Summer Drink and Cocktail Recipes

Get inspired by a collection of recipes for cold summer drinks and cocktails—sangria, mojitos, iced tea, homemade lemonade, fruit milkshakes, smoothies, and other iced drinks.

Watermelon Lemon Slush (Granita)

This cold drink is beautiful and refreshing. The secret ingredient is basil. Bartenders steep it in simple syrup, then strain it before blending, and it adds a subtle herbal note to this smoothie.

Recipe: Watermelon Lemon Slush (Granita)

Frozen Margarita in an ice cream maker

An ice-cold Margarita is another treat you can make in an ice cream maker. To speed up the cocktail, make a tequila-lime base and chill it ahead of time.

Recipe: Frozen Margarita in an ice cream maker

New Frozen Cocktail

Could frosé (a frozen rosé wine cocktail) be made even easier? Yes, with a blender and an ice cream maker.

Recipe: New Frozen Cocktail

Frozen sangria

This is a new take on sangria: a beloved Spanish cold drink made in a blender with frozen red wine cubes.

Recipe: Frozen sangria

Yo-ho-ho punch and a bottle of rum

There's something special about this Caribbean rum punch. It's not just freshly squeezed lime and orange juice and a float of frozen fruit; it's also made with rum, which you flavor yourself with spices. The recipe is so simple, feel free to make this punch and share it with friends and family (or pirates).

Recipe: Yo-ho-ho punch and a bottle of rum

Hot Margarita cocktail

This spicy Margarita will have a little heat at first, but it will intensify as the chili-infused ice cubes melt!

Recipe: Hot Margarita cocktail

Cucumber and pineapple cooler with tequila

Photo - Cucumber and Pineapple Tequila Cooler

This smooth summer cocktail with pineapple and cucumber juice is perfectly balanced and not too sweet.

Recipe: Cucumber and pineapple cooler with tequila

Mojito

The secret to a classic summer cocktail with light rum is fresh mint sprigs or leaves.

Recipe: Mojito

Mint Julep

Bobby's classic mint julep contains bourbon, mint, sugar and water.

Recipe: Mint Julep

White sangria in Spanish

Rachel's Sangria is ready in a large pitcher in 5-10 minutes. Make the cocktail in the morning so it can infuse with the fruity flavor for a few hours, and serve it with dinner in the evening.

Recipe: White sangria in Spanish

Beer cooler with peaches and ginger

Giada combines peach nectar and fresh peaches with light beer in a simple cocktail perfect for sharing with a crowd.

Recipe: Beer cooler with peaches and ginger

Punch "Shark Attack"

Every serving of this lighthearted and delicious cocktail comes with a surprise bite. So, you'll need a bigger glass.

Recipe: Punch "Shark Attack"

Pina Colada with lemongrass and ginger

Photo - Pina Colada cocktail with lemongrass and ginger

Make a ginger-lemongrass syrup to sweeten this version of the classic cocktail.

Recipe: Pina Colada with lemongrass and ginger

Schorle cocktail with tea and blueberries

This elegant and beautiful summer drink requires only five simple ingredients. The iced tea and syrup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a week. Keep them on hand, and when guests arrive, simply open a bottle of sparkling wine and make the cocktail.

Recipe: Schorle cocktail with tea and blueberries

Watermelon Martini

Blend frozen watermelon puree with vodka and melon liqueur for this smooth, ice-cold cocktail. Add a playful twist by garnishing with a lemon twist.

Recipe: Watermelon Martini

Bellini with fresh peaches

Photo - Bellini cocktail with fresh peaches

Aina spoons peach puree into elegant glasses and then tops them with chilled Prosecco wine.

Recipe: Bellini with fresh peaches

Red Wine Sangria

Bobby uses orange and pomegranate juice, Spanish table wine, brandy and Triple Sec as a base for his sangria, then adds oranges, apples, blackberries and pomegranate seeds.

Recipe: Red Wine Sangria

Watermelon Mai Tai cocktail

Ted Allen makes a fresh summer version of the classic rum cocktail, using diced watermelon instead of orgeat for the perfect amount of sweetness.

