In the heat of summer, refreshing drinks, whether cocktails or mocktails, can make cooling off a breeze. Here, you'll find plenty of summer sips to enjoy all season. In the mood for a frozen margarita or a fun summer twist on lemonade? We have those and more. Mix up a blender or pitcher full of any of these delicious recipes for warm-weather gatherings.
Cucumber-Watermelon Sangria
During the hottest days of summer, refreshing drinks are not only appreciated, they're practically mandatory! Healthy watermelon and cucumber (two of the most hydrating foods on the planet) make this homemade drink for summer the ultimate thirst-quencher. Dress up each glass of white wine sangria with watermelon balls, cucumber slices, and lime slices to hint at the flavors.
Avocado Margaritas
With avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime, these margaritas showcase everything you love about guacamole in a sweeter, sippable package. Rather than plain salt, rim the glasses with chile-lime salt for a fitting kick.
Strawberry Gin Slushies
Gin and juice get a slushy spin in this icy summer refreshing drink recipe. With strawberry sorbet and pureed fresh berries, the double dose of fruit eliminates the need for additional sugar. Once you've mastered the base recipe, try the same ratio with any flavor of sorbet and chopped fruit.
Spicy Mezcal Pineapple Smoke Cocktail
If you haven't tried Mezcal yet, this is the summer cocktail you need to try to get familiar with it. The agave-based liquor gives this cocktail a naturally smoky flavor. Combined with pineapple, serrano pepper, tamarind, and topped with mango sparkling water, it checks all the boxes for a spicy-sweet sip.
Ginger Beer Shandy Floats
Rather than a classic root beer float this summer, try a ginger and regular beer version! For a grown-up touch, we start with muddled crystallized ginger. Freeze mason jars, beer mugs, or glasses for about two hours before building the floats to keep them nice and frosty for as long as possible.
Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
Muddled berries (pick any that look fresh at the market) star in this health-friendly tonic. They're mixed with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice for a light summer drink. For even more summer spirit, garnish with fresh basil or mint.
Rosé Cucumber Cooler
Fresh cucumbers are what your summer sangria has been missing. This drink is proof! And even when it's not summer, you'll want to keep a bottle of St. Germain elderflower liqueur in your bar year-round to perk up any sangria recipe.
Summer Fruit Daiquiri
Mango, watermelon, peaches, strawberries—this icy fruit daiquiri has it all. Make this cocktail a mocktail by substituting orange juice for the light rum. Craving a summer refreshing drink in the middle of winter? Follow this same daiquiri recipe using thawed, frozen fruit (then imagine your toes in the sand as you sip).
Cucumber-Grape Smash
There's no alcohol involved in this summer drink, but since it's so delicious, you won't care. Blend cooling cucumber, green grapes, and mint before topping the mixture with ginger beer. It'll pair perfectly with your summer barbecue or afternoon by the pool.
Spicy Tomato Gin and Tonic
That's right, you have our permission to start your day with a summer refreshing drink! This gin and tonic take on a bloody mary is perfect for boozy brunches. Cherry tomatoes, fresh dill, and a hint of lime will help you keep cool despite a splash of hot sauce.
Sparkling Rosé Blueberry Float
Your favorite childhood treat just got an upgrade. This adult version features the perfect combo of bubbly rosé wine, icy blueberry granita, and creamy coconut gelato. The sparkling wine cuts through some of the scoops' sweetness for a perfectly balanced homemade drink for summer.
Pink Rhubarb Lemonade
These ruby-red drinks are perfect for the entire family. Pink lemonade and lemon-lime soda will please the kiddos, while a unique rhubarb reduction will entice the adults. Instead of a stir stick, serve with a rhubarb stalk trimmed a couple of inches taller than the glass.
Pineapple-Cinnamon Margaritas
Lime and pineapple team up for a double dose of tropical goodness in one glass. Extra flavor boosters like a cinnamon-sugar rim and orange liqueur make these island-inspired cocktails taste like a vacation. For a mocktail version, try orange juice instead of Triple Sec and ginger ale instead of tequila.
