It’s the most wonderful time of the year because it’s summer! And with summer comes all the best Summer Cocktails.
Here you’ll find a delicious variety of the best summer cocktails to choose from. There are easy summer cocktails you can create when you’re short on time. Plus, several extra refreshing summer cocktails because, well, it’s hot outside and these cocktails are cool. We’ve got the drink ideas you’ll love this summer!
If you’re looking for a particular liquor for your summer drink recipes, check out the section below on summer rum drinks or summer cocktails with vodka (although several are sprinkled throughout this list).
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Classic Summer Cocktails
There are always a few summer alcoholic drinks that are just classics. These are the drinks everyone loves to enjoy when the heat is up.
Seriously, the best Pina Colada recipe. Pina Coladas are probably the most popular of all summer drinks!
The cream of coconut, pineapple juice mixed with a helping of light rum is truly a vacation in a glass. It’s creamy. It’s cold. And it’s delicious.
Make a single serve Pina Colada or make a big pitcher and serve to all your friends at your next party.
#2. Blue Hawaiian – Don’t you just love gorgeous colored summer cocktail recipes?
Here’s another rum and Blue Curacao tropical drink that will be fun to serve up this summer.
The flavors are similar to a Pina Colada but this drink is served over ice and includes a hint of orange flavor.
Fresh fruit juice and vodka always hits the spot in the summer.
This classic cocktail is lip smacking with tart grapefruit juice that’s toned down by the salty rim.
The combination evens it out so well, grapefruit juice has never tasted so good!
#4. Hawaiian Mai Tai
The real deal, this is an authentic Hawaiian recipe. This classic Mai Tai is created with rum, Orgeat-Almond Syrup along with flavors of lime juice, sugar, vanilla and orange liqueur.
These are the flavors of Hawaii and the perfect way to enjoy a sunset on your back deck, just like if you were in Maui.
#5 Bacardi Strawberry Daiquiri
What is summer drinking without fun, frozen and fruity drinks? The Strawberry Daiquiri includes fresh strawberries and frozen strawberries to get a deep strawberry flavor and cold slush.
Add light rum, simple syrup and ice for the perfectly blended Strawberry Daiquiri cocktail.
Bonus! This recipe is easy to double or triple so you can make larger batches for your friends.
Simple and refreshing, it’s the easiest classic summer cocktail.
Two or three ingredients, depending on your preference. This simple vodka cranberry drink is perfect for every occasion.
Easy Summer Cocktails
Here are a few easy cocktails for those busy days or lazy days when you’re ready for a cool summer drink without any fuss. Pour, stir and sip. Quick and easy yet still deliciously satisfying.
Easy summer drinks are the go-to recipes for most of the summer season.
#7: Pineapple Rum Punch – All you need are 3-4 simple ingredients (depending on if you’re adding a floater). In a matter of a few minutes, you’ll have a refreshing rum punch cocktail in your hands.
Sweet pineapple juice mixed with rum and a little effervescence, this is a tasty yet easy summer cocktail.
#8. Tropical Bay Breeze – This cocktail includes all the tropical drink flavors we love.
The Tropical Bay Breeze a perfect balance of fruit juices. Sweet pineapple, coconut and cranberry juice creates a tasty summer drink for sipping by the pool or even better… the beach!
The added squeeze of fresh lime juice gives just enough taste of bright citrus to even out the sweetness.
It’s such a simple recipe, this summer cocktail is going to be a top favorite.
#9. The Bullfrog – With just two ingredients, this vodka drink is the easiest of all summer cocktails.
This happens to be my go-to large batch summer cocktail when I need to serve a delicious summer drink for guests in a snap.
It’s so easy and everyone loves the taste of fresh lime juice squeezed on top. Win-win, right?
#10. Red White and Berry Vodka Lemonade – An easy patriotic cocktail is nice to have in your recipe collection. Serve in a tall glass and keep your friends and family happy.
Beautiful 4th of July layered drinks are wonderful but sometimes you just want a delicious and simple drink that’s easy to serve a crowd. Give it an added oomph with club soda if you like a little bit of bubbles.
It’s just as yummy all summer long, you don’t have to wait or Independence Day to enjoy.
Refreshing Summer Cocktails
When the temperatures rise it’s time to start making refreshing summer drinks. Amazing cocktails that quench that summer thirst.
Here are several summer cocktail recipes perfectly refreshing to keep you cool this summer:
#11. Mermaid Water
Summer is the perfect season to enjoy this Mermaid Water drink.
Refreshing pineapple juice and TWO types of rum plus Blue Curacao for this magical green-blue color.
#12. Strawberry Mojito
Using fresh mint is a sure way to make refreshing summer drinks and this twist on a classic drink is delicious.