Recipe: Watermelon Mai Tai cocktail

Blackberry drink with gin and ice cream

Sunny's alcoholic blackberry drink will please both those with a sweet tooth and cocktail lovers.

Recipe: Blackberry drink with gin and ice cream

Frozen mojito

For this ice-cold drink, Bobby blends fresh mint.

Recipe: Frozen mojito

Cherry Cooler Cocktail with Tequila and Chili

This rich tequila cocktail gets its fiery kick from chipotle pepper puree and chili powder rimming the glass.

Recipe: Cherry Cooler Cocktail with Tequila and Chili

Prosecco punch

Garnish the punch bowl with large berry-studded ice cubes. Trisha fills muffin tins halfway with grape and pomegranate juice, then tops them with raspberries and pomegranate seeds.

Recipe: Prosecco punch

Punch in a watermelon keg

Guests will be amazed by this watermelon with a tap. And after trying the punch hidden inside, they'll come back for more.

Recipe: Punch in a watermelon keg

Refreshing pineapple-raspberry cocktail with rum

Photo - Refreshing Pineapple-Raspberry Rum Cocktail

Melissa's fruit cooler contains raspberries, pineapple juice, coconut water, mint, and light rum. For a non-alcoholic version, use 30 ml of sparkling water instead of rum.

Recipe: Refreshing pineapple-raspberry cocktail with rum

Passion fruit “Hurricane” cocktail

Ted makes an ice-cold version of the classic New Orleans cocktail by blending rum, grapefruit juice, and passion fruit puree over ice.

Recipe: Passion fruit “Hurricane” cocktail

Alcoholic cocktail "Margarita" with orange juice

Photo - Margarita cocktail with orange juice

Alton's Margarita is fresh, zesty, and simply magnificent. It's made with silver tequila, lime juice, salt, and agave syrup, but the real secret is fresh orange juice.

Recipe: Alcoholic cocktail "Margarita" with orange juice

Cold Gin and Blackberry Slush Cocktail

Alex Guarnaschelli makes an icy summer treat for grown-ups by blending macerated blackberries with gin, soda water, and lime juice.

Recipe: Cold Gin and Blackberry Slush Cocktail

Blueberry lemonade

If you love fruity drinks, try making a batch of blueberry lemonade. Fresh, sweet blueberries add a seasonal twist to the classic lemonade.

Recipe: Blueberry lemonade

Cucumber Cooler cocktail with vodka

For this refreshing summer spirit, Bobby uses cucumber vodka and cucumber juice.

Recipe: Cucumber Cooler cocktail with vodka

Pimm's with lemon and cucumber

Photo - Pimm's cocktail with lemon and cucumber

This British cocktail is perfect for a summer party. The key is to mix it in advance to allow for more time for mingling.

Recipe: Pimm's with lemon and cucumber

Homemade Limoncello Liqueur

Giada makes her own limoncello by steeping lemon peels in vodka for four days. Add a splash of sugar syrup and let it sit overnight, then strain. The liqueur can be enjoyed plain or used in cocktails.

Recipe: Homemade Limoncello Liqueur

White wine sangria

This is an affordable way to treat a large group. For drinks, you can buy inexpensive wine and a small bottle of brandy.

Recipe: White wine sangria

Raspberry lemonade

Ree's non-alcoholic drink is made from homemade lemonade with frozen raspberries.

Recipe: Raspberry lemonade

Pina Colada cocktail

If you love Pina Coladas, you'll love this classic version made with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and light and dark rum.

Recipe: Pina Colada cocktail

Iced Tea Mojito

Miami Beach and the Old South in one glass: mint, rum, and turbinado sugar for a classic Mojito are combined with iced black tea.

Recipe: Iced Tea Mojito

Tropical Temptation Cocktail

As Sandra says, "Tropical Temptation" is truly a summer vacation in a glass. The beauty is that you don't have to travel anywhere: you can enjoy the drink at a party with friends and family.

