Sip on Sunshine with These 17 Must-Try Summer Cocktails

A collection of the very best summer cocktails to try this season! One of my favorite things to do (at any time of the year, actually) is prep myself a homemade cocktail after a long day at work, and sip it in the kitchen whilst I think about making dinner. There’s just something so simply indulgent about gathering together the ingredients and creating a grown-up drink and carving out a little bit of peace and quiet in the chaos of everyday life. And so that’s why, with summer on the horizon, I wanted to create a collection of my favorite summer inspired cocktails for you to try at home!

These are just the ticket for outdoor entertaining, barbecues, pool parties, hot days when you’re in the mood for sipping something cool – and indeed, those everyday evenings when you want a little treat.

In case you need any extra convincing, here’s why I think you’ll love these cocktails:

Fresh & Seasonal – Made with juicy fruits, zesty citrus, and all the best flavors of summer.
Perfect for Every Occasion – Whether it’s a casual BBQ, a fancy garden party, or a poolside hang, these drinks pass the summer vibe check.
A Mix of Classic & Creative – From tropical rum punches to spritzes, margaritas, and frozen blends, there’s something for every taste, whether you prefer to keep it simple or shake it up.
Easy to Make – No complicated bartending skills required—just simple, delicious cocktails you can whip up at home. Whether you’ve got a fully stocked home bar or just a few staples, there’s something here you can make – featuring gin, vodka, Aperol, brandy, sparkling wine, and more.

Let’s get straight down to the recipes…

1. Frozen Mimosa

A classic mimosa, but make it extra refreshing! This frozen cocktail is a slushy, citrusy twist on everyone’s favorite brunch staple, blending fresh orange juice, sparkling wine, and ice for the ultimate summer sip. It’s a classic for good reason, and this iced version is one that you’ll want to make all season long. I often serve these just as my guests arrive if I’m hosting a BBQ party, and they’re always a huge hit with a crowd.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

2 cups ice
½ cup orange juice
½ cup sparkling wine
Orange wedges (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Blend It Up

In a powerful blender, combine ice, orange juice, and sparkling wine.
Blend until smooth, ensuring no ice chunks remain.

2. Serve & Garnish

Immediately pour into two 10-ounce champagne flutes.
Garnish with an orange wedge, if you like.

2. Spanish Summer Sangria

Everyone needs a really good sangria recipe in their summer repertoire, and this classic version is my favorite! It’s fruity and authentic, and it’s a classic choice if you want to make a big cocktail pitcher so everyone can just dive in and help themselves. Made with dry red wine, citrus, brandy, and a touch of cinnamon, this sangria is bold, slightly sweet, and bursting with fresh fruit flavors.

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (preferably Spanish, like Tempranillo or Garnacha)
¼ cup brandy
¼ cup orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau)
¼ cup white sugar (adjust to taste)
1 large orange, peeled and thinly sliced
1 large lemon, peeled and thinly sliced
1 large lime, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium apple, cored and cut into thin wedges
1 cinnamon stick
1-2 cups soda water (adjust to preference)
Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Muddle the Citrus

In a large pitcher or bowl, add the sliced orange, lemon, and lime.
Gently muddle the citrus slices with a wooden spoon to release their juices and flavors.

2. Add Apples and Sugar

Add the apple wedges to the pitcher.
Sprinkle the white sugar over the fruit and stir gently to dissolve the sugar and coat the fruit.

3. Add Brandy and Orange Liqueur

Pour the brandy and orange liqueur over the fruit mixture.
Stir well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes so the fruit absorbs the flavors.

4. Add Wine and Cinnamon

Pour in the red wine and drop in the cinnamon stick.
Stir gently to combine.

5. Chill and Marinate

Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (for best flavor, marinate for 4-8 hours or overnight).

6. Serve the Sangria

Just before serving, add soda water to taste for a slight fizz.
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the sangria over the ice, ensuring each glass gets some marinated fruit.

3. Limoncello Mojito

I’ve given the classic mojito an upgrade for this one, and I’m obsessed with the seriously Italian vibes it serves up! It’s classy, elegant, and so wonderfully zesty and refreshing for a hot day. If you have a bottle of limencello lurking in your drinks cabinet, this is your sign to try this cocktail.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

4 oz limoncello
2 oz white rum
1½ oz fresh lime juice
12-16 fresh mint leaves
2 tsp simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Club soda, to top
Ice
Lemon slices & mint sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Muddle the Mint

In a large mixing glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup until fragrant.

