As the sun starts to shine brighter and warmer, our taste buds crave something cool and refreshing to quench our thirst. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with new flavors and ingredients in your mixed drinks. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or a pool party, these 20 refreshing mixed drink recipes are sure to be a hit.
From classic cocktails like the mojito to fruity twists on traditional drinks, we’ve got everything you need to beat the heat this summer. Our selection includes sweet and tangy flavors, spicy and smoky notes, and even a few surprises to keep things interesting. So grab your shaker and let’s dive into our top picks for refreshing mixed drink recipes perfect for sizzling summer days.
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Classic Mojito with Fresh Mint and Lime
Classic Mojito with Fresh Mint and Lime Recipe
A refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, this mojito combines the bright flavors of mint, lime, and rum for a perfect summer drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Handful of ice
– Sprigs of fresh mint leaves
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the sprigs of fresh mint with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the oils and flavor.
2. Add the white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None
Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail
Elevate your lemonade game with this refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail! This fruity and fragrant drink combines the sweetness of strawberries, the brightness of lemon, and the subtlety of basil for a unique summer treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water dissolved)
– 4 cups club soda
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slices and basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree strawberries and basil until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and basil leaves.
3. In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, simple syrup, and strawberry-basil puree.
4. Stir well to combine.
5. Add club soda and stir gently.
6. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Serve over ice with a sprig of basil and a lemon slice.
Cooking Time: None required!
Tropical Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing cocktail, perfect for warm weather gatherings and celebrations. This fruity and creamy punch combines the sweetness of pineapple, coconut, and rum.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup coconut cream
– 1/2 cup dark rum
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup club soda
– Sliced fresh pineapple and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, coconut cream, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Add dark rum and stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in club soda.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the punch over the ice.
6. Garnish with sliced fresh pineapple and cherry.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (prep time), chilling time not included.
Spicy Mango Margarita with Chili Salt Rim
Elevate your margarita game with this refreshing twist that combines the sweetness of mango with a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce mango puree
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Chili salt (optional), for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with chili salt and set aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, mango puree, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Tips:
– Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more or less chili salt.
– For an extra kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the margarita mixture before shaking.
Blueberry Lavender Gin Fizz
This sweet and tangy drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. The combination of blueberries, lavender, and gin creates a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress your friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) blueberry syrup (see note)
– 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) lavender syrup (see note)
– 3 oz (90 ml) club soda
– Ice cubes
– Fresh blueberries and edible flowers for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, blueberry syrup, and lavender syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with fresh blueberries and edible flowers, if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Note: To make blueberry syrup, combine 1 cup (200g) of fresh or frozen blueberries with 1 cup (240ml) of granulated sugar and 1 cup (240ml) of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain and let cool. Repeat the process to make lavender syrup using dried lavender buds instead of blueberries.
Watermelon Cucumber Vodka Cooler
Beat the heat with this light and revitalizing drink, perfect for warm summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks (seedless)
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 cup lemon-lime soda
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. Add the sliced cucumber and blend until well combined.
3. Pour in the vodka and blend until fully incorporated.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the watermelon-cucumber mixture over the ice.
5. Top each glass off with lemon-lime soda.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and serve.
Peach Bourbon Smash with Honey Syrup
Combine the sweetness of peaches and honey with the warmth of bourbon in this refreshing summer cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz peach puree
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 2 oz lemon-lime soda
– Sliced peaches for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, peach puree, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with sliced peaches.
Cooking Time: None, this is a cocktail!
Blackberry Thyme Gin Sour
Elevate your gin game with this sweet and savory cocktail featuring the flavors of blackberries, thyme, and lemon.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup blackberry puree
– 1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, blackberry puree, and thyme leaves to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Coconut Lime Daiquiri with a Twist
Elevate your daiquiri game with this refreshing twist on the classic cocktail! This Coconut Lime Daiquiri combines the brightness of lime, the richness of coconut, and the subtle sweetness of honey, all wrapped up in a delightful tropical package.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz coconut cream
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Splash of club soda
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Toasted coconut flakes, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add rum, lime juice, coconut cream, and honey syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and toasted coconut flakes (if using).
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in under 30 seconds.
Passionfruit Mojito with White Rum
This tropical take on the classic mojito combines the sweetness of passionfruit puree with the crispness of white rum, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz passionfruit puree
– 1/2 oz mint syrup (see note)
– 6-8 oz club soda
– Sprigs of fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint sprigs with a muddler or spoon to release the oils and flavor.
