cocktail_sommer

These Sizzling Summer Cocktails Will Keep You Cool

By Allrecipes Staff

Cool down this summer with our top-rated cocktail recipes. From bourbon to beer-based, these drinks are refreshing.

Rum Cocktails

For extra credit, add a paper umbrella and serve these rum-based drinks in a pineapple or coconut shell.

Photo by Meredith

Check out more Classic Rum Cocktails To Put Yourself On Island Time.

Gin Cocktails

Gin is the quintessential hot-weather spirit.

Tom Collins | Photo by Meredith

Explore more Classic Gin Cocktails.

Tequila Drinks

It's North America's first distilled spirit. Tequila makes some classic cocktails.

Tequila Sunrise | Photo by Meredith

Explore more Classic Tequila Cocktails.

Vodka Cocktails

Vodka is the spirit for smooth and refreshing summer sips.

Photo by Meredith

Explore more Classic Vodka Cocktails.

Whiskey Cocktails

No frills in these classic cocktails.

Photo by Meredith

Explore more Classic Whiskey Cocktails.

Beer and Wine Cocktails

Some of these cocktails come with spirits, some without.

Sangria | Photo by Meredith

Dessert Drinks

These rich, sweet cocktails let you drink your dessert.

Photo by Meredith

Homemade Liqueurs

Take advantage of summer fruit to make homemade liqueurs. Many require weeks or months of infusing fruit to get the best flavors.

Mixer Magic

Nothing's easier to make than simple syrup. If you like, infuse the syrup with other flavors, like mint (for mojitos) or lemon (for iced teas, Collins, and other summer drinks).

Don't Forget the Ice!

It's often overlooked. But the best tasting cocktails use fresh ice made from pure, filtered water. "Fresh" means the cubes haven't been sitting around for weeks in the freezer soaking up the stale flavor essences of long-lingering foods. Bring the water to a quick boil for best results. Make it the morning of the day you plan to mix your cocktails, and you’ll enjoy the freshest, most delicious cocktails. And, yes, we do have a recipe for Cocktail Ice.

These 61 Summer Cocktails Belong On Your Drinking Bucket List

Soak up the sun . and the booze.

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Celebrate the season with these essential summer cocktails. Need some non-boozy options? Try our favorite non-alcoholic summer party drinks.

Piña Colada Mimosas

Piña Colada Mimosas

This is the perfect drink to sip beachside (or poolside) this summer.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Skinny Strawberry Mojitos

Skinny Strawberry Mojitos

The it drink of summer.

Get the recipe from Delish.

26 Spiked Lemonades You Need To Make This Summer

Piña Colada Mimosas

This is the perfect drink to sip beachside (or poolside) this summer.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Skinny Strawberry Mojitos

The it drink of summer.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas

When plain ol' orange juice just won't cut it.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Vodka Pink Lemonade Slushies

Sweet, sour, and crazy adorable.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Toasted Marshmallow Campfire Cocktail

This creamy concoction hits the sweet spot between cocktail, coffee, and dessert.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Prosecco Slushies

Not going to lie, these slushies made us feel fancy AF.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Blue Crush Margaritas

You're going to be crushing it after downing these blue crush margaritas.

Get the recipe from Delish.

MAJOR BEACH VIBES: Cocktail Umbrellas, $7; amazon.com.

The Old Battle Axe Cocktail

You'll love this drink's smoky secret ingredient.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Boozy Sour Watermelon Slushies

This is how adults enjoy sour watermelon candies.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Fizzy Lifting Drinks

The sweet and sparkly way to channel everyone's favorite candy man.

Get the recipe from Delish.

We're giving the classic drink an adult twist. By Jennifer Meyers

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A Part of Hearst Digital Media

Delish participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means Delish gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites.

©2017 Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Modern Summer Cocktails

What better way to cool off during the warm summer months than with a cool and refreshing summer cocktail? Whether you are grilling in the back yard, throwing a summer party or just chilling out, these delightful cocktail recipes are sure to refresh as well as impress. Try a few of our favorites like strawberry-lemon mojitos and slushy frozen cucumber-honeydew drinks and many more.

Watermelon-Tequila Cocktails

When watermelon is in abundance, this is a great way to use it. Bobby Flay purees seedless watermelon chunks, then strains the juice through a sieve and mixes it with silver tequila, sugar syrup, blueberries, mint and fresh lime juice.

Tabernacle Crush

This light and refreshing cocktail is as reminiscent of the American South as it is of the South of France.

Limoncello Collins

The Collins was most likely named after 19th-century bartender John Collins of London’s Limmer’s Hotel. The Tom Collins was originally made with Old Tom, a sweet style of gin that’s extremely hard to find today.

Colorado Cooler

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is a distinctive small-batch whiskey made in Denver from 100 percent malted barley. The flavor is malty and slightly vanilla-y.

Strawberry-Lemon Mojitos

Strawberries sweeten these mojitos from mixologist Joaquin Simo.

