Summer is finally here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a glass of deliciously refreshing and fruity cocktail? Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue, these 18 recipes are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
From classic mojitos and margaritas to creative twists like watermelon vodka slush and blackberry bourbon lemonade, we’ve got you covered. Our summer drinks round-up features a mix of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for sipping on a hot day or enjoying as a refreshing pick-me-up after a workout.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, with inspiration from tropical islands to rustic farmhouses. So grab your favorite cocktail glass, and let’s dive into the top 18 fruity and bubbly drinks of summer!
Strawberry Mojito with Fresh Mint
Refresh your senses with this sweet and tangy twist on the classic mojito. This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of strawberries with the cooling flavor of fresh mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice cubes
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the strawberry slices with a muddler or back of spoon to release their juices.
2. Add the fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with additional fresh mint leaves and sliced strawberries.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe)
Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch
This refreshing punch combines the sweetness of pineapple with the creaminess of coconut and a hint of rum, perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a tropical escape.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup coconut cream
– 2 ounces dark rum
– 1 cup club soda
– Splash of grenadine syrup (optional)
– Pineapple wedges and cherry halves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice and coconut cream. Stir until smooth.
2. Add the dark rum and stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, add the club soda and give the mixture a gentle stir.
5. If desired, add a splash of grenadine syrup for a fruity twist.
6. Serve the punch over ice in glasses or cups, garnished with pineapple wedges and cherry halves.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assemblage only)
Watermelon Vodka Slush
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy slush made with fresh watermelon, vodka, and a hint of lime. Perfect for hot summer days or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/2 cup vodka
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon until smooth.
2. Add the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
4. Pour the slush into glasses filled with ice. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of watermelon, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and serve.
Mango Margarita with Chili Salt Rim
Mango Margarita with Chili Salt Rim Recipe
This refreshing twist on the classic margarita combines the sweetness of mango with a spicy kick from chili salt. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a fruity and bold cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Chili powder (optional), for rimming glass
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with chili powder and salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine diced mango, tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a slice of mango and a sprig of cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: N/A (Cocktail preparation time: approximately 10 minutes)
Blueberry Basil Gin Smash
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of blueberries with the brightness of basil and a hint of gin, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Juice of 1 lime
– Club soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blueberries with the simple syrup until the berries are crushed.
2. Add the gin, basil leaves, and lime juice to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with additional blueberries and basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Enjoy immediately.
Peach Bellini with Prosecco
Elevate your brunch game with this refreshing Peach Bellini, combining the sweetness of peaches with the crispness of Prosecco.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 1 cup Prosecco
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Splash of lemon juice (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the diced peaches until smooth.
2. Strain the pureed peaches through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp and achieve a silky texture.
3. Fill a chilled glass with ice.
4. Add 1/2 cup of Prosecco and stir gently.
5. Pour in the peach puree, holding back any foam with a spoon.
6. Drizzle with honey to taste (optional).
7. Squeeze a splash of lemon juice for added brightness (optional).
8. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
Elevate your summer sipping game with this refreshing twist on classic lemonade, infused with the sweetness of blackberries and a hint of bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (optional)
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the blackberries until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and bourbon (if using). Stir to combine.
3. Add the blackberry puree to the pitcher and stir well.
4. Add the water and stir until fully incorporated.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with a sprig of mint or a few fresh blackberries, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill and serve.
Kiwi Lime Tequila Cooler
Beat the heat with this unique and zesty tequila cooler, featuring kiwi’s sweet-tart flavor paired with lime’s citrusy zing. Perfect for a summer evening or a warm day by the pool.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1/2 cup fresh kiwi puree
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 cup club soda
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges and kiwi slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, kiwi puree, and lime juice.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with club soda and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and kiwi slice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None needed!
Passion Fruit Rum Sour
Elevate your cocktail game with this tropical twist on the classic rum sour. The sweetness of passion fruit puree pairs perfectly with the tanginess of freshly squeezed lime juice and a splash of dark rum.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Dark Rum
– 1 oz Passion Fruit Puree
– 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, passion fruit puree, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None needed! Just shake and serve.
