• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Elise Tries To Cook
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Meal Prep Friendly Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Clean Eating Snacks
    • Clean Desserts
    • Cocktails
    • Juices and Smoothies
  • About
    • Privacy
    • Contact Me
  • Work With Me
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe index
  • Cocktails and Drinks
  • Meal Prep Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    50+ Best Summer Cocktails

    Published: Apr 6, 2022 by Elise Shivamber · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    These are the best 50+ cocktails for the Summer! From traditional margaritas and Moscow mules to sangrias and more! No matter your poison (I personally have a penchant for vodka or tequila!), there's something here for you!

    wo blackberry rosemary margaritas topped with rosemary sprigs and sparkling on top from the ginger beer
    Blackberry Ginger Beer Margaritas

    When the Summer heat arrives, there's nothing like a thirst-quenching cocktail. Besides vodka, gin, tequila, bourbon or wine as the main ingredient, the second requirement for a cocktail fit for the Summer is that the taste is refreshing!

    Now, just remember there's no better way to celebrate the heat of the summer than tasty fish tacos and refreshing drinks. Whether you're planning a taco bar or your next BBQ, nothing completes a summer meal like drinks. Don't forget to check out my top 40+ non-alcoholic summer drinks. It includes fresh aguas frescas, juices and mocktails. for when you need something a little less boozy.

    A straight on view of a skinny spicy margarita garnished with a jalapeno slice and tequila bottle in the background.
    Spicy Skinny Margarita

    Best Summer Cocktails (by type)

    I've compiled my all of the best drinks for Summer season by type, so you can decide what cocktail mood you're in.

    If you're at a loss where to begin, start with the classics: margaritas, Moscow mules, or mojitos. Or if you prefer to make a more unique cocktail recipe, try finding your next drink by the alcohol type!

    1. Summer Margaritas
    2. Summer Moscow Mules
    3. Summer Mojitos
    4. Summer Drinks with Vodka
    5. Summer Tequila Drinks
    6. Summer Wine Drinks
    7. Summer Gin Cocktails
    8. Summer Champagne Cocktails
    9. Summer Rum Cocktails
    10. Summer Bourbon Cocktails

    Summer Margaritas

    small glass filled with a frozen blackberry margarita with a mint leaf on top. frozen blackberry glass in the back left
    Frozen Blackberry Margaritas

    There's truly no Summer cocktail more iconic than the margarita. From skinny margaritas (classic or spicy) to frozen margaritas of all kinds.

    3 Ingredient Skinny Margarita
    This 3 ingredient Skinny Margarita is made with fresh lime and orange juice, and tequila for the most refreshing healthier margarita!
    Click here for the best skinny margarita
    A featured image of a skinny margarita garnished with lime wedge and orange wheel.
    Spicy Skinny Margarita
    This Spicy Skinny Margarita Recipe is made with jalapeno, fresh lime and orange juice, and tequila for a refreshing twist on the healthier margarita!
    Check out this recipe
    A featured image of a spicy skinny margarita garnished with a fresh lime wedge and jalapeno slice.
    Red Sangria Margarita
    This skinny red sangria margarita is your two favorite cocktails in one! Naturally sweet fresh orange juice, red wine, tequila blanco, and a squeeze of lime make the perfect lightened up sangria margarita. It’s a simple yet delicious easy cocktail recipe!
    Click here for sangria margarita
    A glass of red sangria margarita with a lime and orange wedge.
    Frozen Blackberry Margaritas with Mint
    Blackberries, fresh mint and limes blend for the best Frozen Blackberry Margaritas! Fruity, fresh and tart! Top these easy margaritas with a mint sugar rim.
    Click here for frozen blackberry margarita
    frozen blackberry margarita with mint inside it.
    Sparkling Vodka Margarita
    If you love the idea of a margarita but are not a tequila fan, this refreshing and simple Sparkling Vodka Margarita is for you!
    Click here for sparkling vodka margarita
    Sparkling Vodka Margarita

    Summer Moscow Mules

    Moscow mules are a Summer go-to, because they're so easy to make and refreshing! Whether it be a traditional Moscow mule with vodka, to a Tequila Mule or any alcohol in between, there's a mule recipe here for you!

