First published in July 2021
Summer is here and just like food, it’s the best season for cocktails (in my opinion)! Summer Cocktails A seasonal berry, stone fruit, or fresh herb theme makes cocktails endlessly fun. This is the perfect time of year for a refreshing bubble or ice-cold frozen puree with just the right amount of sweetness – no alcohol needed! Mocktails are king, even in summer. These refreshing summer drinks are best enjoyed outdoors, whether in the backyard, on a restaurant patio, or poolside.
Here are some classic cocktail recipes that are perfect for drinking this season.
Each basic recipe is listed at the beginning, along with some creative variations to inspire you. Enjoy!
1. Mojito
The Mojito is a traditional Cuban cocktail that can be enjoyed in any season, but is best in the summer when fresh mint is in abundance. It’s made with plenty of mint leaves, white rum and sparkling water, and can be mixed with berries or peaches for extra flavor.
recipe: Classic Mojito
variation: try out Strawberry Mojito, Raspberry Mojito, Peach Mojitoor Virgin Mojito
2. Aperol Spritz
A spritz is a bubbly cocktail that’s perfect for beating the heat. The most popular is Aperol Spritz, but you can make it with other liqueurs too. The basic idea is to mix sparkling wine (aka Prosecco), liqueur, and club soda in a 3:2:1 ratio. The slight citrus flavor makes this drink even more refreshing.
recipe: Aperol Spritz
variation: St. Germain Spritz, Rillet Spritz, Amaro Spritzor Limoncello Spritz
3. Spritzer
A spritzer is similar to a spritz, but is a completely different concept. Mix wine with club soda and you have a spritzer. The concept has been around since the 1800s for a reason: it’s easy and super refreshing. Use your favorite wine.
recipe: White wine spritzer
variation: Rose Spritzer
4. Highball
Highballs are the height of refreshment. Add alcohol and tons of bubbles! There are many variations on the concept of mixing alcohol with carbonated water. The whiskey highball dates back to the early 1900s. A trendy new variation you’ve probably heard of? Ranch Water!
recipe: Vodka Soda
variation: Whiskey Highball, Tequila Soda, Ranch Water
5. Gin Rickey
A rickey is similar to a highball, but contains gin and lime juice. The classic gin rickey was invented around the 1880s, and has since evolved into a popular variation as a mocktail, an infinitely customizable concept.
recipe: Gin Rickey
variation: Cherry Lime Rickey, Raspberry Lime Rickeyor Lime Rickey
6. Shandy
A shandy is to beer what a wine spritzer is to wine. Have you ever made a homemade shandy? It’s a British drink that dates back to the mid-1800s. Originally beer was mixed with ginger beer or ginger ale, but today’s shandies are mixed with lemon-lime soda or sparkling lemonade. Summer Shandies and Grapefruit Shandies (recipe linked below) are a refreshing twist on the classic shandy, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and grapefruit juice.
recipe: Classic Shandy
variation: Summer Shandy, Grapefruit Shandy
7. Whiskey Smash
The classic whiskey smash dates back to the 1880s as a Victorian summer refreshment, and many variations have sprung up since then – try any libation and mix in some fresh berries for a twist.
recipe: Whiskey Smash
variation: Gin Basil Smash, Berry Vodka Smash, Blackberry Bourbon Smash
8. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule, a classic combination of lime and ginger beer, is one of the most popular cocktails in the country. The cocktail has spawned countless variations using different liqueurs, and the watermelon version is the perfect summer treat.
recipe: Classic Moscow Mule
variation: Mexican Mules, Kentucky Mule, Jinjin Mule, Watermelon Mule
9. Frozen Daiquiri
Frozen daiquiris are a bit 1990s, but we love them. The classic daiquiri is made with lime, rum and syrup, and when frozen it’s a staple at resorts and restaurants. It’s incredibly refreshing and easy to make as a mocktail. Just mix the ingredients, add a garnish or two if desired, and enjoy.
recipe: Strawberry Daiquiri
variation: Lime Frozen Daiquiri, Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri
10. Sangria
The final drink in our roundup of summer cocktails is a big pitcher of sangria. This Spanish wine punch has been keeping people cool for centuries. Typical ingredients are fruit, sugar, wine, brandy, triple sec, and sparkling or soda water (optional). There are lots of fruit-forward variations that are perfect for this time of year.
recipe: Red Sangria
variation: White Sangria, Rose Sangria, Watermelon Sangria, Strawberry Sangria
Want to enjoy a refreshing summer cocktail?
Browse by alcohol vodka, rumor gin.
Sonia is the author of the award-winning food blog Couple cooking And cookbooks A pretty simple dishAlong with her husband, Alex, the couple are plant-based eating gurus and authors of the Washington Post Food recipe series, Greedy: Plant PowerFeatured from the TODAY Show to Bon Appetit, Sonja encourages adventurous eating and aims to make the world a better place with every bite.
Source: – witanddelight.com