Recipe: Tropical Temptation Cocktail

The Ultimate Margarita with Beer

Tyler uses giant glasses for his Margaritas, made with gold tequila and freshly squeezed lime juice.

Recipe: The Ultimate Margarita with Beer

Fruit sangria with cava

Daisy Martinez uses chilled cava (Spanish sparkling wine) and berries for her sangria. It's perfect for brunch.

Recipe: Fruit sangria with cava

Cucumber-lime fizz with gin

In her version of gin and tonic, Anne uses fresh ingredients like cilantro, mint, cucumber, and lime juice to create a vibrant flavor.

Recipe: Cucumber-lime fizz with gin

Arnold Palmer with Baked Lemons

The Arnold Palmer, a mocktail named after the golfer, is half lemonade and half iced tea. This sophisticated and not-too-sweet version of the summer favorite features tea, toasted lemonade, and a splash of bourbon.

Recipe: Arnold Palmer with Baked Lemons

Homemade mojito

Bobby's Mojito features a triple dose of limes: they're mashed with mint leaves, then topped with a mint-lime syrup, and finished with rum and soda water.

Recipe: Homemade mojito

Cocktail “Tonga Mae Thai”

The Mai Tai emerged in the mid-20th century amid the fascination with Tiki culture in America. The Tonga is a sweet variation of the classic drink, containing orange and pineapple juice, almond syrup, and garnished with a maraschino cherry.

Recipe: Cocktail “Tonga Mae Thai”

Cucumber Gimlet with Mint

Cucumber, mint, lemon and a touch of sugar combine in a refreshing gin cocktail.

Recipe: Cucumber Gimlet with Mint

Cocktail "Long Island Ice Tea"

This drink has a little bit of everything: vodka, gin, white rum, white tequila and Triple Sec.

Recipe: Cocktail "Long Island Ice Tea"

Frozen Watermelon Margarita

This fruity Margarita is based on watermelon puree, to which tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur are added. Add a playful touch by garnishing the cocktail with a watermelon cube.

Recipe: Frozen Watermelon Margarita

Grapefruit Sparkler Cocktail

The Campari liqueur gives this fruit cocktail its special character.

Recipe: Grapefruit Sparkler Cocktail

Pina Colada with fresh coconut milk

On a hot summer day, there's nothing better than a cold, refreshing Pina Colada cocktail with coconut water.

Recipe: Pina Colada with fresh coconut milk

Strawberry Orange Daiquiri

"This delicious cold treat with fresh strawberries and orange will quench your thirst all summer long," says Sandra.

Recipe: Strawberry Orange Daiquiri

Moscow Mule with lemonade

The traditional Moscow Mule is a mixture of vodka, lime, sugar, and ginger beer (the classic cocktail was invented in the 1940s by a ginger ale distiller). For added piquancy and depth of flavor, this version infuses maple syrup with fresh ginger and tops it with sparkling water.

Recipe: Moscow Mule with lemonade

Coconut Mojito

Give your favorite rum cocktail a twist by adding coconut water to the classic Mojito.

Recipe: Coconut Mojito

Raspberry Mimosa Cocktail

This cocktail, perfect for brunch (and beyond), is made with fresh crushed raspberries and champagne.

Recipe: Raspberry Mimosa Cocktail

Americano cocktail

Use equal parts sweet vermouth and Campari to make a bitter, piquant aperitif.

Recipe: Americano cocktail

Strawberry Pimm's Ice Cream Shake

Sunny blends spicy, citrusy Pimm's No. 1 gin with homemade strawberry syrup, strawberry ice cream, and lemon soda for a simple summer dessert with a boozy twist.

Recipe: Strawberry Pimm's Ice Cream Shake

Iced tea with gin and cardamom

Season black tea with ginger and cardamom, then add gin, vermouth and orange bitters.

Recipe: Iced tea with gin and cardamom

Singapore Sling Cocktail

This simple version of the Sling originated in the early 20th century at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. It uses pineapple juice, gin, grenadine, and a squeeze of lime.