2. Mix the Cocktail

Fill two tall glasses with ice.
Divide the limoncello and white rum evenly between the glasses.
Pour the muddled lime and mint mixture into both glasses and stir gently to combine.

3. Top & Garnish

Top each glass with club soda and give it a final stir.
Garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of fresh mint.
Serve, and enjoy!

4. Cherry Limeade Vodka Cooler

This Cherry Limeade Vodka Cooler is a tart, sweet, and ultra-refreshing summer cocktail that tastes like a grown-up version of your favorite cherry limeade. With juicy cherries, zesty lime, vodka, and a splash of fizz, it’s the perfect balance of citrus and sweetness—ideal for hot summer days, BBQs, or those evenings when you just want a refreshing treat after dinner.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

4 oz vodka
½ cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
2 oz fresh lime juice
2 tbsp simple syrup (adjust to taste)
½ cup club soda or lemon-lime soda
Ice
Lime slices & cherries (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Muddle the Cherries

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cherries and lime juice until the cherries release their juices.

2. Mix the Cocktail

Add vodka, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker.
Shake well until chilled.

3. Strain & Top

Strain the mixture evenly into two ice-filled glasses.
Top with club soda or lemon-lime soda for a fizzy finish.

4. Garnish & Serve

Garnish with lime slices and extra cherries.
Serve immediately.

5. Strawberry Kiwi Mojito

With sweet strawberries, tangy kiwi, fresh mint, and zesty lime, this version of the classic mojito is another one of my warm-weather favorites. Try it for backyard parties when you want to impress!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

4 oz white rum
1 kiwi, peeled and diced
4 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1½ oz fresh lime juice
12-16 fresh mint leaves
2 tsp simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Club soda, to top
Ice
Kiwi slices, strawberries & mint sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Muddle the Fruit & Mint

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the kiwi, strawberries, mint leaves, and lime juice until the fruit releases its juices.

2. Mix the Cocktail

Add white rum, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker.
Shake well until chilled.

3. Strain & Top

Strain the mixture evenly into two ice-filled glasses.
Top with club soda for a bubbly finish.

4. Garnish & Serve

Garnish with kiwi slices, strawberries, and a sprig of fresh mint.
Serve straightaway and enjoy.

6. Pineapple Rum Punch

Tropical, fruity, and dangerously easy to drink, this Pineapple Rum Punch is summer in a glass. With sweet pineapple juice, zesty lime, dark and light rum, and a splash of grenadine, this cocktail is refreshing, slightly tangy, and always a crowd pleaser.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

3 oz pineapple juice
2 oz light rum
2 oz dark rum
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz orange juice
½ oz grenadine
½ cup club soda (or more, to taste)
Ice
Pineapple slices & cherries (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Cocktail

Fill two glasses with ice.
In a cocktail shaker, combine pineapple juice, light rum, dark rum, lime juice, and orange juice.
Shake well until chilled.

2. Pour & Add Grenadine

Strain the mixture evenly into the glasses.
Slowly pour in the grenadine, letting it sink for a layered effect.

3. Top & Garnish

Top each glass with club soda for a bubbly finish.
Garnish with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries.

4. Serve & Enjoy

Stir before drinking, or enjoy the layered look for a more tropical vibe!

7. Coconut Banana Colada

If a piña colada and a banana smoothie had a beachy, boozy baby, it would be this. Creamy coconut milk, sweet banana, and tropical rum blend together for a smooth, luscious, and ultra-refreshing summer cocktail. It’s tropical paradise in a glass—no plane ticket required.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana
4 oz coconut milk (or coconut cream for extra richness)
4 oz white rum
2 oz pineapple juice
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 tbsp honey or simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
1½ cups ice
Toasted coconut flakes & banana slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Blend the Colada

In a blender, combine banana, coconut milk, white rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, honey (if using), and ice.
Blend until smooth and creamy.

2. Serve & Garnish

Pour into two chilled glasses.
Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and banana slices.

3. Sip & Enjoy

Serve immediately and enjoy this smooth, tropical, and ultra-creamy summer cocktail!

