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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.

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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.

easy summer cocktails fruity drink with orange and cherry garnish
Gilligan’s Island Cocktail

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.

mint and strawberry easy summer cocktail
Pimm’s  Strawberry Mint Cocktail

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.

blueberry spritzer in glass with mint and blueberry garnish
Blueberry Spritzer with White Wine

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.

easy summer cocktail watermelon margarita
Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita

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.

moscow mule easy summer cocktail overhead shot
Strawberry Moscow Mule

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.

overhead shot of strawberry daiquiri
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri

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.

Kombucha Mint Julep

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!
cheryl

4 Comments

    1. Thank you, Christi! I can’t wait to try these cocktails all summer long! I appreciate so many who participated!

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