    A copper mug with a tequila mule inside it on a marble counter with a bottle of tequila behind it.
    Tequila Moscow Mule
    the Best Mexican Mule (aka Tequila Mule)
    This Mexican Mule (aka Tequila Mule) is the easiest cocktail containing tequila, ginger beer and fresh lime juice. This tequila drink is based on the class Moscow mule, tasting light, refreshing and citrusy!
    Click here for the best Mexican mule
    A featured image of a tequila mule in a copper mug with two lime wedges inside.
    Grapefruit Rosemary Moscow Mule
    This Grapefruit Rosemary Moscow Mule adds a winter twist to the traditional Moscow Mule by adding tangy freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice and rosemary. The spice of the ginger beer combined with the sweeter juice of the grapefruit makes it the perfect sip.
    Click here for grapefruit moscow mule
    copper mug filled with a moscow mule and topped with two grapefruit wedges and rosemary sprig
    Pineapple Rum Moscow Mule
    Bubbly, refreshing and light ginger beer cocktail! This Pineapple Rum Moscow Mule is the easiest rum drink you need to make year-round. And only four ingredients!
    Check out this recipe
    Featured Image of a pineapple spiced rum moscow mule: a copper mug garnished with a pineapple wedge, two pineapple leaves and a cinnamon stick. to the side is a lime wedge and a lime squeezer on top of a cutting board.
    Cherry Moscow Mule
    A traditional Moscow mule lightened up with cherry jam. It’s tart, flavorful, and a fun use of extra cherries! Cherries, vodka, lime and ginger beer - what’s an easier (or better) combination than that? This vodka cherry cocktail is the perfect Summer cocktail!
    Click here for cherry moscow mule
    cherry moscow mule in a copper mug with cherries on top
    Refreshing Cucumber Moscow Mule
    Cucumber Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail that can be enjoyed year round. Made with simple ingredients, make this mule in under 5 minutes.
    Click here for cucumber moscow mule
    Refreshing Cucumber Moscow Mule

    Summer Mojitos

    Mojitos are a fruity and refreshing cocktail that are great for the Summer. Something about the bubbles of the soda water combined with fresh fruit and herbs (and of course an alcohol of choice!) that's ideal for sipping outside when it's hot out.

    Fresh Watermelon Gin Mojito
    Watermelon juice, muddled lime wedges and fresh mint. Fresh ingredients and gin add a spin to the classic cocktail. This Watermelon Gin Mojito is the perfect refreshing cocktail.
    Click here for watermelon gin mojito
    a square image of a pink watermelon gin mojito that is finished and filled with mint leaves and lime wedges
    Grapefruit Rosemary Mojito
    This Grapefruit Rosemary Mojito is a seasonal twist to the traditional Mojito.
    Click here for grapefruit rosemary mojito
    Grapefruit Rosemary Mojito
    Mojito Recipe
    The Mojito (a Cuban classic) is a refreshing mix of rum, sugar, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, and bubbly club soda. Learn how to make a Mojito and enjoy this simple and delicious 5-minute cocktail all year long.
    Click here for classic mojito
    Mojito Recipe
    Passion Fruit Mojito
    Light and breezy this passion fruit mojito is an easy cocktail to make at home. With mint, passion fruit juice and rum this passion fruit mojito is a vacation in a glass. Discover the best recipe for an authentic passion fruit mojito.
    Click here for passion fruit mojito
    Passion Fruit Mojito

    Summer Drinks with Vodka

    Vodka is one of the most fit alcohols for the summer. First, it's one of the lowest calorie alcohol options, and second, because it goes with honestly everything!

    Watermelon Blueberry Vodka Smash
    This watermelon pitcher drink is easy, refreshing and delicious! Fresh watermelon juiced paired with blueberries and thyme for the best tasting vodka cocktail.
    Click here for watermelon blueberry vodka smash
    featured image square of two glasses of watermelon blueberry vodka smash in front with two stray blueberries. A large pitcher to the side with two fresh squeezed limes to the back left.
    Spiked Vodka Lemonade with Kiwi
    Vodka and lemonade - what’s a better combination for a Summer cocktail? Fresh kiwi, homemade lemonade, lemon vodka, and sparkling lemon water. This perfect Summer drink tastes like spiked lemonade!
    Click here for kiwi vodka lemonade
    spiked vodka lemonade in a tall glass with a lime wedge and kiwis inside
    Strawberry-Basil Vodka Cocktail
    Fruity, light and refreshing! This Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail is an all-time favorite cocktail. Herbaceous and delicious, with a few natural ingredients.
    Click here for strawberry basil vodka cocktail
    strawberry basil vodka cocktail in a short glass garnished with a basil leaf and strawberry
    3 Ingredient Vodka Sour
    This 3-Ingredient Vodka Sour relies on three simple, but powerful ingredients to bring you a super fresh cocktail to kick back with.
    Click here for vodka sour
    3 Ingredient Vodka Sour
    Loquat Vodka Cocktail
    This loquat cocktail is made with loquat syrup, lemon juice, vodka, and soda. It’s a refreshing summer-y cocktail, great for hot summer days!
    Click here for loquat vodka cocktail
    Loquat Vodka Cocktail
    Cucumber Cocktail
    This Cucumber Cocktail with Vodka and lemonade is the best drink to cool off with! Low in sugar & super tasty-the perfect cucumber cocktail!
    Click here for cucumber cocktail
    Cucumber Cocktail