2. Add the lime juice, passionfruit puree, and mint syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
4. Top with club soda and stir gently.
5. Garnish with additional sprigs of fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None
Elderflower Prosecco Spritz
Elderflower Prosecco Spritz Recipe
A refreshing twist on the classic spritz, this Elderflower Prosecco Spritz combines the sweetness of elderflowers with the effervescence of Prosecco.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Prosecco
– 1 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
– 4 oz soda water
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Prosecco and elderflower liqueur.
3. Top with soda water.
4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time:
None! Just mix and serve.
Smoky Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit
Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky twist on the classic Paloma. The mezcal adds a deep, complex flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the tartness of grapefruit.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Grapefruit slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Raspberry Rosemary Gin Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and delicious Raspberry Rosemary Gin Smash, perfect for warm weather gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh raspberry puree
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– Ice
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. Muddle the rosemary sprigs in a cocktail shaker to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add gin, raspberry puree, lemon juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with additional rosemary sprigs and raspberries, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Pomegranate Ginger Whiskey Sour
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing Pomegranate Ginger Whiskey Sour, featuring the bold flavors of pomegranate juice, ginger liqueur, and whiskey.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
• 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 oz Pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz Ginger liqueur (such as Domaine Canton)
• 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• Dash of Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, lime juice, pomegranate juice, ginger liqueur, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold cocktail!
Vanilla Espresso Martini with Kahlúa
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and decadent Vanilla Espresso Martini, infused with the deep flavors of espresso and Kahlúa. Perfect for coffee lovers and anyone seeking a sophisticated drink to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 shots of strong espresso
– 1 1/2 oz vodka (or other clear spirit)
– 1/2 oz vanilla-flavored syrup
– 1/2 oz Kahlúa liqueur
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Ice
– Whipped cream and coffee beans for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the espresso, vodka, vanilla-flavored syrup, and Kahlúa to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream and garnish with whipped cream and coffee beans, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Blood Orange Aperol Spritz
This Italian-inspired cocktail combines the bold flavors of blood orange and Aperol with the crispness of Prosecco, making it a perfect drink for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 1 oz blood orange juice
– 4 oz Prosecco
– Splash of soda water
– Slice of blood orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Aperol and blood orange juice.
3. Top with Prosecco and stir gently to combine.
4. Add a splash of soda water and stir again.
5. Garnish with a slice of blood orange.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Honeydew Melon Vodka Collins
A refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail, this Honeydew Melon Vodka Collins combines sweet and tangy flavors for a perfect summer drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka infused with honeydew melon
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 oz club soda
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Honeydew melon slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka-infused honeydew melon, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and a slice of honeydew melon.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Spiced Pear Bourbon Old Fashioned
Elevate your old fashioned game with this autumnal twist, featuring the warmth of bourbon and the sweetness of spiced pear.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 oz spiced pear liqueur (see note)
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel, for garnish
– Spiced pear slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
2. Add ice to the glass and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
3. Add spiced pear liqueur and bitters; continue stirring for another 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with one large ice cube.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, then use as garnish.
6. Place a spiced pear slice on top of the cocktail.
Cooking Time: None
Cucumber Mint Gin and Tonic
Beat the heat with this revitalizing twist on a classic G&T. The cooling flavors of cucumber and mint perfectly complement the crisp gin, making it a perfect drink for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 4 oz tonic water
– 1/2 cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Lime wheel (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a highball glass, add the sliced cucumber.
2. Muddle the cucumber with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release its flavor and oils.
3. Add the fresh mint leaves on top of the cucumber.
4. Pour in the gin and top with tonic water.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Squeeze a lime wheel (if using) over the drink and drop it in for garnish.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill, mix, and enjoy!
Cherry Amaretto Sour with Egg White Foam
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic sour. The addition of cherry and amaretto flavors pairs perfectly with the silky egg white foam, making for a truly unique drinking experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz Cherry Heering liqueur
– 1/2 oz Amaretto liqueur
– 1 egg white
– Ice
– Fresh cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine bourbon or whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, Cherry Heering, and Amaretto.
2. Add the egg white and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to incorporate air and froth the mixture.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a fresh cherry and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing mixed drink recipes. From classic cocktails to innovative twists, there’s something for everyone on this list. Try a Classic Mojito with Fresh Mint and Lime or a Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail for a sweet and tangy treat. For something spicier, whip up a Spicy Mango Margarita with Chili Salt Rim. And don’t miss the Tropical Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch, perfect for a summer party.
