40+ Summer Drink Cocktails to Keep the Heat at Bay
Fill a glass with ice and celebrate the season with these back-porch sippers.
Whether you're looking to make a quick cocktail for one or a big pitcher of frozen drinks to share, these alcoholic and non-alcoholic summer drink and summer cocktail recipes will be the perfect addition to any warm weekend afternoon. There are plenty of options for every taste, depending on what you're looking for, from sweet, fruity drinks ideal for cooling off after a hot day, to stiff, bourbon-based drinks that pair well with a backyard barbecue.
Cucumber and Mint Lemonade with Tequila
Blanco tequila and a judicious use of fresh veggie turns your standard fresh lemonade into a surprisingly refreshing adult treat.
Spring Gin Flips
Don't let the name dissuade you: This gorgeously elegant cocktail is welcome on the back porch all summer long.
Ginger Greyhounds
Fresh grapefruit juice pairs remarkably well with ginger liqueur and either gin or vodka.
Pink Grapefruit Margaritas
Grapfruit juice is also an elegant option if tequila is more your taste. These Texas-style margaritas are great at the end of a long day.
Fish House Punch
Perfect for long days at the lake house, you can keep a pitcher of this lemon tea, peach schnapps, cognac, and rum concoction in the fridge for sipping on at a moment's notice.
Mezcal Negroni
Negronis have long been popular in Italy as a way to fend off the hot weather. We give it a smoky twist with some mezcal.
Spicy Watermelon Cocktail
Give this kicky take on a watermelon margarita a whirl at your next barbecue.
Bourbon Derby Punch
Don't wait for the next horse race to make this summer scene-stealer. It's too good.
Spicy Michelada
This fiery beer cocktail is like a Bloody Mary, but better.
Strawberry and Sparkling Rosé Punch
Fresh strawberries, Meyer lemons, sparkling rosé... sort of like drinking a glassful of summer.
The Old Man and the Sea Cocktail
A twist on the classic Hemingway Daiquiri, This stiff rum-based drink boasts a splash of coconut water and a tiny pinch of sea salt, making it the perfect cocktail for toasting the arrival of summer.
Blueberry Mint Cocktail
This twist on a sour works especially well with smoky mezcal. For the very freshest mint, try growing your own. (It's easier than you think!)
Fresh Mint and Lemon Iced Tea
Another great way to use mint, this sweet herbal sipper can be left virgin—or add an ounce of bourbon for a cool take on a hot toddy.
Daisy Buchanan Cocktail
Named after F. Scott Fitzgerald's golden girl, this elegant drink doesn't need lavish parties. It'll make itself at home anywhere.
Key Lime Gimlet
We skip the bottled lime juice for a fresher Key West version of this classic drink. It's easy to make, and even easier drink, so go slowly!
Homemade Mason Jar Lemonade, 8 Ways
It's just not summer unless there's a big ol' pitcher of lemonade in the fridge, but we've got ideas for making it even fancier, including blueberry thyme, jalapeño, and lavender rosemary.
Strawberry-Lemonade Punch
This sweetly refreshing berry punch from Edible Living founder Sarah Copeland is kid-friendly, from the star-shaped fruit, to the non-alcoholic base. You can also adult it up with a little rum or vodka.
Mason Jar Watermelon Frosé
Shake up two simple ingredients and garnish with a sprig of mint for a refreshing summer sipper.
Mint Tulip Cocktail
This beautiful pitcher drink couldn't be easier to make. And the bright flavor gives spiked lemonade a run for its money.
Refreshing Berry Spritzer
Fresh berries and garden basil are a winning combo, but you can give this backyard staple a boozy twist with some gin or vodka as well.
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