Raspberry Rosé Sangria
Experience the sweet and tangy taste of summer with this refreshing Raspberry Rosé Sangria recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle (750ml) of rosé wine
– 1 cup of fresh raspberries
– 1 orange, peeled and sliced
– 1 lemon, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup sparkling water
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the rosé wine, sliced orange and lemon.
2. Add the fresh raspberries to the pitcher and muddle them gently with a spoon to release their flavor and color.
3. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the fruit and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Just before serving, add the sparkling water to the pitcher and stir gently.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready to drink as soon as you’re done mixing the ingredients together.
Pomegranate Gin Fizz
Pomegranate Gin Fizz: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Cocktail
Cherry Amaretto Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing blend of cherry liqueur, amaretto, and bourbon, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)
– 1/2 oz Amaretto
– 4 oz lemon-lime soda
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1/2 cup ice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, cherry liqueur, and Amaretto.
3. Top with lemon-lime soda.
4. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Orange Creamsicle Martini
Transport yourself to a sunny day with this refreshing twist on the classic martini. The combination of citrusy orange and creamy vanilla is sure to become your new favorite drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Vanilla-flavored vodka
– 1 oz Freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 oz Triple sec
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of heavy cream
– Orange twist or wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, orange juice, triple sec, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with a splash of heavy cream to create a creamy crown.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Grapefruit Paloma with Tequila
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this refreshing twist on the classic Paloma, featuring grapefruit’s tangy zip and tequila’s smooth charm.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Grapefruit slice or wheel, for garnish
– Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or wheel, and a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, after all.
Enjoy your Grapefruit Paloma with Tequila!
Lychee Martini with Rose Water
Elevate your cocktail game with this exotic and refreshing Lychee Martini, infused with the subtle essence of rose water. This sweet and sophisticated drink is perfect for warm evenings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz lychee liqueur
– 1 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz rose water
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz fresh lime juice
– Lychee fruit for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add lychee liqueur, vodka, rose water, simple syrup, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lychee fruit slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and enjoy!)
Honeydew Melon Vodka Spritzer
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy spritzer, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of honeydew melon with the crispness of vodka and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 4 ounces honeydew melon puree (see note)
– 3 ounces lemon-lime soda
– Splash of lime juice
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large glass filled with ice, combine vodka and honeydew melon puree.
2. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
3. Add a splash of lime juice to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Note: To make honeydew melon puree, blend 1 ripe honeydew melon (about 2 cups) with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon water until smooth.
Cooking Time: None
Blood Orange Whiskey Sour
Brighten up your cocktail game with this tangy and citrusy Blood Orange Whiskey Sour!
Ingredients:
• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
• 3/4 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• Dash of Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Orange wheel and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with an orange wheel and cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Cantaloupe Rum Punch
This sweet and tangy punch is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening with friends. The combination of cantaloupe, rum, and citrus flavors will have you feeling like you’re sipping on a tropical island.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed cantaloupe
– 1 cup dark rum
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup grenadine syrup
– Splash of lemon-lime soda (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cubed cantaloupe and dark rum. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine syrup to the pitcher. Stir well to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
4. Just before serving, stir in a splash of lemon-lime soda (if using).
5. Serve the Cantaloupe Rum Punch over ice cubes and garnish with additional cantaloupe slices or orange wedges.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is ready to serve once all the ingredients are combined and chilled.
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these 18 refreshing fruity alcoholic drinks recipes! From classic mojitos to fruity twists on margaritas and bellinis, there’s something for every taste. Try a Strawberry Mojito with Fresh Mint, Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch, or Watermelon Vodka Slush for a cool treat. Or get adventurous with Mango Margarita with Chili Salt Rim, Blueberry Basil Gin Smash, or Pomegranate Gin Fizz. Whatever your flavor, these recipes are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your sweet tooth.
