Easy Summer Cocktails
As the temperatures climb, the need for a cold drink becomes a necessity. While a tall glass of iced tea is lovely, sometimes a boozy beverage is where it’s at. These 30 easy summer cocktails will have you sipping on a refreshing libation in no time.
You’ll find everything from wine cocktails to frozen bourbon here, so snag your spirit of choice and let’s toast to the summer!
Fruity Summer Cocktails
Everyone loves a fruity drink, preferably with a sassy little umbrella in it and maybe some skewered fruit. These fruity summer cocktails offer something a bit sweet and slightly different than a rum and coke.
Fruity drinks are notoriously dangerous for me, because they taste like a fruit punch. They go down very easily and catch up to me before I know it, but they are so delicious. Check out these fabulous cocktails that would be a welcome addition to any summer pool party.
Gilligan’s Island Cocktail – The Kitchen is my Playground
Blackberry French 75 – Beyond Frosting
Mai Tai – Julie’s Eats and Treats
Easy Summer Cocktails
These summer cocktails use unique ingredients, like Pimm’s and Lillet. If you’ve ever had a big party and find yourself left with half bottles of spirits like these and don’t know what to do with them, here are a few tasty ideas.
These drinks offer something special, but they are still easy cocktails that are not difficult or time-consuming to make, because no one has time for that.
Pimm’s Strawberry Mint Cocktail – Culinary Ginger
Lillet French Aperitif with Orange Twist – That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Blood Orange Sidecar – Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Summer Sangrias and Wine Cocktails
This category is where I shine. This is my sweet spot, my wheelhouse, my jam. Sangrias and wine cocktails of all sorts are what you’ll find most here on this blog. While I do love other libations once in awhile, these are by far my favorite.
As I have professed on many occasions, I’m not really a big drinker. Wine cocktails and sangrias tend to be a little lighter on the alcohol and that is where I like to stay. There will never be a day when I drink a glass of straight vodka. I’m a lightweight and if you are too, this category has so many refreshing and delicious options to try.
Blueberry Spritzer with White Wine – Pook’s Pantry
White Wine Ginger Beer Sangria – The Lemon Bowl
Blood Orange White Wine Spritzer – Pook’s Pantry
Tropical White Moscato Sangria – Food Faith Fitness
Strawberry Sangria with Rosé – Pook’s Pantry
Summer Margaritas
You know how I just said I wasn’t a big drinker? Well, this is where I can get into trouble. There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING like a frosty cold margarita on a summer day. The obligatory warm tortilla chips and salsa should be sitting right next to it.
Whether you prefer your margs frozen or on the rocks, classic or fruity, spicy or sweet, there is something for you here. Personally, I’d like to try all of them… you know, for research.
Ice Cream Maker Margaritas – Love from the Oven
Classic Margarita – Pook’s Pantry
Watermelon Jalapeño Margaritas – Iowa Girl Eats
Frozen Strawberry Basil Margaritas – Dizzy Busy and Hungry
Vodka and Tequila Cocktails
These cocktails are a bit higher octane. While still easy, delicious drinks, they definitely pack a punch.
Some of these drinks could fit into several categories. A few are fruity and some have multiple spirits, but what they all have in common is they are good. These easy cocktails would be great for parties.
Jalapeño Mint Moscow Mule – Tasting Page
Watermelon Strawberry Smash – Pook’s Pantry
Strawberry Moscow Mules – The Roasted Root
Strawberry Salty Dog – Running to the Kitchen
Lemon Drop Martini – Homemade Hooplah
Kentucky Sombrero – Meals, Heels and Cocktails
Frozen Drinks
Adult slushies are thankfully a thing. Best sipped poolside or on the patio, these drinks will keep you refreshed and help you beat the summer heat.
Most frozen drinks are incredibly easy to make. They require about 5 minutes, a handful of ingredients and a blender. These are no exception.
Cherry Coconut Rum Slushie – Pook’s Pantry
Peach Wine Slushies – Dessert for Two
Strawberry Daiquiri – Pook’s Pantry
Frosé – Celebrating Sweets
Rum, Bourbon and Whiskey Drinks
Rum, bourbon and whiskey offer sweet smokiness to cocktails. They give drinks another layer of flavor that nothing else can replicate. These are the liquors that feel like a slow, warm hug on the inside.
Although I don’t partake often, I have a love affair with bourbon. I can assure you that the bourbon slush will be happening here very soon.
Bourbon Slush – Bell’Alimento
Strawberry Caipirinha – Peas and Crayons
Watermelon Mojito – Julie Blanner
Pineapple Whiskey Sour – Baked by Rachel
Mint Julep Kombucha Cocktail – Pook’s Pantry
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a delicious day!
I’m now set for all my summer entertaining! What a marvelous array of summer cocktails!!
Thank you so much for letting me include your tasty drink! I’m certainly making it soon!
Such a great collection!
Thank you, Christi! I can’t wait to try these cocktails all summer long! I appreciate so many who participated!