Sunset Punch

Cucumber-Honeydew Freeze

Fruit flavors generally mix well if they’re from the same botanical family. This cool and light summer cocktail works because cucumber and melon both belong to the Cucurbitaceae family.

Chasing Summer

"I love this drink so much that it seems like my glass is always empty," says Lacy Hawkins, bartender at The NoMad in New York City. Her favorite part is the balsamic vinegar. "It adds wonderful acidity to the drink and creates a caramelized finish."

California Caipirinha

Duggan McDonnell of San Francisco's Cantina riffs on the caipirinha by embellishing the classic combination of Cachaça, sugar and lime with Essensia Orange Muscat from Quady Winery in Madera, California.

More Great Summer Drinks

Mango-Peach Sangria

John Besh serves this lightly sweet, fruity white-wine sangria over plenty of ice cubes. “Use Viognier—it has a nice balance of fruit and acidity,” he says.

Silver Monk

Big grains of salt rim many a margarita glass. But as this cocktail proves, a pinch of salt can add complexity to sophisticated bittersweet drinks.

Porch Crawler

Chef-partners Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo and their friend Travis Kauffman concocted this terrifically refreshing cooler one hot summer night with ingredients from Falcinelli’s rooftop garden.

Redhead in Bed

One of chef Chris Yeo’s first jobs was bartending. “But that was many, many, many years ago,” he says. So he left it to his bar team to create this vibrant strawberry-and-vodka cocktail topped with a splash of white wine.

Manhattan Ice Cream Float

Gabriel Frasca makes his own bourbon ice cream and cherry syrup for this clever riff on a Manhattan. For his superquick version, he blends vanilla ice cream with bourbon and uses a high-quality black cherry soda like Stewart’s or IBC.

“This is the drink I would choose instead of dessert after a big meal,” says John Coltharp. Fruity, spicy Redbreast Irish whiskey is excellent with the blackberries.

Rhuby Daiquiri

A slice of rhubarb pie gave bartender Katie Loeb the idea for this Floridita Daiquiri variation. “Tweaking a daiquiri with rhubarb seemed like a good starting point,” she says. “Ginger and Chinese five-spice powder take the drink to the next level.”

Cucumber-Lime Pops with Gin

Tim Love freezes all kinds of cocktails on sticks for backyard parties, but his cucumber-mint version is especially good on a blazing-hot day. To prevent the pops from melting too quickly, he adds gelatin to the mixture.

Blanca Julep

Jennifer Zerboni likes to tinker with the classic mint julep during horse-racing season. She used to flavor this julep with a mint granité, but that proved “too sticky and messy.” Now she makes the drink with mint simple syrup.

Thai-Basil Sangria

The Spanish drink sangria draws its name from the blood-red color of its traditional red wine base. This stripped-down version gets its rich golden hue—and zingy flavors—from white wine, fresh-squeezed orange juice and a kick of brandy.

Cajun Lemonade

Cucumber Margarita

The only thing more refreshing than a margarita is one made with cucumbers. The cucumber-infused tequila also makes a great punch.

Minted Blueberry Lemonade

Make this refreshing and summer-inspired lemonade when fresh blueberries are in season or plentiful at the farmers markets.

Basil Limeade Slushies

A splash of soda water makes these tart slushies pleasingly bubbly. With a little rum, they'd also make great cocktails.

Hibiscus Swizzle

Swizzles are drinks that are typically served over crushed ice and churned with a swizzle stick until supercold. Small ice cubes are a fine substitute for crushed ice.

Tequila-Watermelon Aguas Frescas with Prosecco

In this refreshing cocktail, Prosecco adds a lively spritz to a light, watermelon-forward margarita. If you happen to have a juicer on hand, you can certainly use it here.

Cool, Refreshing Summer Drinks

Fruit-filled, kid-friendly punches and adult-pleasing cocktails are perfect treats on hot days.

Sparkling Elderflower Lemonade

Elderflower liqueur is sweet, delicate, and floral, like nectar from a spring bouquet.

Blackberry Pisco Sours

Pisco is a South American grape brandy popular in Peru and Chile. If you can't find it in your area, feel free to substitute white tequila, grappa, or vodka. Don't be alarmed by the strength of this new classic; it's a cocktail that's meant to be sipped and savored.

Lemon-Mint Sparklers

Make the Lemon-Mint Syrup a week ahead, and keep cold. Chill the club soda, too, but mix the drink just before serving to keep it nice and fizzy. Use leftover syrup to make boozy Lemon-Mint-Bourbon Sparklers for the grown-ups in your crowd, and set up a self-serve beverage station with fresh lemon and mint leaves.

Frozen Peach Old Fashioned

Served ice cold, these refreshing cocktails keep your guests cool.

Strawberry Margarita Spritzers

Club soda, fresh whole strawberries, and frozen daiquiri mix set these margarita spritzers apart. Serve on sultry summer days and enjoy the fizzy sweetness of these colorful cocktails.

