20 Summer Cocktail Recipes

As warmer weather sets in, this list of top twenty summer cocktail recipes will keep you cool and refreshed all season long — perfect for parties or a relaxing day!

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On a relaxing summer day, you can typically find me spending time with my family near a beautiful Michigan lake with a refreshing drink in hand! There’s nothing quite like enjoying a light, cooling drink while you’re soaking up sunshine.

When it comes to cocktail recipes, there are many drink ideas out there. Some of the most popular types of alcohol in cocktails are champagne, vodka, rum, sangria, tequila and wine. You can find ingredients like carbonated water, ginger beer, sweet syrup, fruit juices and fresh herbs in cocktails. This New Orleans Hurricane Cocktail, for example, boasts passion fruit juice, orange juice, grenadine, light and dark rum.

New Orleans Hurricane Cocktail in a glass

Get Creative with These Summer Cocktail Recipes

You can also add fruit to a cocktail for extra flavor. Many cocktail recipes incorporate fresh fruits like watermelon, berries, citrus, apple and more. It’s common to see chunks of apples and pears in sangria, for example (one of my personal favorites)!

To add fruit to a cocktail, you can muddle the fruits to release their juices and use a cocktail shaker to shake the fresh ingredients together. You can also dress up your drink and add fruit to the rim as a garnish like these lime wheels in this Spicy Jalapeno Margarita.

It might feel daunting to find the right drinks for entertaining or planning your next summer date night. In this post, I’ve made it easy for you and I’ve rounded up my top twenty all-time favorite summer cocktail recipes below.

Is sangria your style or are you always up for a skinny margarita? From mojitos and moscow mules to everything in between, I’ve got you covered when it comes to refreshing summer cocktails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most popular cocktail in the world?

The margarita is the most popular cocktail in 115 countries, according to The Spirits Business.

When it comes to margaritas, what’s the best type of tequila to use?

I like to use any brand of silver tequila, however, feel free to use what you have on hand or what you prefer!

Why is a Moscow mule served in a copper cup?

There are a few answers to this question. Copper mugs become cool when sipped, which makes a Moscow Mule perfect for summer. It also intensifies the fizziness. Many also believe the popular drink is served in a copper cup as a result of the drink’s history.

What’s the best way to make a non-alcoholic drink?

To make mocktails and virgin drinks, you can typically replace the alcohol with a flavored mixer like ginger ale, ginger beer, club soda or tonic water.

Feeling ready to get the party started? Here are my twenty most popular summer cocktail recipes for you to enjoy all summer long!

5 Ingredient Spanish Sangria

4.24 stars average

Using just 5 simple ingredients, this fresh and fruity sangria recipe is ideal for entertaining and perfect for making ahead of time.

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Blackberry Ginger Smash

5 stars average

Ideal for entertaining, this refreshing non-alcoholic Blackberry Ginger Smash is made with muddled blackberries, lemon, ginger beer and fresh thyme.

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Caribbean Rum Punch Cocktail

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This fresh and fruity rum punch recipe is made with three types of fruit juice and coconut rum. Perfect for entertaining!

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Classic Salty Dog Cocktail Recipe

4.75 stars average

This fresh and fruity vodka cocktail is made with grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a salt rim. Ideal for two or a crowd!

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Classic Tom Collins

4 stars average

A gin cocktail, this classic Tom Collins recipe is made with fresh orange and lemon juice then topped with sparkling club soda. The ultimate party drink!

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Frozen Cherry Lime Ricky

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Blending fresh or frozen fruit with a little ice and simple syrup, puts you well on your way to a healthier happy hour.

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Spicy Grapefruit Paloma

4.67 stars average

This traditional Mexican cocktail made with fresh grapefruit juice and tequila is given a spicy kick from a chili-infused simple syrup.

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Homemade Blueberry Vodka Lemonade

4.67 stars average

This light and refreshing blueberry flavored vodka lemonade is sweetened with blueberry syrup and made with a splash of fragrant orange blossom water.

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Kir Royale

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The Kir Royale is a festive French cocktail made with sparkling wine topped with blackberry liquor such as Chambord.

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Strawberry Moscow Mule Cocktail

5 stars average

A fresh and fruity spin on the classic Moscow Mule recipe, these strawberry mules are made with fresh berries, lime juice and mint.

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Mango Margaritas

3.93 stars average

Sweet and tangy frozen mango margaritas are served with a chili lime salt rimmed glass. Every sip is sweet, sour, spicy and salty!

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Mixed Berry Mojitos

5 stars

The ultimate easy cocktail recipe, these mixed berry mojitos are bright, refreshing and ideal for summer entertaining.

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New Orleans Hurricane Cocktail

4.62 stars average

The hurricane cocktail is a fruity rum punch made famous in New Orleans. The ultimate crowd-pleasing cocktail recipe!

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Orange Blossom Citrus Mojitos

4.67 stars average

Perfect for warm weather sipping, these orange blossom citrus mojitos are a refreshing new twist on the classic mojito.

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Golden Nugget Citrsu Mojitos - The Lemon Bowl

Orange Ginger Spritzer

4.67 stars average

Made with fresh orange and lemon juice, this ginger-infused non-alcoholic drink is ideal for warm weather entertaining. Add prosecco to turn into a fruity cocktail.

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Orange Ginger Spritzer - a fruity non-alcoholic drink recipe

Raspberry Ginger Bellini

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A simple, refreshing cocktail made with fresh raspberry ginger sorbet and bubbly prosecco. Ideal for entertaining a crowd or a casual date night for two.

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Raspberry Ginger Bellini by The Lemon Bowl

Raspberry Peach Frozen Sangria

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Frozen raspberry peach sangria slushees are the ultimate drink for one, two or a crowd. Ideal for any frozen fruit you have on hand!

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Skinny Orange Margarita Cocktail

5 stars

Made with freshly squeezed citrus juice, silver tequila, and sparkling water, this low carb skinny orange margarita recipe is refreshing, and not too sweet.

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