check out this recipe
    orange soda and vodka highball with ingredients behind the drink
    Tequila & Squirt
    This zesty and effervescent cocktail is a must try. The smooth mix of tangy, sweet grapefruit with the light spice of tequila results in an invigorating and refreshing drink.
    Why it's good: great for serving at events like BBQs or other warm weather events. You can make it in just about 2 minutes.
    Check out this recipe
    tequila and squirt with ingredient bottles behind the drink
    Rum & Fruit Punch
    The combination of sweet fruit and smooth rum will whisk you away to a beachside paradise. This cocktail is a vibrant red flavor and is perfectly refreshing.
    Why it's good: this sweet drink is easy to make in large batches for a party. It is perfect for serving at any summer event.
    Check out this recipe
    rum and fruit punch on wooden table with ingredients in background

    🍸 Margaritas & Martinis

    Lemon Drop Martini
    This classic cocktail is the perfect mixture of sweet and sour citrus flavors. You will find a balanced combination of tangy lemon juice with a subtle sweetness of sugar; both of which smooth out the vodka.
    Why it's good: you only need a few ingredients to shake this one up. It is perfect for sipping at both formal and informal times.
    Check out this recipe
    lemon drop martini
    Key Lime Pie Martini
    Take a trip to the tropics with this refreshing and zesty dessert martini. It is a nice combination of tangy key lime, sweet sugar and a little graham cracker.
    Why it's good: it is perfect to serve as a dessert cocktail. It works well for holidays and parties.
    Check out this recipe
    key lime martini
    Strawberry Margarita
    Jump into summer with the sweet, vibrant and refreshing taste of this margarita. This one combines sweet strawberries with a classic lime flavored classic.
    Why it's good: it's a pretty red color making it a nice addition to parties. Great for serving at pool parties, BBQs and other summer occasions.
    Check out this recipe
    strawberry margarita
    Pornstar Martini
    This pretty pink and fruity martini is a classic sipper. Bursting with sweet passion fruit flavor mixed in with hints of vanilla and citrus.
    Why it's good: it's versatile as it works to serve from anytime like brunch all the way to dinner parties. The pretty color and sweet flavor is sure to be enjoyed by all.
    Check out this recipe
    pornstar martini with shot glass of prosecco and all ingredients around the drink
    Watermelon Jolly Rancher Drink
    This super easy drink is only four easy ingredients: watermelon pucker, lemon lime soda, sweet and sour mix and vodka. This sweet, fruity sipper is served in a margarita glass and tastes just like a watermelon jolly rancher.
    Why it's good: you can shake this one up in about 5 minutes. It can be made in large batches for a party or crowd.
    Check out this recipe
    watermelon jolly rancher drink with bottles in the background

    🥃 Summer Shots

    Bomb Pop Shot
    This fun layered shot is red, white and blue. It has a nice combination of coconut, citrus and cherry flavors.
    Why it's good: it is the perfect addition to July 4th parties with it's stunning red, white and blue layers.
    Check out this recipe
    Bomb pop shot on a wooden table with ingredient bottles next to the glass.
    Orange Creamsicle Shot
    This shot tastes like an orange creamsicle popsicle. It is full of creamy, sweet orange flavor.
    Why it's good: it is an easy to make combination of condensed milk, orange vodka, orange soda and whipped cream vodka. Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent drink.
    Check out this recipe
    closeup of orange creamsicle shot topped with whipped cream
    Red, White & Blue shot
    Looking for a festive flair to add to your next 4th of July hang out? Layer up this red, white and blue shot to dazzle all of your guests.
    Why it's good: really nice centerpiece shot to serve. Has a sweet, fruity flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    Red, white and blue shot with ingredient bottles around the shot glass.
    Pineapple Upside Down shot
    This tropical fruity dessert shot is a must try for any summer event. It is a pretty red on the bottom and light yellow on top.
    Why it's good: tastes just like pineapple upside down cake. It's easy to make with only three ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    closeup of pineapple upside down shot with bottles in background