Cava Sangria

For a light and quick poolside drink, Cava Sangria is the way to go. Refreshing and fruity, this 5-ingredient sangria has the perfect combination of flavors from the strawberries and mint leaves. After the first sip, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation.

Berry Splash

Mix up a colorful drink for the whole family with cherry drink mix and white cranberry juice. Serve Berry Splash with blueberry-filled Berry Ice Cubes.

Raspberry Beer Cocktail

Guests will love the raspberries that sit atop this festive beverage. Garnish the mixture of beer, raspberry lemonade, and vodka with lemon and lime slices.

Marian’s Iced Tea

No summertime meal in the South is complete without good ole iced tea. Glass carafes and lemon slices make an elegant presentation of this classic.

Southern Breeze

This kid-friendly punch makes a special treat out of lemonade mix by mixing it with the tropical flavor of pineapple juice and the bubbly carbonation in ginger ale. Serve with paper cocktail umbrellas for a fun entertaining touch.

Blackberry Cocktail

Atlanta Chef Anne Quatrano’s recipe releases the flavors of summer’s fresh mint, blackberries, and cucumber into this drink. Pour the cocktail into glasses garnished with cucumber, blackberries, lime wedges, and mint sprigs.

Cantaloupe Cooler

Juicy summer melon is even more refreshing when blended with ginger ale, limeade, and a hint of fresh ginger. Substitute watermelon or honeydew if you like.

Lemonade Iced Tea

Lemonade and fresh mint leaves provide a flavorful fruit twist to this classic summer drink. One reader suggested adding a tablespoon of orange-flavored vodka to a glass of the drink to add a grown-up kick.

Carolina Peach Sangria

Add fresh summer peaches and raspberries to this Southern version of the classic wine punch. Make the sangria the day before to allow the flavors to blend.

Homemade Orange Soda

This simple mixture of orange juice and lemon-lime soft drink offers the refreshing bubbles from the carbonated soda with the tang of citrus juice.

Watermelon-Mint Margaritas

Use leftover watermelon to make this slushy summer drink. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Pink Lemonade Cocktail

Serve this adult version of kid-favorite pink lemonade in wine glasses. Garnish with fresh cranberries and citrus slices.

Peach Iced Tea

You can’t go wrong with the combination of two Southern summertime favorites—sweet tea and peaches. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a lunch or afternoon snack.

Frozen Cranberry Margaritos

A mojito traditionally uses rum; here we use tequila instead, hence the fun title. Dip rims of glasses in lime juice and a mixture of equal parts kosher salt and sugar for a twist on salt-rimmed glasses.

Classic Sweet Tea

We love this recipe because it's got strong tea flavor without being bitter, and it's sweet but not cloying.

Cool Lavender Lemonade

Lavender and mint add a fresh herb flair to classic lemonade. This recipe is perfect for lemonade stands and backyard parties alike.

Southern Sweet Tea

Only Southerners understand just how sweet tea should be. Add the full cup of sugar to this recipe if you like yours extra sweet.

Sweet Tea Spritzer

If iced tea is the house wine of the South, consider this our summer sangria.

Grapefruit Tequila Fizz

You'll want to make a whole batch of this citrusy spritzer. It's perfect for outdoor gatherings and kicking back on the porch.

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Summer Drinks Recipes

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Vintage Lemonade

Just the thing, when you're relaxing in the shade.

Jewel's Watermelon Margaritas

"Fantastic summery cool refreshing drinks. They were perfect. We will be making these all summer long!" – *Sherri*

Agua Fresca de Pepino (Cucumber Limeade)

"A refreshing and healthy drink. Perfect to cool down during hot summer days." <br>– Jenny Aleman

Berrylicious Frozen Sangria Slush

"I think this is amazing! I do not like crazy sweet drinks and I thought this was perfect!" <br>– noneya

20 Great Cocktails for Summer

Whatever your drink of choice, here's how to stay cool all summer.

With summer halfway gone, it's time to finally switch up your home cocktail menu to something more seasonally appropriate. After all, you don't want a drink that's best served next to a roaring fireplace. Instead, you need a cocktail that's cool and refreshing, a drink that transports you to a shaded veranda overlooking the ocean. Sound nice, right? Whether it's a classic margarita, a syrupy sweet mojito, or something much more ambitious, here are 20 cocktail recipes that are perfect for summer.

1.5 oz. fresh pineapple juice

.5 oz. fresh lime juice

.5 oz. simple syrup

dehydrated pineapple (optional)

Combine all ingredients, then shake and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a pinch of salt and dehydrated pineapple.

Courtesy of Lauren Schell at Little Branch in New York .

Place 5 to 6 mint leaves in the bottom of a pre-chilled highball glass or pewter cup. Add sugar and muddle slightly. Pack the glass with crushed or finely cracked ice. Add the bourbon and stir briskly until the glass frosts. Add more ice and stir again before serving. Garnish with a mint leaf.

Pour ingredients over ice into a cocktail shaker. Stir (with your finger) and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with an orange twist.

1 oz. fresh grapefruit juice

.5 oz. fresh lime juice

.5 oz. honey syrup

Combine all ingredients, then shake and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda, and serve with an umbrella/paper straw.