    Summer Tequila Drinks

    My favorite combination for the Summer is anything combined with tequila! We covered your classic margaritas above, but there's still so many options for using tequila when making a cocktail.

    the Best Ranch Water Cocktail
    Ranch Water is a delicious lighter, lower calorie tequila and Topo Chico cocktail. Three easy ingredients meant for the best cocktail!
    Click here for the best ranch water cocktail
    Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
    This Tequila Sunrise Cocktail will have you beach ready by the time the sun comes up. It is easy to make and requires just 3 ingredients! I don’t know about you, but I daydream about
    Click here for tequila sunrise cocktail
    Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
    Tangy and Sweet Watermelon Paloma Cocktail
    There are plenty of easy summer cocktail recipe ideas. This watermelon paloma cocktail has to be one of the best. It’s a mouth-watering cocktail made with watermelon juice, tequila and citrus. Make a pitcher of this tangy and sweet paloma when the weather’s hot, and you want to sip something refresh…
    Click here for watermelon paloma
    Tangy and Sweet Watermelon Paloma Cocktail
    Ginger Carrot Juice Cocktail
    This carrot juice cocktail is both light and refreshing and made with fresh ginger, tarragon and your choice of tequila or vodka!
    Click here for ginger carrot juice cocktail
    Ginger Carrot Juice Cocktail
    Frozen Strawberry Paloma
    This Frozen Strawberry Paloma is the perfect blended summertime cocktail made with tequila, strawberries, grapefruit and lime!
    Click here for strawberry paloma
    Frozen Strawberry Paloma

    Summer Wine Drinks

    The best thing about sangrias in the Summer is that they are so fresh and easy to make in advance! From champagne to rosé, red or white, sangria offers so many different varieties to choose from.

    A glass of red wine sangria with apples and oranges.
    Red Wine Sangria
    Red Wine Sangria
    This classic Red Wine Sangria is the perfect pitcher cocktail recipe and the only one you’ll ever need! With only 5-ingredients, this red-wine sangria is boozy, fruity and simple! Perfect for entertaining!
    Click here for red wine sangria
    Close up of a round glass of red wine sangria.
    Rose Sangria with Berries
    This easy rose sangria recipe is the perfect pitcher cocktail for the Spring or Summer. Enjoy for Easter, Mother’s Day Brunch, or your average night! Serves 6-8.
    Click here for rose sangria
    rounded glass filled with rose sangria and strawberries
    Refreshing Pina Colada White Sangria
    Refreshing Pina Colada Sangria that is easy to make, with simple ingredients. One sip and you will feel that you are sitting on the beach!
    Click here for pina colada white sangria
    Refreshing Pina Colada White Sangria
    Refreshing Sangria Moscato with Rum
    This Sangria Moscato is a refreshing take on white wine sangria, balancing the sweetness of Moscato with tart citrus and apple.
    Click here for sangria moscato with rum
    Mango Passion Fruit Wine Slushy
    This refreshing wine slushy cocktail is full of passion fruit and mango flavors. An easy cocktail recipe that’s a great slimmed down option.
    Click here for mango passion fruit wine slushy
    Mango Passion Fruit Wine Slushy

    Summer Gin Cocktails

    Gin has a light botanical flavor, and matches best with fresh fruit and herbs. This makes it the perfect contender for many summery cocktails!

    Matcha Gin Fizz
    This matcha cocktail is a riff off the typical gin fizz. A light, refreshing cocktail with an earthy matcha aftertaste! A healthy, low calorie cocktail option.
    Click here for matcha gin fizz
    tall skinny glass with matcha gin fizz inside and two green plants in the back
    Blueberry Gin Fizz
    This Blueberry Gin Fizz is the perfectly refreshing summery twist on a classic, with bright blueberries and fresh mint.
    Click here for blueberry gin fizz
    Blueberry Gin Fizz
    Aperol Gin Cocktail with Ginger Beer
    This Aperol Gin Cocktail is crisp, refreshing, and beautifully balanced. The bitterness from the Aperol complements the sweet ginger beer and citrusy lime so well.
    Click here for aperol gin cocktail
    Aperol Gin Cocktail with Ginger Beer
    Lillet & Gin cocktail
    This Lillet and Gin Cocktail is so easy to make at home, and it’s such a pretty cocktail! It combines the flavors of Lillet Rosé and gin with a mix of lemon and lime.
    Click here for lillet and gin cocktail
    Lillet & Gin cocktail
    How to Make a Gin and Tonic
    The Classic Gin and Tonic is a light, fresh, and easy 3-ingredient cocktail. Learn how to make a Gin and Tonic at home with this easy to follow recipe.
    Click here for gin and tonic
    How to Make a Gin and Tonic
    Gin Spritzer (Strawberry Gin Cocktail)
    This strawberry gin cocktail is stacked with fresh strawberry flavor, citrus, gin, and sparkling water. It’s light, fruity, and refreshing!
    Click here for strawberry gin cocktail
    Gin Spritzer (Strawberry Gin Cocktail)