8. Summer Sunset Cocktail

Vibrant, fruity, and as gorgeous as a summer sunset, this cocktail is a refreshing blend of tropical flavors with a layered, ombré effect. With sweet pineapple juice, smooth rum, tangy citrus, and a touch of grenadine, this drink is as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

4 oz white rum
6 oz pineapple juice
2 oz fresh orange juice
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz grenadine
½ cup club soda (optional, for extra fizz)
Ice
Orange slices & maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Cocktail

Fill two tall glasses with ice.
In a cocktail shaker, combine white rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and lime juice.
Shake well until chilled.

2. Pour & Add Grenadine

Strain the mixture evenly into the prepared glasses.
Slowly pour grenadine into each glass—it will sink, creating a beautiful layered effect.

3. Top & Garnish

If desired, top with club soda for a bubbly finish.
Garnish with orange slices and maraschino cherries.
Serve and enjoy!

9. Strawberry Aperol Spritz

A sweet, fruity twist on the classic Italian cocktail, this Strawberry Aperol Spritz is light, bubbly, and refreshingly bitter with a hint of sweetness. Made with Aperol, prosecco, fresh strawberries, and a splash of soda, this summer cocktail is perfect for aperitivo hour, brunch, or sipping on a patio at golden hour. If you find traditional Aperol spritzes a little too bitter, I think you’ll love this version!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

4 oz Aperol
6 oz prosecco
2 oz club soda
4 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 oz fresh lemon juice
Ice
Strawberry slices & lemon wedges (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Muddle the Strawberries

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries and lemon juice until juicy.

2. Mix the Spritz

Fill two wine glasses with ice.
Divide the Aperol and muddled strawberry mixture evenly between the glasses.

3. Top & Garnish

Pour in the prosecco and top with club soda for extra fizz.
Stir gently and garnish with strawberry slices and a lemon wedge.
Enjoy!

10. Salty Dog Cocktail

Crisp, refreshing, and just the right amount of salty, the Salty Dog is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for hot summer days. Made with fresh grapefruit juice, vodka (or gin), and a salted rim, this drink is bright, tart, and effortlessly cool! It’s probably one of the lesser known classics, but once you’ve tried it, I think it’ll be a regular for your cocktail hours!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

4 oz vodka (or gin)
6 oz fresh grapefruit juice
Ice
Coarse salt (for rimming)
Grapefruit slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Glasses

Run a grapefruit wedge around the rim of two rocks glasses.
Dip the rims in coarse salt to coat.

2. Mix the Cocktail

Fill the glasses with ice.
Divide the vodka (or gin) and grapefruit juice evenly between the glasses.

3. Stir & Garnish

Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with grapefruit slices, and serve straightaway.

11. Summer Bramble

A fruity, floral twist on the classic Bramble, this Summer Bramble is packed with fresh blackberries, gin, lemon, and a drizzle of crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur). It’s refreshingly tart, slightly sweet, and bursting with juicy berry flavor—perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

4 oz gin
2 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
1 oz crème de mûre (or crème de cassis)
6 fresh blackberries (plus more for garnish)
Crushed ice
Lemon slices & blackberries (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Muddle the Blackberries

In a cocktail shaker, muddle blackberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup until juicy.

2. Mix the Cocktail

Add gin and ice to the shaker.
Shake well until chilled.

3. Strain & Add Crème de Mûre

Strain the mixture into two glasses filled with crushed ice.
Slowly drizzle crème de mûre over the top—it will trickle down for a beautiful layered effect.

4. Garnish & Serve

Garnish with blackberries and lemon slices.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

12. Watermelon Martini

Juicy, refreshing, and perfect for summer, this Watermelon Martini is a sweet-meets-citrusy cocktail that’s light, smooth, and ultra-refreshing. Made with fresh watermelon juice, vodka, and a splash of lime, this drink is simple and elegant and just so beautiful!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

4 oz vodka
6 oz fresh watermelon juice (strained)
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice
Watermelon wedges & lime slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Watermelon Juice

Blend cubed watermelon until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp.

2. Mix the Martini

In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, fresh watermelon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Add ice and shake well until chilled.

3. Strain & Serve

Strain into two chilled martini glasses.

4. Garnish & Enjoy

Garnish with a watermelon wedge or lime slice.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

13. Boozy Strawberry Lemonade

It’s fun, it’s fruity, and it absolutely screams summer – this Boozy Strawberry Lemonade is the ultimate drink for barbecues and pool parties, and you can make it with either vodka or rum – I’ve made both several times just depending on what I have on hand in my drinks cabinet, and I can confirm that it’s delicious either way!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

4 oz vodka (or white rum)
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
3 oz fresh lemon juice
2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
½ cup cold water or club soda (for fizz)
Ice
Lemon slices & strawberries (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Muddle the Strawberries

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries and lemon juice until the strawberries are juicy.