Courtesy of Theo Lieberman at Milk & Honey in New York.

Combine all ingredients, then stir and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Created by Leo Robitschek at The NoMad in NYC .

1 oz. Samogon TM*

1 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed

Combine in a cocktail shaker and stir. Strain into a highball glass over crushed ice. Garnish with mint or rosemary.

Created by Master Bar Czar and Imbibe's Bartender of the 2016 Ryan Maybee.

6 sour cherries

.5 oz. fresh lime juice

In a cocktail shaker, combine the cherries and the sugar cube. Muddle until the sugar is broken down. Add the lime juice and gin, and then shake. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of ginger ale and garnish with a lime wedge.

2 oz. silver tequila

1 oz. lime juice

Chill a cocktail glass and then rub it's rim with lime juice and dip in coarse salt. Combine the tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice together in a cocktail shaker and shake. Strain into the glass over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.

1.5 oz. hibiscus syrup

.75 oz. sweet vermouth

1 fresh lemon wedge

3 dashes orange bitters

Muddle mint and fresh lemon wedge, then add all other liquid ingredients. Dry shake. Add ice, hard shake. Rinse a cocktail martini coupe with orange bitters. Double strain into the cocktail martini coupe. Garnish with mint leaf.

.5 oz. lime juice

.75 oz. pineapple juice

.5 oz. ginger syrup

Combine the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and stir. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a splash of savory spiced rum.

1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice

Combine ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and a Luxardo cherry.

.5 oz. Grade B maple syrup

Add all ingredients to an ice-filled mixing glass and stir well. Strain and pour into a rocks glass. Garnish with lemon and orange zest.

Courtesy of Josh Durr .

1 oz. habanero nectar

3 oz. grapefruit soda

4 cubes ruby red grapefruit

Muddle the grapefruit cubes in a highball glass. Add the rest of the ingredients and crushed ice, and then top with a splash of grapefruit soda.

Add all ingredients into an ice-filled mixing glass and stir well. Strain and pour into a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange zest.

Courtesy of Josh Durr .

2 tbsp simple syrup

2 tbsp lime juice

Muddle two raspberries in the bottom of a highball glass. Add the rest of the ingredients together with ice. Garnish with a lime slice and more raspberries.

1 dash Prosecco

Combine the vodka and elderflower into a cocktail shaker, shake, and then strain into a chilled martini glass. Top it with a splash of Prosecco and garnish with fresh rosemary.

.5 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice

1 tsp super fine sugar

In a Collins glass, muddle the lime juice with 1/2 to 1 tsp of sugar. Add the mint leaves and mash against the side of the glass. Fill glass 2/3 full with cracked ice and pour in the rum. Squeeze in a lime and then throw in the squeezed-out lime shell. Top off with club soda.

.75 oz. fresh lemon juice

Coat the rim of a cocktail glass with sugar. Add the rest of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and stir. Strain into the cocktail glass and garnish with an orange peel.

3 oz. pineapple juice

1 oz. coconut cream

Combine the ingredients in a blender and blend on high with a cup of crushed ice. Pour into a Collins glass and garnish with a cherry, an orange slice, a pineapple slice, or all of the above.

2 cups strawberries

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

12 basil leaves

Place strawberries into blender and add 2 tbsp of sugar. Add about 1/4 of a cup of water and pulse until pureed. In a medium saucepan over a medium-high heat, add the puree and 1 3/4 cup of water. Heat until mixture begins to boil. Allow to cool and then strain through a sieve.

In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry syrup, bourbon, 1 cup of water, lemon juice, basil leaves, and a splash of bitters. Stir and then pour into eight glasses with ice. Garnish each with a basil sprig.

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You can't host a party without drinks — these mocktails, punches, and lemonades got you covered.

And for everyone else who's drinking, we've got some next-level summer cocktails you totally need to try.

Glow Water

Glow Water

Water is so much more fun with flavor!

Get the recipe from Delish.

CLASSIC MASON JARS: Ball Brand Pint Jars, $19; amazon.com.

Frosted Lemonade

Frosted Lemonade

If you love Chick-fil-A's frozen lemonade, you need to try this recipe.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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Glow Water

Water is so much more fun with flavor!

Get the recipe from Delish.

CLASSIC MASON JARS: Ball Brand Pint Jars, $19; amazon.com.

Frosted Lemonade

If you love Chick-fil-A's frozen lemonade, you need to try this recipe.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Watermelon Lemonade

Most refreshing summer drink ever? We think so.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Mango Lemonade

Mango is exactly what lemonade was missing.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Purple Punch

Whoever thought a mocktail could be this good?

Get the recipe from Delish.

Lime Zinger

This mocktail is proof that you can have a party without alcohol.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Sparkle Punch

For extra style points, add lemon slices to the pitcher, and garnish each glass with a slice before serving. You fancy now.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Nothing says summer like lemonade.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Berry Lemonade

You're going to need a giant pitcher of this.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Rhubarb Lemonade

Tired of traditional lemonade? This strawberry-rhubarb variation gotchu.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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A Part of Hearst Digital Media

Delish participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means Delish gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites.

