Summer is the season of many things—outdoor gatherings, long days in the sun, and, for many, a more flexible schedule. When I find myself with this extra time on my hands, one of my go-to activities as a food and bev fanatic is to experiment with new recipes and tweak some of the classics. So, what better time to test some of the best summer cocktails than during the year’s hottest months? With so many options to choose from, this is your foolproof guide to crafting the season’s most refreshing sips.
The Best Summer Cocktails to Try This Season
So what makes the best summer cocktails? Typically, the spirits are light and bubbly and often complemented with fresh fruit or citrus. The goal is to create a drink that’s easy to sip and can hold its own against the summer heat.
There’s something for everyone on this list—stronger sips with a tequila or vodka base and wine-based options complemented with a fruit liqueur. Whichever path you choose to take on your summer cocktail journey, we’ve got you covered.
Spicy Mezcal Paloma
Why We Love It: Dare I say, this might just be the best summer cocktail of this year. I recently had my first sip of mezcal at a SXSW event here in Austin, and I was changed for the better. As I was warned by my company, it’s an acquired taste. Nevertheless, this Paloma’s kick of heat and smoky flavor is sure to win you over.
Hero Ingredients: Instead of agave or a sweetener, Camille’s hack of adding a bit of honey works like a charm.
Limoncello Spritz
Why We Love It: If you spend your summer days dreaming of the Italian coast, try your hand at crafting this simple and elegant limoncello spritz. With bubbly prosecco, fresh lemon and mint, and, of course, your tangy and sweet limoncello, you’ll be on your way to la dolce vita in no time.
Hero Ingredients: It’s almost a requirement to add a lemon garnish to your glass.
Lillet Spritz
Why We Love It: In my opinion, the Aperol spritz craze fully deserved the hype. Not to mention, any spritz-based drink is exactly what I gravitate toward during the warmer months. For all the Francophiles out there, our managing editor, Isabelle, crafted the perfect drink that features a sweet and fruity Lillet Rosé.
Hero Ingredients: Throw in some fresh citrus slices to spruce up this spritz!
Spicy Margarita
Why We Love It: Before I considered myself a Texas girl, I had yet to understand the desire to add an extra kick of heat to my food. However, I’ve since changed my ways and am now obsessed with adding spice any way I can—including in my favorite drinks. With a tajín rim and sliced chili peppers, this spicy recipe is just what you need for sipping poolside.
Hero Ingredients: Orange juice makes a sweet addition to your typical margarita recipe.
Watermelon Mint Margarita
Why We Love It: Frozen cocktails have a special place in my heart. Although they’re not my go-to drink order, there’s something about a slushy-like bev that instantly boosts my mood. In honor of summer’s most beloved fruit, this margarita uses fresh watermelon to curate one of the most refreshing cocktails I’ve ever tasted.
Hero Ingredients: Fresh mint is the perfect complement to watermelon.
Pricky Pear Margarita
Why We Love It: Whenever I find a menu featuring a prickly pear drink, I’m immediately intrigued but also skeptical. What I love about this particular recipe is that it doesn’t go overboard on the sugary taste that prickly pear drinks can sometimes have. It boasts a well-balanced flavor with freshly squeezed lime juice and tequila of your choice.
Hero Ingredients: Not to contradict my previous statements, but I actually prefer a sugar rim on this particular drink.
La Grande Plage
Why We Love It: I’ll turn to this French-inspired spritz after a day at the beach or while lounging by the pool. It’s classy and light, and it gives off the best coastal summer vibes in every sip. The secret ingredient? A bit of Angostura bitters for a herby, spiced flavor.
Hero Ingredients: This recipe shines thanks to a dry sparkling wine.
Classic Margarita
Why We Love It: Here in Texas, everyone has their own margarita recipe that they claim is the real deal. Call me biased, but after taste-testing hundreds of drinks around the state, Camille’s marg recipe is one of the best. You’ll want to break out your good tequila for this recipe—you won’t regret it.
Hero Ingredients: I always opt for Cointreau over triple sec for my margs.
Salty Dog Cocktail
Why We Love It: For a simple and crowd-pleasing cocktail, this grapefruit juice and vodka combo is always my go-to. This variation of a classic greyhound cocktail can be crafted to each set of tastebuds by kicking it up a notch with a bit more vodka or adding in a bit more sparkling water to mellow things out.
Hero Ingredients: The salted rim is the cherry on top of this cocktail.
Mint Julep Cocktail
Why We Love It: A pet peeve of mine is sitting down at a bar or restaurant that’s fresh out of mint. As a big fan of this fresh herb, it’s one of my favorite ingredients to add to my at-home cocktails, particularly this recipe. With a touch of oaky and bold bourbon and a dash of honey, this four-ingredient recipe is one I can enjoy year-round.
Hero Ingredients: Opting for honey in place of simple syrup is a simple way to elevate this cocktail.
Elderberry Spring Cocktail
Why We Love It: St. Germain has always been one of my go-to liqueurs when I’m craving something sweet, slightly floral, and not too heavy. This cocktail—garnished with chamomile flowers and a spring of mint—is the perfect blend of sweet and citrusy flavors with a bubbly touch.
Hero Ingredients: Lemon juice is always a great addition to elderberry-based drinks.
Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
Why We Love It: The best summer cocktails are ones that pull out all the stops. For this drink, simply shake all your ingredients and add them back into your watermelon ball. It’s that easy to craft a low-maintenance, crowd-pleasing cocktail.
Hero Ingredients: While you can technically do without the fresh watermelon here, I consider it a non-negotiable in your ingredient list.
The Sea Bird
Why We Love It: This tropical, vacation-inspired summer cocktail combines fresh juices. Jennifer Fiedler shares tips from her book The Essential Bar Book, such as adding Aperol and using a good aged rum to create one of the best summer cocktails we’ve ever sipped.
Hero Ingredients: Add a skewer with fresh pineapple to really finish off this stunning drink.
Kombucha Cocktails
Why We Love It: I’ve been addicted to kombucha’s probiotic power since my very first sip. The great thing about this health-forward beverage is that it can be paired with just about any liquor of choice, allowing you to craft the best summer cocktails with a fruity and bubbly base.
Hero Ingredients: Whether you brew your kombucha at home or buy it store-bought, you’ll need it on hand for this delicious experience.