Refreshing Summer Cocktails to Cool Off with This Season

Apposta Cocktail

This Italian-inspired sipper combines lots of citrus flavor for an easy summer cocktail you'll want to make again and again. Serve it alongside appetizers at your next al fresco feast for an elevated, sophisticated summer drink.

El Perro Salty Cocktail

Top Chef judge Hugh Acheson knows how to party, and this signature cocktail recipe is his go-to party trick. His stylish salty dog-mojito hybrid starts with gin and a can of fizzy grapefruit soda, then finishes with fresh mint and candied fruit peel. Add it to your list of easy summer cocktails to whip out when you need a cold one.

Grapefruit-Gin Cocktail Shakes

Sorbet and ice cream in a drink recipe just scream fun summer cocktails. Raspberry sorbet and grapefruit juice give the spiked shake its sweet pink hue, while a generous splash of gin adds serious party cred.

Cherry Sangria

A big batch of sangria is one of the best summer cocktail recipe ideas, and it's a surefire way to get any party started. Stir together a chilled bottle of Zinfandel, cherry syrup, and freshly squeezed orange juice to make a refreshing red sangria. Cherry-orange skewers make for gorgeous edible garnishes.

Rosé Cucumber Cooler

Refresh with a sweet, summer cooler. Fresh cucumber pairs beautifully with a sweet rosé wine, while lemon juice delivers a citrus zing.

Sparkling Golden Sangria

Red wine not your thing? No problem! Grab your white-wine-loving friends and whip up these easy summer cocktails. You'll start by shaking up the flavors of summer with a batch of ultra-fruity sparkling sangria. With nectarines, navel oranges, fresh cherries, and red raspberries, it's fully loaded with fruits.

Sex on the Beach Jell-O Cocktails

A summer party is the perfect time for Jell-O shots, and this fun summer cocktail recipe takes it one step further: Jell-O cocktails! We combine the typical Sex on the Beach ingredients with some jiggly gelatin for a fun twist that's sure to get the party started.

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Pineapple-Cinnamon Margaritas

It's not a fiesta without the margaritas! Put a spin on the classic refreshing summer cocktail by swapping out tangy lime for sweet-as-can-be pineapple. Cinnamon-sugar rims lend sweetness to every icy sip of this tequila summer cocktail.

Blackberry Sangria

Looking for cool cocktail recipes to use up all that ubiquitous summer rosé? Try beating the heat with delicious sips of sangria. Soft, juicy blackberries take over in a mix of rosé wine, lemon juice, and sliced summer fruits. Garnish with a few sprigs of basil or mint for added flavor.

Pepino Punch

Mixing in some veggies is a fun way to put a fresh spin on your favorite summer cocktail recipes. Cucumber adds invigorating crispness to any cool drink, and good summer cocktails are only made better with fresh summer produce. Make the Mexican-inspired specialty drink by tossing cukes in with agave nectar, jalapeños, tequila, and pineapple juice.

Bloody Marias

Meet Bloody Mary's fiery cousin, Bloody Maria. This spicy drink takes tequila summer cocktails to the next level by adding a bit of hot pepper sauce and jalapeños. Perfect for an outdoor brunch or midday BBQ, this fun summer cocktail is not to be missed.

Rose Collins

Keep it crisp and light with an icy Rose Collins, the signature summer cocktail recipe your backyard has been missing. A swig of bittersweet Campari liqueur tames the floral notes of rose in this garden-perfect cocktail.

Palomas

For a light summer sipper you can enjoy all day long, try this Mexican-inspired summer cocktail recipe. Fresh lime juice and sparkling grapefruit combine for a citrus-forward drink that promises to refresh on even the hottest days. A pinch of salt makes for a perfectly sweet and savory combination.

June Bug

Chill poolside with this cool cocktail recipe that can be made for both kids and parents. Mix ginger ale, grenadine, and orange juice, then add a few scoops of orange sherbet. To make it alcoholic, add white rum.

Bananas Froster

Why stop at cool cocktail recipes when you can have a frosty-cold cocktail recipe? This icy beverage is a wild twist on warm bananas Foster dessert (see what we did with the name "froster"?). Splashes of sweet banana liqueur and yummy rum make this a fun party drink your guests will love. Drizzle caramel ice cream topping in glasses for a fancy look.

Mojito Fresco

With "fresco" in the title, you know you won't go wrong with this refreshing summer cocktail. This sweet and tart drink is just as tasty with tequila as it is with rum, and it can easily be transformed into a margarita by making the simple swap. Fix them one at a time or mix up a big batch for your next party.

Strawberry Sangria

For a sweet sipper that's perfect for cooling down on a steamy day, try this light summer cocktail that combines strawberries with white wine. It's easy to make and the perfect drink recipe to make in large batches. Mix it in advance and let it chill overnight for maximum flavor.

Mixed-Berry Limoncello Sangria

For a sparkling sipper that's sweet and tangy at the same time, try this berry-infused limoncello and sangria combo. This easy cocktail recipe is the perfect addition to any summertime spread and can be enjoyed all day long. Be sure to chill the mix for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to blend.

Mimosas

It's no secret that mimosas are some of the best summer cocktails because they just taste better outside! A combination of orange juice and limeade gives a tasty twist to this champagne-spiked cocktail that's ideal for brunch. Fresh strawberries make naturally sweet garnishes.