2. Mix the Lemonade

Add vodka, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker.
Shake well until chilled.

3. Strain & Top

Strain the mixture evenly into two ice-filled glasses.
Top with cold water or club soda for a bubbly finish.

4. Garnish & Serve

Garnish with lemon slices and fresh strawberries.
Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing, boozy twist on classic lemonade!

14. Campari Spritz

If you love an Aperol spritz but fancy trying something a little different, I highly recommend trying this one! Campari is darker in color than Aperol, more bitter, and has a higher alcohol content – it packs a real kick, so of course, enjoy responsibly!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

4 oz Campari
6 oz prosecco
2 oz club soda
Ice
Orange slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill the Glasses

Fill two wine glasses with ice.

2. Build the Spritz

Divide the Campari evenly between the glasses.
Pour in the prosecco, then top with club soda.

3. Stir & Garnish

Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a fresh orange slice.
Enjoy!

15. Popsicle Spritzer

This one is just so fun! It’s the ultimate talking point for brunch with girlfriends or backyard summer entertaining, and the bonus is that it’s probably one of the easiest cocktails you’ll ever make – we’re just popping a fruity popsicle into a glass of fizz and adding some extra garnish. It’s totally customizable too, and you can create different flavors by choosing different popsicles.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

6 oz prosecco (or white wine, rosé, or club soda for a non-alcoholic version)
2 fruit-flavored popsicles (strawberry, mango, peach, or berry work great!)
Ice (optional)
Fresh fruit (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill the Glasses

Fill two wine glasses or champagne flutes with prosecco (or your choice of bubbly).
Add ice if desired for an extra chill.

2. Add the Popsicles

Place one popsicle into each glass.

3. Garnish & Serve

Garnish with fresh berries or citrus slices for extra flair.
Serve immediately and let the popsicles melt into the spritzer for a fun, fruity twist!

16. Blueberry Gin & Tonic

With the botanical notes of gin, the tartness of fresh blueberries, and the crispness of tonic water, this cocktail is refreshing, slightly sweet, and perfect for summer sipping. A great one to try if you love a classic G&T but want to get a little more creative and incorporate seasonal fruits!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

4 oz gin
½ cup fresh blueberries
1 oz fresh lime juice
2 tsp simple syrup (adjust to taste)
6 oz tonic water
Ice
Lime wedges & extra blueberries (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Muddle the Blueberries

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blueberries, lime juice, and simple syrup until the berries release their juices.

2. Mix the Cocktail

Add gin and ice to the shaker.
Shake well until chilled.

3. Strain & Top

Strain the mixture evenly into two ice-filled glasses.
Top each glass with tonic water.

4. Garnish & Serve

Garnish with lime wedges and extra blueberries.
Serve immediately!

17. Michelada

It’s only recently that I discovered the Michelada, and it’s quickly come one of my brunch-time favorites for when I’m entertaining friends! Savory and spicy, it’s the ultimate Mexican beer cocktail. Think of it as a beer-based Bloody Mary, with a mix of lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and tomato juice for that perfect spicy, tangy, and umami-packed sip. Served in a chili-salt-rimmed glass, this is the ideal drink for hot summer days, backyard BBQs, and brunches with a kick. If you’re not a fan of fruity cocktails, try this one instead – I think you’ll love it!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

2 Mexican lagers (like Modelo, Pacifico, or Corona)
4 oz tomato juice (or Clamato for a more traditional taste)
2 oz fresh lime juice
2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp soy sauce (optional, for extra umami)
½ tsp Tajín or chili powder (for rimming)
½ tsp salt
Ice
Lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Rim the Glasses

Run a lime wedge around the rim of two tall beer glasses.
Dip the rims into a mixture of Tajín and salt.

2. Mix the Base

In each glass, add lime juice, tomato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce (if using).
Stir well to combine.

3. Add Ice & Beer

Fill the glasses with ice.
Slowly pour in the Mexican beer, stirring gently as you pour.

4. Garnish & Serve

Garnish with lime wedges.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

I hope you’ll agree there’s something for everyone in this collection of summertime cocktails, and they’re just perfect for barbecues and outdoor entertaining. Which one will you be trying first? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below – and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you’re sharing pics of your creations – I love seeing what you’ve been making!