7 Simple Cocktail Recipes for Summer
Summer calls for refreshing, flavourful cocktails that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. This is made easy by the seasonal fruits that spring out in summer; they make sweet and interesting additions to any cocktail.
These seven simple summer cocktails are packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavours. They are perfect for lounging by the pool, hosting a barbecue, or enjoying a warm evening.
1. Cucumber Lime Gin Cooler
This cocktail is an easy cocktail that is light, crisp, and incredibly refreshing.
Thinly slice half a cucumber and muddle it with ½ oz of honey in a shaker. Add 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a cucumber ribbon. The combination of cool cucumber and tart lime makes this the ultimate summer sipper.
2. Mango Chili Margarita
This tropical cocktail with a hint of spice, delivers bold and refreshing flavour. It is a great addition to your lunch menu at the pool.
Blend 2 oz of tequila, 3 oz of fresh mango puree, 1 oz of lime juice, and ½ oz of agave syrup. Add a pinch of chilli powder and shake with ice. Strain into a glass rimmed with chilli salt and filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and a thin slice of fresh chilli for an extra kick. The balance of sweetness and spice makes this an unforgettable summer drink.
3. Strawberry Basil Smash
Sweet strawberries and aromatic basil are a time-tested pairing that makes for a delightful and fresh combination.
Muddle 4 fresh strawberries with 2 basil leaves and ¾ oz of simple syrup in a shaker. Add 2 oz of vodka and ¾ oz of lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice. Garnish with a basil leaf and a strawberry slice. The freshness of the basil enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail.
4. Blueberry Mint Mojito
A fruity twist on the classic mojito, this cocktail is bursting with juicy blueberries and cooling mint. It is the perfect drink for a girls’ night out.
Muddle 6 fresh blueberries with 6 mint leaves and 1 oz of simple syrup in a tall glass. Add 2 oz of white rum and ¾ oz of lime juice. Fill the glass with crushed ice, top with club soda, and stir gently. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a few whole blueberries. This cocktail is light, refreshing, and packed with summer flavour.
5. Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch
This creamy, tropical cocktail will transport you to the beach with every sip.
Shake 2 oz of coconut rum with 3 oz of fresh pineapple juice, 1 oz of coconut milk, and ½ oz of lime juice with ice. Strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a dusting of toasted coconut. The combination of coconut and pineapple creates a rich yet refreshing drink, perfect for summer relaxation.
6. Watermelon Vodka Fizz
Watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit, and this cocktail highlights its natural sweetness.
Blend fresh watermelon chunks until smooth, then strain to remove pulp. Combine 3 oz of watermelon juice with 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of lime juice, and ½ oz of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a watermelon wedge. This cocktail is light, hydrating, and full of summer vibes.
7. Peach Bourbon Iced Tea
A Southern-inspired cocktail that combines the boldness of bourbon with the sweetness of ripe peaches.
Brew a strong black tea and let it cool. In a shaker, mix 2 oz of bourbon, 3 oz of peach nectar, 1 oz of lemon juice, and ½ oz of honey syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with unsweetened iced tea and garnish with a peach slice. The deep flavours of bourbon pair beautifully with the natural sweetness of peach, making this a smooth, refreshing, and different experience.
Summer is a time to be outdoors enjoying the warm weather with friends. These seven cocktails are simple and will keep you refreshed. You can enjoy fruit-forward, herbal, or creamy drink, there’s something on this list to keep you cool all season long.