    Summer Bubbly Cocktails

    Bubbly always tastes better in the summer heat. From a classic spritz or unique new ones, there's always bubbly cocktails. You don't need a special occasion to try one of these!

    an overhead view of a limoncello spritz with lemons and a muddler underneath
    Limoncello Spritz
    Basil Limoncello Spritz
    Lemony limoncello with bubbly sweet prosecco, topped with club soda and paired with muddled basil. Light, herbaceous and refreshing. This Limoncello Spritz is the perfect simple Summer cocktail!
    Click here for basil limoncello spritz
    an overhead view of a limoncello spritz with lemons and a muddler underneath
    Sparkling Rosé Aperol Spritz
    Light, fruity and delicious. An Aperol Spritz variation for the books: sparkling rosé aperol spritz. Perfect for date night, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day Brunch, easy Spring cocktails.
    Click here for sparkling rosé aperol spritz
    overhead view of an aperol spritz with an orange wedge garnish
    Classic Aperol Spritz
    A bright and refreshing summertime cocktail made of four simple ingredients; Aperol, Prosecco, club soda and an orange slice!
    Click here for classic aperol spritz
    Classic Aperol Spritz
    Homemade Hard Seltzer {White Claw Copycat recipe}
    This homemade hard seltzer recipe is an easy way to save money on your favorite White Claws. This copycat recipe tastes just like the real ones!
    Click here for homemade hard seltzer
    Homemade Hard Seltzer {White Claw Copycat recipe}
    Frozen Aperol Spritz cocktail
    The classic Italian cocktail is transformed into a slushy hot weather sipper. Frozen Aperol Spritz has the iconic flavors in a new refreshing form.
    Click here for frozen aperol spritz
    Frozen Aperol Spritz cocktail

    Summer Rum Cocktails

    Some of the most classic tropical summer drinks include rum. From piña coladas to daiquiris, there's something for every rum-lover here.

    Pina Colada
    This Pina Colada is an easy recipe full of refreshing tropical flavors along with tasty rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice.
    Click here for frozen piña colada
    Pina Colada
    Exotic & Fruity Haitian Rum Punch - Tropical Haitian Cocktail Recipe
    Exotic & Fruity Haitian Rum Punch - Tropical Haitian Cocktail Recipe - a popular Haitian drinks made of rum, orange liqueur and tropical fruit juices. A delicious fruity alcoholic drink.
    Click here for Haitian rum punch
    Exotic & Fruity Haitian Rum Punch - Tropical Haitian Cocktail Recipe
    Malibu Sunset
    Fruity cocktail that’s quick and easy to make! A Malibu Sunset cocktail is a delicious blend of pineapple and orange juice plus coconut rum and grenadine that’s layered to look like a sunset!
    Click here for malibu sunset
    Malibu Sunset
    Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe
    A classic Mai Tai recipe is a strong cocktail, with a refreshing citrus and rum flavor that isn’t overly sweet.
    Click here for mai tai
    Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe
    4-Ingredient Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe
    This 4-Ingredient Strawberry Daiquiri recipe is a deliciously cold, refreshing blend of strawberries, lime, rum, and agave. Frozen berries make it extra good.
    Click here for strawberry daiquiri
    4-Ingredient Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe
    Pineapple Rum Slush: a refreshing spiked pineapple slush!
    This pineapple rum slush is the perfect quick cocktail for a crowd, or for a nice refreshing drink after winding down from a hot summer day.
    Click here for pineapple rum slush
    Pineapple Rum Slush: a refreshing spiked pineapple slush!

    Summer Bourbon Cocktails

    Or maybe you're interested in a bourbon or whiskey cocktail this summer? Combined with classics like the mint julep or Kentucky mule, or a tropical twist on bourbon, there's a whiskey drink you might like!