White Cucumber Sangria
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc is the base for this thirst-quenching homemade summer refreshing drink. Toss in sliced cucumber, honeydew melon, and mint leaves. Just before you're ready to say "cheers!" top off the white wine sangria with a bottle of sparkling water.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Hydration has never tasted better. Blended watermelon (opt for seedless to cut down on prep time) combined with lime juice, sugar, and water or club soda (the latter if you're a fizz fan!) makes a summer refreshing drink kids and adults alike can sip.
June Bug
Icy-cool scoops of sherbet give this refreshing, nonalcoholic drink a sweet finish, while grenadine and OJ pair up to create its pretty coral color. Complete this DIY summer sip with plenty of fizzy ginger ale. Kids will come running for refills.
Tequila Sunrise Margarita
All you need to make this refreshing cocktail is some triple sec, lime juice, and, of course, tequila. A red-sugared rim gives it a fiery look. This cool summer drink is perfect for gatherings since you can easily stir together nine servings in one pitcher and chill until guests arrive.
Melon-Basil Prosecco Sparkler
Uniquely-flavored summer drinks highlight garden-fresh herbs and produce—and this shaken cocktail does both. Honeydew and basil give the sparkling wine-topped swigs their vibrant hue. Use a vegetable peeler to create elegant, thin strips of melon to line each glass.
Summer Dream Sangria
Turn a bottle of rosé wine into a batch of summer goodness with this sunset-colored sangria. Four fruits and a spoonful of rose water help this drink fit its seasonal name. Tuck a strawberry on the rim of each wine glass for a pretty garnish and sweet snack.
Classic Margaritas
There's nothing better than a lip-smacking, salt-rimmed margarita. Fill your favorite summer refreshing drink with freshly squeezed lime juice to add authenticity. Instead of standard granulated sugar, stir in superfine or powdered sugar so it easily dissolves into the cocktail.
Citrus Shimmer Cocktail
Enjoy a day in the sun with one of these fruity summer cocktails. The blend of limoncello (try making your own!), fresh orange juice, and chilled prosecco come together in minutes. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and sip away.
Rose Collins
A spoonful of bitter Campari liqueur tames the floral notes of rose in this poppy-orange cocktail. Sprinkle the lemon garnish with coarse sugar to balance out the tartness. This single-serving refreshing summer vodka beverage is perfect for cooling off on a scorching hot day.
Make-Ahead Frozen Margaritas
Move aside, margarita mix. You can prep these frozen summer drinks in just 10 minutes. When you're ready to serve, take them out of the freezer, and you'll be cooling down in no time. For a sweeter summer take, make with frozen strawberries.
Blackberry-Bourbon Lemonade
A splash of sparkling lemonade gives these summer drinks their refreshing, bubbly appeal. (Lemon-lime sparkling water works well, too, if you're watching your sugar intake.) Add the syrup at the end for dramatic color in every bourbon cocktail, then pop in a few berries for garnish.
Super Juice Spritzer
Cheers to your new go-to sparkling water-spiked cocktail. This vitamin-packed fruit and vegetable punch is ideal to serve during the transition from spring to summer. Carrot juice nods to colder weather, while pineapple and peach preview the warm days to come.
The Porcupine
Please wine and beer lovers alike with this "spiky" refreshing summer cocktail. Pineapple and fresh rosemary are the secrets to getting your favorite sparkling white wine and pale ale to join forces. Opt for Prosecco, Cava, or Cremant for a more budget-friendly option than Champagne.
Green Tea Soda
Ditch the cans. You can make a fizzy concoction with home-brewed tea and sparkling water. Make your mocktail extra delicious by stirring in sliced stone fruit and fresh berries.
Carrot Lemonade
This sunny-orange lemonade is brimming with natural sweetness thanks to fresh carrots and pineapple juice. Plus, it's packed with vitamins A and C. Use white grape juice as the base if you prefer your sips on the sweeter side. For a more tart twist, start with pineapple juice.
Raspberry Mojito Punch
Keep cool with a glass of this raspberry-infused mojito. Fresh mint, raspberries, rum, sparkling water, and lime juice scream summer in a glass. If you want to keep the summer drink kid-friendly, omit the rum and increase the amount of sparkling water.
