The 10 Best Summer Cocktails That Are Refreshing and Easy to Make

Originally published in July 2021

Summer is here, and just like food, it’s also the best season for cocktails (in my humble opinion)! Summer cocktails These are even more fun when themed around seasonal berries, stone fruits or fresh herbs. The season is perfect for a stream of refreshing bubbles or thick, icy frozen purees with just the right amount of sweetness. You don’t even need alcohol: Mocktails are king, even in the summer. These refreshing summer drinks are best enjoyed outside, whether in your backyard, on a restaurant patio or by the pool.

Here are my favorite classic cocktail recipes you can drink In this weather,

You’ll first see each base recipe, along with some creative variations to help you make it your own. Enjoy!

1. Mojito

The mojito is a traditional Cuban cocktail that works in any season, but it’s at its best in the summer when there’s plenty of fresh mint. You’ll need a big handful of mint leaves, as well as white rum and sparkling water. Mix it up with berries or peaches for an extra burst of flavor.

recipe: Classic Mojito
Variations: try Strawberry Mojito, Raspberry Mojito, Peach MojitoOr Virgin Mojito

2. Aperol Spritz

A spritz is another perfect bubbly cocktail to escape the heat. The most popular is the Aperol spritz, but you can make it with many other liqueurs, too! The basic idea? A 3-2-1 ratio of sparkling wine (aka Prosecco), liqueur, and club soda. A hint of citrus makes this drink extra refreshing.

recipe: Aperol Spritz
Variations: St. Germain Spritz, Lillet Spritz, Amaro SpritzOr Limoncello Spritz

3. Spritzer

A spritzer sounds a lot like a spirit, but it’s a completely different concept! Mix wine and club soda, and you get a spritzer! The concept has been around since the 1800s, and for good reason: it’s easy and extremely refreshing. Use any wine you like.

recipe: White Wine Spritzer
Variations: Rosé Spritzer

4. Highball

The highball is the definition of refreshment: alcohol and lots of bubbles! There are all kinds of variations on the concept of mixing alcohol with sparkling water. The whiskey highball has been around since the early 1900s. One new trendy variation you’ve probably heard of? Ranch water!

recipe: Vodka Soda
Variations: Whiskey Highball, Tequila Soda, Ranch Water

5. Gin Rickey

The Rickey is just like the Highball, but with gin and lemon juice! The classic Gin Rickey was invented around the 1880s. It has since evolved into a popular form of mocktail, and it’s an endlessly customizable concept.

recipe: Gin Rickey
Variations: Cherry Lime Rickey, Raspberry Lime RickeyOr Lime Rickey

6. Shandy

The shandy is to beer what the wine spritzer is to wine! Have you ever made a shandy at home? It’s a British drink that’s been around since the mid-1800s. Originally beer was mixed with ginger beer or ginger ale, but today’s shandies often include lemon-lime soda or sparkling lemonade. The Summer Shandy and Grapefruit Shandy (recipes below) are refreshingly updated takes on the classic with fresh lemon juice and grapefruit juice.

recipe: Classic Shandy
Variations: Summer Shandy, Grapefruit Shandy

7. Whiskey Smash

The classic whiskey smash originated in the 1880s during the Victorian era as a summer cooling drink! Since then, many variations have evolved. Try it with any alcohol, and add fresh berries for a new flavor.

recipe: Whiskey Smash
Variations: Gin Basil Smash, Berry Vodka Smash, Blackberry Bourbon Smash

8. Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is one of the country’s most popular cocktails, with a classic combination of lemon and ginger beer. This has spawned countless variations using different liqueurs. The watermelon version is a great summer flavor!

recipe: Classic Moscow Mule
Variations: Mexican Mule, Kentucky Mule, Gin Gin Mule, Watermelon Mule

9. Frozen Daiquiri

The frozen daiquiri is a little 1990s, but we’re here for it! The classic daiquiri is made with lime, rum and simple syrup, but freeze it and you’ve got a resort and restaurant classic. It’s incredibly refreshing and also easy to make as a mocktail. All you have to do is mix the ingredients, add a garnish or two if you like, and enjoy!

recipe: Strawberry Daiquiri
Variations: Lime Frozen Daiquiri, Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri

10. Sangria

The last name on this list of summer cocktails is one you can make in a big pitcher. Sangria! This Spanish wine punch has been cooling people off for centuries. It typically consists of fruit, sugar, wine, brandy, triple sec and sparkling water or soda water (optional). There are plenty of fruit-based options that are perfect for this season.

recipe: red wine
Variations: white wine, Rose Sangria, Watermelon Sangria, Strawberry Sangria

For more refreshing summer cocktails…

Browse with Wine Vodka, RumOr Gin,

Sonia is the author of an award-winning food blog a couple cooks food and cookbook Very simple cookingTogether with her husband Alex they are both leading voices on plant-based eating, and authors of a recipe series with The Washington Post Food called From Gluttony: Plant PoweredFeatured on shows from the Today Show to Bon Appetit, Sonia seeks to inspire adventurous eating to make the world a better place, one bite at a time.