    🍓 Fruity Cocktails

    Orange Gin & Tonic
    This one is a sweet citrus twist on an easy classic. If you like the botanical flavors of gin and the sweetness or orange, you gotta stir this one up.
    Why it's good: a nice sweet flavor addition to an old classic. Easy to make with only 4 ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    orange gin and tonic in a highball glass with ingredients next to the glass
    Gin Rickey
    This is a standard, classic cocktail. It is full of botanical flavors with a twist of lime. If you want something fizzy and refreshing, try this one out.
    Why it's good: it's easy to make in just a few minutes. Perfect to serve up for afternoon summer sipping or for a large crowd.
    Check out this recipe
    Gin rickey
    Blue Mojito
    Try this colorful twist on a classic mint flavored cocktail. This one is crisp, refreshing and has a little bite of rum.
    Why it's good: it is a nice burst of color to add for parties or get togethers.
    Check out this recipe
    blue mojito with ingredients in background
    Southside Cocktail
    This is a gin infused twist on the classic mojito. It still has the nice crisp and refreshing mint flavor, but with a nice hint of botanicals mingled in.
    Why it's good: it is bubbly and refreshing. It is perfect for hot summer days by the pool.
    Check out this recipe
    southside cocktail with ingredients in background
    Holy Water Drink
    This pretty blue drink has some added pops of color from fresh sliced fruit that is added in. This one tastes like strawberry lemonade with a hint of peach.
    Why it's good: this cocktail is easy to make as a full punch bowl for large parties and crowds.
    Check out this recipe
    holy water in glass with bottles behind it
    Hunch Punch
    This light pink fizzy party punch tastes like a tropical screwdriver. It is full of citrus, pineapple and fruit punch flavors with a kick of vodka.
    Why it's good: it is light and fruity. It is perfect for making in large batches.
    Check out this recipe
    top down view of hunch punch drink
    Fruit Tingle Cocktail
    This visually stunning drink is like a color changer from blue to purple hues. It is full of light fruity flavors that are sure to please.
    Why it's good: it's easy to make with only 4 easy ingredients. Refreshing and colorful.
    Check out this recipe
    close up of fruit tingle with liquor bottles visible in the background
    Cactus Juice
    This yellow-ish green cocktail has a nice burst of melon flavor. It is light, fruity and tropical.
    Why it's good: pretty color lends it to being a nice centerpiece cocktail. It is light and fruity, but not too sweet.
    Check out this recipe
    cactus juice cocktail on wooden table with ingredient bottles in the background
    Jamaican Me Crazy Drink
    This pretty pink drink is like a tropical island shoved into a hurricane glass. It is bursting with sweet, tropical fruit flavors.
    Why it's good: It's perfect for warm weather events held outside like picnics and pool parties.
    Check out this recipe
    Jamaican me crazy drink in a hurricane glass with all the ingredients used next to the glass
    Strawberry Sunrise
    Jazz up your standard classic sunrise cocktail by adding in some strawberry puree. If you love sweet, fruity drinks this is the one for you!
    Why it's good: it's easy to make with only 4 ingredients. Pretty, bright and colorful makes it perfect for brunch.
    Check out this recipe
    strawberry sunrise

    Banana Cow Drink
    Love banana laffy taffys? Then, give this one a shake! It is sweet, creamy and full of banana flavor.
    Why it's good: this drink is a nice dessert drink. It is sweet and fruity, but easy to make.
    Check out this recipe
    banana cow drink on a wooden table with the ingredient bottles next to the glass
    Funky Monkey Drink
    Let this one whisk you away to a bright, tropical summer day. It is bursting with banana, pineapple and coconut flavors to bring a ray of sunshine to your taste buds.
    Why it's good: it is the perfect poolside or beach day sipper. It has a nice touch of banana flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    view from the top of the glass of a funky monkey cocktail

    🍹 Frozen Summer Drinks

    Gin & Tonic Pops
    These light and fruity gin and tonic popsicles are perfect for hot days. Mix up your standard cocktail, pop in a slice of your fruit of choice, freeze and enjoy.
    Why it's good: super cool and refreshing. Customizable with your favorite fruit.
    Check out this recipe
    closeup of lime gin and tonic popsicle
    Frozen Brandy Alexander
    This ice cream fueled twist on a classic cocktail is a must try. It is a rich, sweet and delicious dessert drink.
    Why it's good: it will keep you cool on hot days. It is a sweet and creamy drink perfect for dessert.
    Check out this recipe
    frozen brandy alexander in a rocks glass next to blender and other ingredients
    Frozen Mudslide
    The most decadent, sweet frozen drink you can imagine. It tastes like a coffee infused ice cream sundae, who could refuse that.
    Why it's good: perfect for after dinner dessert drinks. You can really spruce it up with extra chocolate syrup and whipped cream.
    Check out this recipe
    frozen muslide in a hurricane glass with the ingredients next to it
    Dirty Monkey Drink
    Despite it's name, there's nothing dirty about this drink. It is all full of sweet, fruity goodness. It tastes just like a banana milkshake.
    Why it's good: it is decadent and delicious. Perfect for a stunning dessert drink.
    Check out this recipe
    dirty monkey cocktail with blender in background

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