Recipe: Singapore Sling Cocktail

Mint and Lychee Spritz

This fresh, fizzy cocktail with mint and lime gets its unique flavor from lychee, a fruit native to China.

Recipe: Mint and Lychee Spritz

Lemon Drop Martini with Honey

Replace sweet vermouth with fresh lemon juice in this refreshing summer version of the classic Martini. For a sweeter twist, add honey syrup (equal parts honey and water).

Recipe: Lemon Drop Martini with Honey

Meloncello cocktail

Colorful granulated sugar makes a fun garnish for this fruity watermelon, limoncello, and rum cocktail.

Recipe: Meloncello cocktail

Green Hornet Cocktail

Puréed mint and cilantro give this drink a rich, light green color. Rub the rims of the glasses with lime and jalapeño, then dip in salt and sugar for a contrasting flavor with every sip.

Recipe: Green Hornet Cocktail

Citrus punch

Delight your guests with a '70s-style punch. This spicy gin version uses a touch of ground pepper.

Recipe: Citrus punch

Ruby Sangria

There's nothing prettier than this cocktail with red pomegranate juice and star fruit.

Recipe: Ruby Sangria

Rosemary Julep

Ted gives the traditional julep a twist by using rosemary instead of mint, which has a more earthy flavor. First, prepare the syrup: boil water, sugar, and rosemary sprigs in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves.

Recipe: Rosemary Julep

Margarita Paloma cocktail

Although this cocktail is based on tequila, it's anything but traditional. Grapefruit juice and grapefruit sparkling water add a unique flavor.

Recipe: Margarita Paloma cocktail

Orange Mojito Cocktail

For this version of the classic drink, mash oranges and limes together with sugar and rum.

Recipe: Orange Mojito Cocktail

Citrus Margarita Cocktail

For this fresh cocktail, juice tart citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes, then add tequila.

Recipe: Citrus Margarita Cocktail

Lemon Drop Cocktail

Aina's cocktail is a glass of fresh lemonade, but with a small amount of vodka.

Recipe: Lemon Drop Cocktail

Peach, Raspberry, and Lime Sangria

If you're hosting a summer party, try Giada's elegant, sparkling sangria. Use fresh, seasonal peaches whenever possible, but frozen ones will work just as well.

Recipe: Peach, Raspberry, and Lime Sangria

Non-alcoholic cocktail "Cape Codder"

Photo - Cape Codder Non-Alcoholic Cocktail

Make a simple summer drink by adding sparkling water to watermelon puree and cranberry juice.

Recipe: Non-alcoholic cocktail "Cape Codder"

Watermelon Mojito Cocktail

Add watermelon chunks to a classic rum mojito.

Recipe: Watermelon Mojito Cocktail

Ricky cocktail with cherry and lime

Mash fresh pitted cherries with lime and sugar, then add gin.

Recipe: Ricky cocktail with cherry and lime

Blackberry lemonade

Make simple syrup to sweeten homemade lemonade with fresh crushed blackberries.

Recipe: Blackberry lemonade

Cocktail "Sarsaparilla"

Make an alcoholic version of the ginger ale float by adding bourbon.

Recipe: Cocktail "Sarsaparilla"

Blueberry and Amaretto Milkshake

Blueberries add a beautiful color to this alcoholic milkshake made with amaretto liqueur.

Recipe: Blueberry and Amaretto Milkshake

Campari with Soda Water

This vibrant cocktail requires only 3 ingredients: Campari, sparkling water and orange slices.

Recipe: Campari with Soda Water

Strawberry Ice Cream Shake

Add raspberry liqueur to this sophisticated milkshake. The secret ingredient: cream cheese, adds a creamy texture.

Recipe: Strawberry Ice Cream Shake

Coconut Banana Colada Cocktail

This fruity blended drink contains coconut cream, bananas and crushed pineapple.

Recipe: Coconut Banana Colada Cocktail

Schorle cocktail with Campari

To save time, Giada uses frozen orange juice concentrate for this drink.

Recipe: Schorle cocktail with Campari

Bellini cocktail

For the base of the cocktail, grate fresh peaches into a pitcher with water and sugar. Top up with Prosecco just before serving.