©2017 Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Summer Party Recipes

Quench your thirst with our best summer beverages, from classic cocktails to fresh fruit juices and spritzers.

Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Blueberry-Ginger Mojito Pitchers

Homemade ginger syrup adds spicy bite to Tyler Florence's bubbly mojito pitchers, which are overflowing with muddled blueberries.

Jessica Brooks ©© 2016 Cooking Channel, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Plum-Cherry Ice Pops and Champagne

Combine after-dinner drinks and dessert by dunking plum-cherry ice pops in glasses of champagne. It's the best way to cool down.

Adam Rose ©2014, Cooking Channel, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Watermelon-Champagne Cocktail

This cocktail looks fancy, but it tastes like watermelon cake thanks to vanilla-flavored vodka.

Alice Gao ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Muddled Lemonberryade

To get the most flavor out of the berries and mint, Michael Chiarello employs a common bartending technique called muddling. It helps release the juices of fresh fruits and herbs so they can easily be absorbed by the alcohol –– or, in this case, the lemon juice and club soda.

Green Tea and Orange Cooler

This simple drink will cool you down all summer long and has only three ingredients: green tea, orange and agave nectar. You could also turn this into a cocktail with a splash of vodka or tequila.

Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Cucumber-Jalapeno Margarita

Michael Symon infuses this margarita with a halved jalapeno pepper and thin slices of cucumbers –– the longer it sits, the more its spicy notes and refreshing, savory flavor intensify.

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Tequila Sangria

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Mojitos for a Crowd

Don't want to play bartender all night long? Mix up this party-sized batch to keep guests' glasses full all night.

Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Homemade Peach Iced Tea

Chuck creates a cross between simple syrup and fruit puree by simmering and then blending a mixture of sugar, water, peaches and a vanilla bean. He serves this with a chilled brew for the ultimate summer tea.

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Tequila Lemonade

Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

White Sangria

Spanish sangria, endlessly customizable with various fruits, wines and liquors, is one of summer's most versatile drinks. Ellie's sunny pitcher calls for a bottle of white wine, brandy and orange liqueur, along with slices of fresh citrus.

Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Watermelon Martinis

In an effort to make his martinis thoroughly slushy (without watering them down), Bobby Flay employs the genius technique of freezing a puree of watermelon and simple syrup in ice cube trays. He then blends the cubes with the lemon juice, vodka and melon liqueur to form drinks that are as chilling as they are pure of flavor.

Blackberry-Bourbon Iced Tea

Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Watermelon-Jalapeno Lemonade

Though watermelon sweetens the lot in this atypical lemonade, blended jalapeno slices ensure this drink has plenty of bite.

Classic Margaritas

Simple, straightforward and definitely a classic, this margarita recipe is a solid crowd pleaser.

Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

White Sangria

Chuck's sparkling wine sangria spans the sweet-tangy spectrum with its base of white Port and orange liqueur. Add summer fruits like raspberries and peaches, and then for the final, surprising touch, line the rims of your glasses with a powder of ground orange and lemon zest.

Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Italian Lemonade

Give this summertime classic some elegant Sicilian flair by infusing it with the flavors of another seasonal favorite: fresh basil.

©2009, Jeremiah Alley

Extra Virgin Sangria

Sangria, Extra Virgin-style, includes brandy, vanilla, cloves and cinnamon. Debi and Gabriele recommend Cannonau wine from Sardinia, Italy, but you can use any medium-bodied red wine.

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Classic Horchata

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Chuck's Icebreaker Mojito

Mix up this midsummer sip when the watermelons hit the farm stand. Toss cubes of the juicy fruit with pineapple, lime and mint — it's like a rum-spiked fruit salad!

Raspberry Limeade with Lavender and Mint

Limoncello Spritzer

©2012, Television Food NEtwork, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Sgroppino (Italian Cocktail)

This palate-cleansing potion is perfect pre- or post-dinner. A scoop of lemon sorbet floats in a pool of sparkling Prosecco and vodka, and the cocktail is finished with a minty green garnish.

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Bobby's Strawberry Pina Colada

Bobby blends two frozen drink classics — pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris — to create a crowd-pleasing slushy pink drink.

Vanilla Bean Lemonade

Kelsey's lemonade gains fizz from sparkling water and depth from vanilla bean paste. Simple syrup balances out this favorite sip while scattered basil or mint adds summery freshness.

Frothy, rice-based horchata instantly cuts through the heat of a hot summer day. Served with festive straws and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, Kelsey's version is perfect for a Latin-inspired brunch.

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Sex on the Beach

Blackberry-Cucumber-Ginger Spritzer

This fruity, alcohol-free spritzer is just as complex and fun to drink as its boozier counterparts, thanks to a combination of ginger-infused herbal tea, elderflower syrup and tangy blackberry sipping vinegar.