    Tropical Aperol Bourbon Cocktail
    This Aperol Bourbon Cocktail relies on tropical flavors and colors to bring you a super refreshing and fruity drink that tastes like a vacation in a glass.
    Click here for aperol bourbon cocktail
    Tropical Aperol Bourbon Cocktail
    Classic Mint Julep
    This mint julep recipe is simple, totally refreshing, and delicious! The signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby is perfect for cooling off all summer. It’s ready in just 5 minutes! If you like refreshing cocktails,
    Click here for mint julep
    Classic Mint Julep
    Blackberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail
    Fresh blackberries are perfect for this bubbly, refreshing Blackberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail. It’s made with juicy blackberries, fresh lime + mint, and soda water that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
    Click here for blackberry bourbon smash
    Blackberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail
    Kentucky Mule
    Make the best Kentucky Mule with lime, ginger & bourbon - and an extra ginger kick. Quick & easy to make and easy to prep for a crowd.
    Click here for kentucky mule
    Kentucky Mule
    « 40+ Best Sides for Fish Tacos
    Green Enchilada Sauce »

    Sign up!

    For clean eats and drinks recipes sent directly to your inbox!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marley

      April 06, 2022 at 7:52 pm

      This is such a comprehensive list! Can not wait to make my way through it! Cheers!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Elise Shivamber Photo

    Hey there, I’m Elise! I use fresh, simple ingredients to make a healthy lifestyle more accessible. With clean ingredients, these recipes will make your heart and belly happy. Thanks for making me a part of your cooking journey!

    About →

    Fave Holiday Beverages

    • 5 ingredient sangria,easy sangria,red wine sangria,easy red wine sangria,best wine to use in a sangria,best wine to use in a red wine sangria,what fruit can i put in my sangria,classic ingredients in a sangria,5 ingredient red wine sangria
      Red Wine Sangria (5 Ingredients!)
    • Spiked Apple Cider,Kombucha
      Spiked Apple Cider Kombucha Cocktail
    • Sage-Infused Bee's Knees Cocktail
    • Winter Aperol Spritz,aperol spritz,cocktail,spiced orange & cranberry,simple syrup,aperol,prosecco
      Winter Aperol Spritz
    Sign Up! For weekly emails.

    Fave Sides

    • couscous salad,israelí couscous salad,pearled couscous salad,pearled couscous,israeli couscous,caramelized fennel salad,should you wash pearled couscous?,bbq side dishes
      Vegan Couscous Salad
    • eggplant dip greek,eggplant dip,eggplant dips,dip eggplant,roast eggplant dip,eggplant dip roasted,recipe for eggplant dip,eggplant dips recipe,eggplant recipes dip,roasted eggplant dip,recipes for eggplant dip,eggplant greek dip,greek eggplant dip,mediterranean eggplant dip,recipe roasted eggplant dip,healthy dip for veggies,healthy veggie dips,dips recipes healthy,healthy dip recipes,whipped eggplant,roasted eggplant and garlic dip,roasted eggplant and garlic,eggplant and garlic recipes,eggplant and garlic,healthy mid morning and afternoon snack,healthy afternoon snacks at work,healthy afternoon snack for kids,mid afternoon snack healthy,healthy mid afternoon snack,hummus eggplant,eggplant hummus,eggplant hummus recipe,hummus with eggplant,roasted eggplant hummus recipe,dips for appetizers,cold dips for appetizers
      Creamy Greek Roasted Eggplant Dip
    • healthier potato salad,brussels sprouts potato salad,healthy potato salad,mayo-less potato salad,what is in a potato salad,how to make a brussels sprouts potato salad,best potatoes for a potato salad,which potatoes should i use in a potato salad,how long to boil potatoes for a potato salad,potato salad with mustard
      Easy Vegan Potato Salad with Dill
    • kale fennel dried fig salad,kale fennel salad,kale dried fig salad,how long to massage kale,how to prepare fennel for a kale fennel salad,how do i pick the best fennel,can i eat fennel fronds,what does fennel taste like,how to cut fennel,kale fennel and dried fig salad
      Kale Fennel Dried Fig Salad with Lemon Chive Dressing

    New Recipes

    • Gluten Free Chicken Burgers
    • Lemony Kale and Spinach Salad
    • Easy Chicken Fajita Tacos
    • Fajita Veggies (Chipotle Copycat)

    As Featured In

    the food gawker logo of a bowl above food gawker text
    the feed feed logo of circle surrounding two spoons

    Footer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy

    Let's Connect!

    • Find us on Facebook
    • Find us on Instagram
    • Find us on Pinterest
    • Newsletter

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    Copyright © 2022 Elise Tries to Cook

    AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE AFFILIATE, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.