Recipe: Bellini cocktail

Mai Tai cocktail

Ina puts a tropical, summery spin on the classic cocktail with a traditional twist of orange slices, pineapple cubes, and maraschino cherries.

Recipe: Mai Tai cocktail

Cucumber Sangria with Elderflower Liqueur

Limeade adds a sweet flavor to this fresh gin cocktail. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

Recipe: Cucumber Sangria with Elderflower Liqueur

Pina Colada with beer

You don't need coconut cream or a blender for this Pina Colada: the base of the cocktail is beer.

Recipe: Pina Colada with beer

Michelada – a beer cocktail

This Mexican cocktail will appeal to those who enjoy unsweetened drinks. It's slightly salty, and the spiciness can be adjusted to suit your taste.

Recipe: Michelada – a beer cocktail

Mango Mojito with Jalapeño Pepper

Photo - Cocktail “Mango Mojito” with jalapeno pepper

This cocktail is sweet at first, but the finish has a pleasant tang thanks to the addition of jalapeño slices.

Recipe: Mango Mojito with Jalapeño Pepper

Pimm's cocktail

This alcoholic lemonade combines the classic drink with Pimm's punch and cucumber juice.

Recipe: Pimm's cocktail

Pomegranate punch with rum

Pomegranate juice and lemonade, plus a bottle of white rum, and you've got a party punch ready. To decorate the bowl, prepare a frozen "island" ahead of time.

Recipe: Pomegranate punch with rum

Summer Peach Cocktail

Inspired by seasonal fruits, this cocktail uses white wine, peach puree, and peach-flavored vodka.

Recipe: Summer Peach Cocktail

Shark Attack Cocktail

You don't have to be at the beach to be assaulted by this rich drink. Guy Fieri makes a fiery cocktail with tequila, triple sec, orange juice, and pineapple.

Recipe: Shark Attack Cocktail

Cocktail "San Remo"

This sweet cocktail is a classic on Scott's restaurant menus. It's made with bourbon, orange liqueur, and elderflower.

Recipe: Cocktail "San Remo"

Negroni with Burnt Orange

Give the classic Negroni a twist by grilling an orange and adding a slice to each glass.

Recipe: Negroni with Burnt Orange

Wildflower Cocktail

Ted's refreshing cocktail gets its name from lavender—crushed flowers are mixed with dry white wine, elderflower liqueur, vodka, and soda water.

Recipe: Wildflower Cocktail

Grapefruit Fizz

For a chilled cocktail, Jeffrey combines gin, orange liqueur, and grapefruit-flavored soda water and serves it in a chilled glass.

Recipe: Grapefruit Fizz

Mint Julep with Nimbu Pani

Add an Indian twist to a classic mint julep by using black Indian salt in the sweet-salty syrup. If you can't find it, use the same amount of rock salt or 1/2 teaspoon of regular salt.

Recipe: Mint Julep with Nimbu Pani

Caramel milkshake with salt

This alcoholic milkshake is made with tequila and dulce de leche sauce. Finish with a pinch of sea salt.

Recipe: Caramel milkshake with salt

Dutch Shyness Cocktail

Make Justin Warner's simple citrus cocktail with just 4 ingredients. Violet liqueur adds a beautiful purple hue.

Recipe: Dutch Shyness Cocktail

Gin with Cucumber and Lemon Cocktail

Photo - Gin, Cucumber, and Lemon Cocktail

Bright lemon flavor and crisp cucumber slices perfectly complement the pine aroma of gin in Sandra Lee's simple summer cocktail.

Recipe: Gin with Cucumber and Lemon Cocktail

Mint Julep Cocktail

All you need for this classic summer cocktail are fresh mint leaves, mint syrup, and bourbon. Leftover syrup can be refrigerated for up to a week; it's a great sweetener for iced tea.

Recipe: Mint Julep Cocktail

Sangria with sparkling wine

Chill the cognac with lemon and grape juice, sugar, and fruit overnight to infuse the sangria with sweet flavors. Add a bottle of sparkling wine before serving.