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Tyler's Orange Cream Mimosas

Tyler spiffs up the always-refreshing brunch classic by tossing in a scoop of homemade orange cream sorbet. Sweet and creamy, it's the ultimate crowd pleaser.

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Pomegranate Margaritas

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Raspberry Mojito

Tropical Sangria

Bobby makes his sangria tropical with passion fruit nectar, light rum, Sauvignon Blanc and lemongrass.

Frozen Mango Margarita

Margaritas can be super-sweet, but Ellie's lighter version swaps most of the sugar for ripe frozen mango. Don't worry, she doesn't skimp on the most important part: good-quality silver tequila.

Elderflower Tarte

Rhubarb-infused elderflower liqueur, tart Meyer lemon foam and a wild-strawberry garnish are served in a shot glass — an ambrosial sip so sweet it's best enjoyed in small doses.

Peach Sangria

This simple take on sangria relies on the flavor of juicy, ripe peaches. Mix the grated fruit with sweet Riesling and top with fresh mint.

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

This tropical cocktail features the classic duo of coconut and pineapple along with rum and vanilla ice cream for a cool, smooth drink that erupts with a scarlet strawberry puree.

Jessica Brooks ©© 2016, Cooking Channel, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Blueberry Mojito

Tiffani Thiessen muddles blueberries, mint and sugar together for the beautiful, pink-hued base of this cocktail.

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Tyler's Peach-Ginger Bellini

Give your brunchtime Bellini a bit of zing with Tyler's ginger-infused simple syrup.

Laura's Mint Lemonade

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Sunrise Punch

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Pina Colada

Mint Julep Slushy

This frozen take on the classic julep packs a powerful punch. Mix a bottle of rum with mint and a little sugar, then freeze until slushy.

Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Mojito Slushy

Ouzo Lemon Spritzer

Michael Symon balances the distinct licorice flavor of ouzo, a classic Greek aperitif, with lemon juice and mint.

Elderflower Sparkler

Counter hot afternoons with Kelsey's cool pink-grapefruit, sparkling water and elderflower-syrup sparkler.

Peach Julep

Mote con Huesillos

Dried peaches (huesillos) are soaked overnight, then poached in a light syrup with caramelized sugar to form the base of this popular Chilean summer dessert beverage.

Silk Sheets Cocktail

With strawberries, balsamic vinegar and gin as its base, this sweet and tangy sip affords an exotic experience, even before a luxurious coat of St. Germain Foam is added to the top.

Sinless Sangria

Kelsey's virgin sangria starts with a sparkling grape juice base, plus cranberry, lime and orange juices for sweet tang and color. She mixes in strawberries, citrus and mint, but you can feel free to use any on-hand fruit and fresh herbs.

Strawberry Lemonade Bourbon Cocktail

Tiffani infuses lemonade with muddled strawberries before adding a kick of bourbon and basil.

Bella Donna

Mix some magic in a Mason jar with a bourbon, citrus juice and bitters base overflowing with shaved ice and a garnish of fresh mint and muddled blackberries.

Bobby's Original Frozen Ouzo Daiquiri

Bobby Deen's Mediterranean-inspired daiquiri swaps out rum for ouzo, a Greek liqueur.

Grill Your Peaches Cocktail

Peaches are grilled and then pureed to form the base of this rich tastes-like-summer cocktail.

35+ Refreshing Summer Drinks

Beat the heat with these cool summer drink recipes. With both alcoholic and nonalcoholic fruit drinks as well as creative twists on classic lemonade and blended margaritas, we've chosen a collection of refreshing drink recipes for you to try this season.

Popular In Seasonal Drinks

Cooling Cocktail Recipes

Warm and Wonderful Slow Cooker Drinks

Strawberry Drinks

Hot Drink Recipes

Everything In This Slideshow

Cucumber-Mint Smoothies

What could be more refreshing than a smoothie with cucumber AND mint? This green smoothie is even packed with a secret ingredient: fresh cauliflower.

Tequila Sunrise Margarita

All you need to make this gorgeous summer cocktail is some triple sec, lime juice, and of course, tequila. Red-sugared rims give it a fiery look.

Watermelon-Berry Limeade

Blend up this easy drink in just 10 minutes when you're in a rush to cool off. The best part? It counts as a serving of fruit!

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

Muddled berries star in this health-friendly tonic. They're mixed with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice for a tasty treat. Garnish with basil or mint, if desired.

Cucumber Sangria

A chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc is the base for this thirst-quenching drink recipe. Toss in sliced cucumber, honeydew melon, and mint leaves for extra freshness.

Icy-cool scoops of sherbet give this refreshing, nonalcoholic drink its sweet fizziness, while grenadine and OJ pair up to create its pretty coral color.

White Peach Sangria

A light white wine sangria calls for a classic summer fruit: peaches! A blend of citrusy and sweet, this sangria will make your guests cheer when you break out a pitcher at your next party.

Mason Jar Bourbonade

Need to refresh? Bourbon stars with muddled lemon in this outrageously easy pick-me-up.

