Summer cocktails are the perfect way to cool down and savor the season. From fruity blends to icy classics, I’ve rounded up the best 26 summer drinks that bring the sunshine to your glass. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just relaxing on the patio, these cocktails are sure to keep things fresh and festive.
Affogato Martini
If you love the affogato dessert, you’ll love its alcoholic version. This cocktail brings together bold espresso and smooth vodka, topped with creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s a cool, rich drink with the kick of coffee and a touch of sweetness—perfect for summer evenings.
Here’s the Affogato Martini recipe.
Tamarind Margarita
The next summer cocktail is tamarind margarita. Tangy tamarind adds a unique tropical flavor to this twist on the classic margarita. With tequila, lime juice, and sweet tamarind syrup, this cocktail is sweet, sour, and full of summer vibes. It’s a refreshing drink to spice up your next BBQ or pool party.
Check this simple tamarind margarita now!
Blue Hurricane Cocktail
Nothing says summer like the vibrant Blue Hurricane. This drink mixes rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and a splash of lime for a fruity and eye-catching cocktail. This summer cocktail is bold, tropical, and made to impress at any summer get-together.
Learn to make the Blue Hurricane cocktail here.
Pina Colada Sangria
If you love sangria and piña coladas, this tropical fusion is a must-try. It blends white wine, coconut, pineapple, and fresh fruit for a light and fruity cocktail. The Pina Colada Sangria is perfect for relaxing by the beach or a sunny backyard brunch.
Here’s the easy recipe for pina colada sangria.
Electric Lemonade
Next is Electric Lemonade. This bold and refreshing cocktail brings together vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, and a splash of soda water. The result is a vibrant, citrusy drink that looks stunning in a glass and tastes even better. It’s perfect for summer parties or a relaxing evening.
Check the step-by-step guide for making Electric Lemonade.
Spicy Mango Margarita
If you want a tropical flavor this summer, try the spicy mango margarita. Fresh mango puree, lime juice, tequila, and a spicy chili rim create a sweet and fiery mix. This drink adds heat to your summer with every sip and keeps your taste buds excited.
This is how I made the spicy mango margarita.
Lemon Drop Martini
Bright and refreshing, the Lemon Drop Martini is a sweet and tangy cocktail that’s perfect for summer evenings. It combines vodka, lemon juice, and triple sec, served in a sugar-rimmed glass for a zesty finish. This summer drink is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser for your summer cocktail nights.
Here’s DIY lemon drop martini recipe.
White Peach Sangria
Celebrate summer with this light and fruity sangria. White wine, sliced peaches, and a touch of brandy blend into a smooth, refreshing drink. Add sparkling water or soda for a bubbly finish. This summer cocktail is great for picnics, brunch, or outdoor dinners.
Try the white peach sangria recipe now!
Blue Kamikaze
If you’re looking for something sweet and powerful, try the Blue Kamikaze. This easy cocktail combines vodka, blue curaçao, and lime juice for a bold, electric blue drink with a zesty kick. It’s perfect for happy hour or beach days.
Here’s the ultimate Blue Kamikaze recipe.
Apricot Margarita
Enjoy something fruity and fun with the Apricot Margarita. This twist on a classic margarita blends apricot nectar, lime juice, and tequila for a rich, sweet flavor. It’s a tropical drink that adds a fresh taste to any summer party or BBQ. You can serve it with ice and a salted rim for extra flavor.
Learn to make the summer apricot margarita here.
Upside Down Pineapple Martini
This tropical summer cocktail is a perfect drink for this summer. It mixes pineapple juice, vanilla vodka, and grenadine to create layers of flavor and color. The drink looks beautiful and tastes even better.
This is an easy recipe for upside-down pineapple martini.
Blue Lagoon Cocktail
Dive into summer with the vibrant Blue Lagoon Cocktail. This bright blue drink mixes vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade, creating a sweet, citrusy taste that cools you down instantly. It’s an eye-catching and refreshing cocktail that’s great for poolside fun or summer evenings.
Here’s the best Blue Lagoon Cocktail recipe.
Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita
Pineapple jalapeno margarita is one of the best summer cocktails. It combines pineapple juice with a spicy kick of jalapeño. The tequila blends smoothly with citrus flavors, making each sip exciting but balanced. Great with BBQ or tacos, this drink brings sunshine to your glass.
Discover the quick pineapple jalapeno margarita recipe here.
Blackberry Margarita
Add bold flavor to your summer with the Blackberry Margarita. This cocktail combines ripe blackberries, fresh lime juice, and silver tequila for a deep, rich taste. A touch of honey or agave makes it naturally sweet. Serve it cold with a salt or sugar rim.
Here’s the blackberry margarita recipe.
Watermelon Martini
You cannot skip watermelon in summer. Cool down with a watermelon martini, made with juicy watermelon and a splash of vodka. This cocktail is light, smooth, slightly sweet, and perfect for hot summer days.
Here’s the easy watermelon martini recipe.
Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
One sip of the Blue Hawaiian Cocktail feels like a tropical escape. This vibrant blue drink is made with rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. It’s creamy, sweet, and full of island flavor. You can blend it with ice for a frozen version.
Try the Blue Hawaiian and enjoy the summer vibe.
Guava Margarita
Enjoy tropical flavors with this refreshing Guava Margarita. The sweet guava blends perfectly with lime juice and tequila, creating a smooth and fruity drink. It’s great for summer parties or relaxing by the pool.
This is how I made the guava margarita.
Strawberry Sangria
When you want a fruity drink, try this Strawberry Sangria. It mixes red wine, strawberries, orange slices, and a splash of brandy. The result is a sweet, juicy cocktail perfect for summer evenings.
Here’s how to make strawberry sangria.
Pomegranate Martini
This summer cocktail is a fruity twist on the classic martini. It mixes vodka, pomegranate juice, and a splash of orange liqueur to create a refreshing and slightly tart flavor. The bright red color looks beautiful in a chilled glass. It’s perfect for summer nights and parties.
Let’s check the pomegranate martini guide here.
Champagne Margarita
Give your margarita a bubbly upgrade with this mix of tequila, lime juice, and champagne. The result is a light and fizzy drink that’s perfect for warm weather celebrations. It adds sparkle to your summer gatherings and looks great with a lime wedge garnish.
Here’s the champagne margarita recipe.
Pink Squirrel
Sweet and creamy, the Pink Squirrel is a retro cocktail made with crème de noyaux, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. It’s smooth and has a light almond-chocolate flavor. This summer drink is a great choice for dessert or a fun weekend treat.
Here’s the easy way to make Pink Squirrel.
Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is a classic Prohibition-era cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. It’s light, citrusy, and naturally sweet. This refreshing drink is ideal for sunny afternoons or relaxing with friends.
Try this summer cocktail, Bee’s Knees, now!
Golden Margarita
The upcoming summer drink is the golden margarita. This refreshing drink blends tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice with a golden twist of Grand Marnier. It’s a smooth and zesty cocktail, perfect for summer parties or relaxing evenings.
Here’s the golden margarita recipe.
Strawberry Shortcake Mimosa
Start your brunch with a sweet and bubbly strawberry shortcake mimosa. It mixes fresh strawberry puree, vanilla cream, and chilled champagne for a dessert-like cocktail that feels light and festive. This drink is perfect for summer celebrations.
Learn to make the strawberry shortcake mimosa now!
Blackberry Sangria Recipe
Blackberry sangria is a perfect cocktail for the summer. This drink is made with red wine, blackberries, citrus slices, and a splash of brandy. It’s sweet, juicy, and easy to make ahead. Serve it chilled for a perfect summer cocktail with bold flavor.
Here’s the blackberry sangria recipe.
Prickly Pear Margarita
If you want a colorful and unique summer cocktail, Prickly Pear Margarita is a perfect pick. This drink combines tequila, lime juice, and prickly pear syrup for a bright pink, sweet-tart flavor. It’s a tropical twist on the classic margarita, made for hot summer days.
Here’s the best cactus margarita recipe.