Recipe: Sangria with sparkling wine

Caipirinha cocktail

Traditionally, this Brazilian cocktail requires only three ingredients: sugar, lime, and cachaça, a distilled sugarcane extract. Ingrid makes her own version, adding slices of fresh orange, lemon, and mint.

Recipe: Caipirinha cocktail

Daiquiri with fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar and basil

Ted's gourmet daiquiri isn't too sweet, but if you like your cocktails sweet, add a splash of simple syrup.

Recipe: Daiquiri with fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar and basil

Watermelon-coconut cooler

Blend frozen watermelon cubes with lemon vodka, simple syrup, and coconut for the perfect cool cocktail for a hot summer day.

Recipe: Watermelon-coconut cooler

Creamcycle Cocktail Float

The combination of vanilla ice cream and orange soda in this alcoholic drink perfectly replicates the flavor of a creamsicle. Add 30 ml of mezcal for a smoky flavor.

Recipe: Creamcycle Cocktail Float

Rosemary Lemonade

Marcela infuses rosemary in boiling water to add a refreshing twist to her agave lemonade.

Recipe: Rosemary Lemonade

Iced tea with whiskey

Iced tea with lemon is a great thirst quencher in summer. This alcoholic version is topped with Southern Comfort whiskey liqueur.

Recipe: Iced tea with whiskey

Pisco Sour Cocktail

The base of this foamy drink is the traditional South American brandy pisco, which pairs beautifully with lemon juice and bitters.

Recipe: Pisco Sour Cocktail

Hibiscus cooler with tequila

Enhance the pleasantly sweet taste of hibiscus tea by adding tequila and citrus juice to the tea for a refreshing cocktail with an unusual twist.

Recipe: Hibiscus cooler with tequila

Pomegranate punch

This punch combines pineapple and orange juice with grenadine and nutmeg for the perfect savory balance.

Recipe: Pomegranate punch

Red sangria

A classic sangria, this popular mixed drink is best made with dry red wine to balance the sweet flavors of oranges and apples.

Recipe: Red sangria

Sidecar cocktail with dried cherries

Aina makes a summery version of the classic Sidecar, replacing the traditional orange zest with skewered dried cherries. She also adds cherry juice to the shaker, giving the cocktail a sweet flavor.

Recipe: Sidecar cocktail with dried cherries

Blackberry Iced Tea with Bourbon

Bobby makes an alcoholic cocktail out of iced tea, adding a quality bourbon like his favorite, Woodford Reserve.

Recipe: Blackberry Iced Tea with Bourbon

Stout Sipper Cocktail

Add a little sweetness to a dark stout with berry and chocolate liqueur—and you'll eliminate the need for dessert.

Recipe: Stout Sipper Cocktail

Grape Spritz Cocktail

Sparkling wine with grape juice is the perfect fizzy drink for summer.

Recipe: Grape Spritz Cocktail

Double Apple Mojito

In a fruity version of the classic Mojito, Guy adds apple juice and green and red apple slices to the minty drink.

Recipe: Double Apple Mojito

Blackberry and Black Pepper Cocktail

In this refreshing cocktail, Trisha balances the sweetness of ripe blackberries with a pinch of coarsely ground pepper.

Recipe: Blackberry and Black Pepper Cocktail

Lemon Moscow Mule

The secret to this cocktail is homemade limoncello, an Italian liqueur made from lemon zest and vodka. It gives the classic Moscow Mule a tart, slightly sweet flavor. Leftover limoncello can be used as a digestif in other summer cocktails.

Recipe: Lemon Moscow Mule

Apple and berry cocktail with moonshine

Ayesha combines hard cider and moonshine into a sweet, refreshing cocktail—just what you need on a hot summer evening.

Recipe: Apple and berry cocktail with moonshine

Grapefruit Spritz

This simple cocktail is perfect for a summer brunch. Italian sparkling water with lemon adds a sweet and tart twist to your favorite summer wine in a refreshing, fizzy drink.

Recipe: Grapefruit Spritz