Summer Fruit Daiquiries

Mango, watermelon, peaches, strawberries—this icy fruit daiquiri has it all. Make it a nonalcoholic drink for all to enjoy by substituting OJ for the light rum.

Fruity Agua Fresca

Blend up some refreshing mocktails for all to enjoy! Try one of five flavors: watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, strawberry, or mango. (Or make them all for a colorful sampler!)

Sparkling Rosé Blueberry Float

Your favorite childhood drink just got an upgrade. This adult version features the perfect combo of bubbly rosé wine, icy blueberry granita, and creamy coconut gelato.

Classic Margaritas

There's nothing better than a lip-smacking, salt-rimmed margarita. Fill the classic drink recipe with freshly squeezed lime juice to add authenticity.

Lavender Lemonade

Go herbal with your lemonade with lavender buds! Amp up the regular squeezed juice with vodka for a kick and honey for sweetness.

Pisco Sour

This cool cocktail gets a burst of fresh flavor from lime and mint. For a nonalcoholic version, replace the pisco with sparkling water.

Blackberry Sangria

This bright sangria, sweetened with a summer-ripe blackberry syrup, will inspire guests to linger for one more glass. Sprigs of fresh basil make a beautiful garnish.

A refreshing glass of this ice-cold lemonade will keep you cool on a hot summer's day. Our classic drink recipe features a cup of natural lemon juice, so you know you're getting the good stuff.

Minted Iced Tea

Liven up your outdoor entertaining—or just refresh your thirsty family—with this simple nonalcoholic drink recipe. Orange and lemon accompany the mint that flavors this fruit-infused iced tea.

Rosé Cucumber Cooler

Fresh cucumbers are what your sangria has been missing. Here's the proof.

Electric Lemonade

Fresh mint and lemon juice brighten this zippy frozen cocktail. Make it electric by topping off the frozen glasses with a splash of vodka.

Watermelon-Basil Daiquiri

Shake up your summer party with the season's favorite produce: watermelon. The naturally sweet fruit lends a juicy crispness, while light rum and basil add a punch of flavor.

3 Vacationworthy Tropical Cocktails

Ice cold and fruity, these cocktails will please any taste buds in need of a getaway. Three tropical drink recipes are exactly what you need to enjoy a sweet summer evening

Strawberry-Coconut Cream Soda

Indulge in this soda-shoppe drink recipe at home with the help of coconut milk, club soda, sugar, and fresh strawberry slices. Serve it in chilled glasses to keep cool.

Strawberry Margarita

Whole strawberries combine with zesty lime wedges in this lip-puckering margarita recipe. The splashes of triple sec and tequila are sure to put a zing in your step.

Blackberry-Bourbon Lemonade

A splash of sparkling lemonade gives this blackberry-bourbon drink recipe its bubbly appeal. Be sure to pour the syrup in last for dramatic color in every glass, then pop in a few berries for garnish.

Cherry-Berry Smoothies

Cool off AND stock up on nutrients with a fruity power smoothie. This one has strawberries, cherries, raspberries, pomegranate juice, and blueberries—that means it's jam-packed with antioxidants!

Rose Collins

A pinch of bitter Campari liqueur tames the floral notes of rose in this poppy-orange cocktail. Sprinkle the lemon garnish with sugar to add sweetness.

Make-Ahead Margaritas

Move aside, margarita mix. You can prep these frozen margaritas in just 10 minutes and have them ready to go for tomorrow's party—just blend, pour, and freeze!

Sparkling Peach Punch

Looking for nonalcoholic drinks for your next gathering? Impress party guests with this fizzy drink idea featuring peach nectar, pureed peach slices, lemon juice, and ginger ale. Freeze the punch for up to 3 months and enjoy all summer long.

Cucumber Gin and Tonic

Infuse fresh cucumber into your summer cocktail by muddling cubes of Persian cucumber and lemon juice in a shaker. Add gin and a splash of liqueur, then top with tonic water for a bubbly finish.

Trisha Yearwood's Sweet Tea

Keep cool with a tall glass of this invigorating Southern staple: sweet tea. Trisha's family recipe is traditional, featuring tea bags of your choice, water, and sugar.

Green Tea Soda

You can make your very own fizzy concoction with home-brewed tea and sparkling water! Make it extra delicious by adding fruit slices and topping with fresh mint for a finishing touch.

Fresh Melon Quenchers

Pureed fruit blended with ice and sparkling water makes a refreshing summer drink. A spoonful of yogurt adds creaminess, while a skewer of fresh fruit makes a pretty garnish.

Watermelon Cooler Punch

Blended watermelon combined with white grape juice, lime juice, sugar, mint, and club soda makes a refreshing summer drink.

Strawberry Agua Fresca

Agua fresca (literally "fresh water") flavored with strawberries and honey makes a fab light summer drink. Plus, it's nonalcoholic, so you can serve it to guests of all ages.

