8 Refreshing Cocktails to Try This Summer

Whether you can’t think of anything better than the fresh ocean breeze or the only breeze you enjoy comes from an AC, one thing that we can all agree on is that there’s nothing like a refreshing beverage on a hot summer day. Read on for eight delicious cocktails to pair with your summer plans, whatever they may be.

Strawberry Smash

This vodka-based fruity cocktail made with muddled strawberries is sweet and tangy without being too sugary. Check out a recipe from Cookie + Kate HERE that calls for strawberries, club soda, basil, lemon, honey and vodka. If you want an extra hint of freshness, we recommend subbing fresh mint instead of basil. The Strawberry Smash is also the perfect cocktail to turn into a mocktail – simply skip the vodka and enjoy!

Aperol Spritz

The iconic Italian Aperol Spritz (or Spritz Veneziano) has gained massive popularity in the past few years and we can see why, being neither too bitter or too sweet this orangey beverage has universal appeal. This Venetian classic calls for just three ingredients: prosecco, aperol and club soda. For ratios, take a look at Chef Giada de Laurentis’ recipe HERE.

Vodka Collins

A twist on the classic gin-based Tom Collins, the Vodka Collins is a deliciously tart alcoholic lemonade. Though there may be nothing as refreshing as a cold glass of lemonade on a summer’s day, the Vodka Collins certainly comes close. You can find a recipe courtesy of The Spruce HERE. Don’t have simple syrup? Honey is an excellent substitute.

White Sangria

While Red Sangria is delicious, there is something about White Sangria that makes it even more perfect for summer. The Spruce has a great recipe for this ultra-sippable Spanish imbibement HERE. The Spruce’s recipe calls for citrus fruits, however the beauty of this drink is that you can make it your own, so if you don’t care for citrus fruits, feel free to opt for other fruits, such as strawberries and apples.

Cucumber + Basil Margarita

If you want to make the ever delightful go-to summer Margarita even more refreshing, cucumber and basil are the perfect add-ins. Fine Cooking has a great recipe HERE. Like an extra kick of spice? Instead of rimming the glass with sugar per the recipe, mix kosher salt with lime zest and a dash (proceed with caution!) of chili powder for a spicy rim. Heat-seeking drinkers should also be happy to know that jalapeno pairs well with cucumber and basil, so if you’re feeling bold you can add a few seedless slices to your drink.

Mojito

Mojitos have become a solid staple beverage for a reason: they are simply delicious. You can learn a bit about the history of this Cuban concoction and find a recipe on Liquor.com HERE. Even if you don’t sip this rum-based beverage on a beautiful beach, the tropical flavor of the Mojito makes it easy to pretend that you are.

Caipirinha

The Caipirinha is the official drink of Brazil and made headlines when the ever iconic Martha Stewart decreed this to be her favorite cocktail. This national cocktail of Brazil is refreshing and perfect for those who aren’t fans of sweet drinks. You can find a recipe HERE on Liquor.com. Don’t have cachaca? Substitute for vodka to make Caipirinha’s delicious cousin, the Caipiroska, instead.

Sgroppino al Limone

It wouldn’t feel right to complete a list of summer cocktails without including something frozen. Sgroppino al Limone, a frozen lemon prosecco and vodka-based drink, is the Italians’ delicious answer to beating the heat. Essentially an alcoholic granita, you can find Chef Giada de Laurentis’ recipe for this tart, frozen delight HERE.