Change up the traditional Mojito for this cool summer strawberry version. Muddled mint, sugar, rum and our favorite summer berry. Then add in the club soda.
A summer drink full of sweet goodness with a bright zing of refreshing mint, Strawberry Mojitos are always a hit.
#13. Sparkling Crown Royal Peach Mixed Drink
Crown Royal Peach is a summer cocktail dream.
Enjoy this Crown Peach mixed drink with a bubbly fizz for a refreshing effervescent cocktail.
Choose pineapple juice or mango juice to compliment the sweet summer peach whisky and garnish with sweet and sour gummies.
#14. Strawberry Margaritas on the Rocks
Oh yes, this Margarita is extra refreshing.
Mix fresh strawberries with lime, simple syrup and tequila for a delish summer cocktail.
Add a sugar or salt rim and garnish with a strawberry. Cool, refreshing and sweet – Strawberry Margaritas are perfect summer.
#15. The Crown Peach Beach Drink
Some of the best summer cocktails are made with peach whisky! The Peach Beach Drink is served on the rocks, making it a simple summer drink.
Crown Peach with pineapple juice and orange juice combine to make a fruity summer cocktail.
Add fresh peaches and pineapple slices with a cocktail umbrella for a dashing presentation.
#16. Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Drink
The sweet and tart of Strawberry Lemonade vodka mixed with a delightful pink lemonade bubbly is a thirst-quenching refreshing summer cocktail.
Add fresh fruit for garnish and snacking.
Summer Cocktails Made with Rum
Summer is the time for rum! It reminds us of the islands and tropical getaways where rum is as popular as the beaches.
Here are a few of our favorite cocktails made with rum:
#17. Lava Flow
This Hawaiian inspired cocktail is extra creamy because there is no ice in this drink.
Follow the special pouring procedure to make the strawberry puree creeps up the sides of the glass for the signature Lava Flow look.
Make sure to chill your ingredients first so it’s a cold and creamy summer cocktail.
#18. The Electric Smurf – another colorful and fun summer cocktail!
Get a taste of the islands with Malibu Coconut Rum, pineapple juice, Blue Curacao and topped with lemon-lime soda for a little refreshing bubbly taste.
Stunning summer cocktails are blue, right?
#19. Famous Soggy Dollar Painkiller – The Painkiller is a pretty famous summer rum drink.
In the BVI’s every watering hole offers this delicious concoction.
Here is the actual Soggy Dollar Bar Painkiller recipe as well as an option to pump up the creaminess.
#20. Dirty Monkey Drink – The Dirty Monkey is another summer rum drink popular in the tropics.
It’s most famous in places like Cancun and Cozumel and the Dominican Republic where everyone’s loving summer cocktails year round.
This frozen drink mixes delicious flavors of banana, chocolate, Kahlua and a splash of cream of coconut.
Summer Cocktails with Vodka
Vodka is a light and refreshing liquor that’s practically made for summers.
Try these favorite summer cocktail recipes featuring a variety of vodka flavors:
#21. Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Shots
Strawberry Lemonade is a quintessential summer drink and it’s even better when spiked with vodka for a sweet and tart shot recipe.
Lemonade is a top mixer in summer cocktail recipes for good reason. It’s light, citrusy with both a sweet and tart flavor.
Add strawberry to the recipe and it’s a winner.
#22. The Blue Lagoon
Bright blue cocktails are so fun! This one is also a delicious lemonade cocktail, perfect for a thirst-quenching summer drink!
Add a splash of fresh orange juice to this cocktail recipe to enjoy even more citrus flavor.
#23. Deep Eddy Vodka Lemonade Fizz
Lemonade summer cocktail recipes are possibly the most refreshing type of cocktails.
Try this Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, champagne and lemonade on a hot summer day.
The taste of sweet and tart from the lemon juice or lemonade and the very tasty lemon vodka. Top it off with bubbly champagne and it’s a match made in heaven.
#24. The Dirty Banana
The Dirty Banana is another summer cocktail recipe popular in the islands.
You simply can’t go wrong with a frozen drink full of vodka, Kahlua, banana, coconut and chocolate!
This is a full flavored drink and you won’t be able to get enough of it! Make sure you have plenty of ingredients on hand to make more.
#25. Pineapple Strawberry Vodka Slush
Pineapple and strawberries are the best fruits for summer cocktail recipes and this refreshing drink is perfect all summer long.
Get the blender out and mix fresh fruit and crushed ice to create this super cool slushy.
If you want to check out all our summer cocktail recipes, scroll through the category to find more delicious summer cocktails.
Enjoy your summer filled with delicious and refreshing summer cocktails.
Cheers!