Tropical Getaway Smoothie

Packed with mango, banana, and pineapple, this sunny yellow smoothie will take you from your kitchen to the beach in just a few sips. Fresh lime juice gives the summer drink a zesty finish.

Green Protein Smoothie

This energy-boosting smoothie will have you ready to take on all of your summer activities! Made with almond milk, it's also allergy- and vegan-friendly.

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!

The Porcupine

Please both wine and beer lovers with this "spiky" summer sipper: Pineapple and fresh rosemary are the secret to getting your favorite white wine and pale ale to join forces.

Pina Colada Smoothie

Soft banana and juicy pineapple meet in this nonalcoholic version of the pina colada. Use plain vanilla yogurt as a base, then blend in sweet honey and vanilla to finish.

Summer Cocktail Recipe: Campari Mojito

What do you collect when you travel? I have an acquisitive soul; linens and tiny ceramics and jewelry get squirreled away in my bags on every trip. But I've found that the best souvenirs of travel are the lightest to carry. When I travel, I look for new things to learn, like the soufflé I picked up in Paris, and the duck magret in Nice. My husband and I have also acquired cocktail recipes quite often in our travels, and I hardly need to tell you that these are my favorites.

Two summers ago I picked up a new one, a very summery cocktail from an unexpected place. It's a fizzy concoction of mint, lime, rum, and a hit of grapefruit from my favorite neon orange bottle. It's a little sweet, a little bitter, and totally, totally refreshing. This is my cocktail of the summer, folks.

This recipe is a mash-up of places and influences, and it doesn't easily betray its origins. Italian Campari, the Cuban mojito, a tall glass of ice. Can you guess where I learned it? In a swanky little bar at the top of the National Portrait Gallery in London. That's right — a mojito on a chilly day, under a gray sky in England.

My husband and I were in the middle of a long day of trekking around the city, jet-lagged and a little footsore. London was a madhouse, with German fans of two soccer (ahem — football) teams in town for the Champions League Final that day; Trafalgar Square was a mob of beer-drinking, flag-waving, red-hat-wearing fans who looked dressed for a Quidditch match as much as a football final.

We squeezed into the last places at the little bar at the top of the Portrait Gallery, after an hour wandering through Elizabeths and dukes. You never know, dropping into a museum cafe, what you'll find. Will it be overpriced and underwhelming? Our bartender dispelled our concerns quickly, serving me up a delicious sip of red currants and Champagne, and talking my husband into a Campari mojito.

I was initially dubious; as much as I love Campari, a mojito sounded like it could be sickly sweet and unbalanced. But the drink was perfect and shockingly good — a huge glass of crushed ice, with handfuls of muddled mint, a float of tonic water, and a sharp, tangy edge of grapefruit Campari.

I slipped out to go to the ladies' room and muttered to my husband, "See if you can get the proportions." I'm never sure with bartenders whether they will hold their recipes close to the vest, or share them.

I came back and my husband held out a little slip of receipt paper, grinning. Sure enough, the bartender had not only shared, but written down the recipe in a scrawl we took back home and deciphered carefully.

A little tricky to make out, right? I couldn't quite get the third ingredient, but assumed it was white rum — until realizing that it's probably actually white sugar. The drink seemed sweet enough already, however, and I like the extra kick of rum, so I let my improvisation stand.

We've been sipping this drink ever since our trip, enjoying its fruity fizz, and the memory of refreshment on a gray day in England.

You don't have to travel the world to meet the Campari mojito; let it come to you. Hop in the hammock with one in hand; you'll be glad — I promise.

Campari Mojito for One

1/4 ounce (about 4 large sprigs) fresh mint, plus additional for garnish

1 ounce lime juice

1 ounce white rum

1 1/2 ounce Campari

2 to 4 ounces good tonic water, such as Fevertree or Q Tonic

Place the mint sprigs in a large glass or cocktail shaker, and add the lime juice and rum. Muddle with a muddler or a wooden spoon for several minutes, crushing the mint and releasing its aroma. Add the Campari and a few cubes of ice, and shake or stir until well chilled.

Fill a 12-ounce highball glass with crushed ice and squeeze a lime wedge over top. Pour in enough tonic water to fill the glass a quarter full, then pour in the strained Campari mixture. Garnish with a little more tonic water, the second lime wedge, and mint. Best with a straw!

Pitcher Campari Mojitos for a Crowd

3 packed cups mint leaves, plus more to garnish

1 cup lime juice

1 cup white rum

1 1/2 cups Campari

3 to 4 cups good tonic water, such as Fevertree or Q Tonic

Place the mint leaves with the lime juice and rum in a pitcher. Muddle with a muddler or a wooden spoon for several minutes, crushing the mint and releasing its aroma. Stir in the Campari and refrigerate overnight or until chilled.

• Calories 199
• Fat 0 g (0%)
• Saturated 0 g (0%)
• Carbs 9.9 g (3.3%)
• Fiber 0.1 g (0.5%)
• Sugars 8 g
• Protein 0.1 g (0.2%)
• Sodium 11.5 mg (0.5%)

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