The temperatures are up, so it's the perfect time to try out some new summer cocktail recipes. When the weather gets hot, we're looking for lighter and brighter drinks that are full of fruity flavors [1], fizz, and maybe even a little bit of spicy heat to mix things up (looking at you, spicy rosé [2]). Whether you're a drinks aficionado already or you're still figuring out your faves, the good news is there's always room to try new things — and that's where this list of summer cocktails comes in.
We've put together a bucket list of delicious and refreshing summer cocktails to try when you're up for something new, with brand-new ideas alongside new twists on old favorites — from margaritas [3] and piña coladas to frosé. We rounded up 25 drink recipes using all different spirits, so there's something for you whether you're craving a summer cocktail with vodka, gin, bourbon, or tequila. Keep reading to see our picks for the season, and see how many of them you check off the list!
Spicy Watermelon Sangria
This delightfully pink spicy watermelon sangria [5] packs rosé, brandy, and Grand Marnier — plus in-season watermelon and strawberries — to make for a sweet and fruity but potent summer sangria.
Sea Breeze
The sea breeze [6] is the light summer cocktail of your dreams. You've got an easy vodka cranberry, but with the addition of some tart grapefruit to give it a bright citrusy twist.
Blackberry Champagne Mule
Berries are one of the best parts of summer produce, and this blackberry champagne mule [7] embraces the sweet, tangy blackberry as its main flavor. Touches of mint and lime, plus champagne and vodka, make for a light and bright cocktail perfect for summer days.
Frosé Strawberry Daiquiri
Nothing says summer like a frozen cocktail! So get going on this frosé strawberry daiquiri [8] that's packed with sweet berries and infused with rosé.
Strawberry Watermelon Mimosa With Basil Lemonade
This strawberry watermelon mimosa with basil lemonade [9] blends some of the most popular flavors from the warmer months of the year: lemonade, berries, and watermelon. It's a new twist on the ever-popular mimosa formula, and it's definitely one to remember! As a bonus, you can also sip on the nonalcoholic lemonade over ice if you're choosing to go dry.
Mango Mimosa
We all love a good mimosa, but have you ever tried switching up the fruit flavors? Instead of an orange juice base, this fresh and tropical mango mimosa [10].
Basil Smash Piña Colada
It's all the tropical goodness of your favorite piña colada, but with a delicious herbal twist. This basil smash piña colada [11] brings together citrus and coconut flavors with just the right amount of refreshing basil to make it unique.
Ambrosia Spiced Rum Cocktail
You've probably had ambrosia salad at a family get-together at some point, right? This fruity, creamy ambrosia spiced rum cocktail [12] takes it to the next level, full of tropical flavors and delicious spiced rum.
Blackberry Paloma
The popular paloma cocktail gets a summer berry twist in this blackberry paloma [13] recipe. Lime and grapefruit support the sweet blackberries and add tang, all with a splash of tequila.
Blood Orange Margarita
Traditional margaritas are a go-to summer cocktail for a reason. This blood orange margarita [14] adds a pop of color and a new flavor that you can add to your rotation. Trust, it tastes as good as it looks.
Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash
Blueberry and lemon is one of the most delicious fruit combinations, and it's the backbone of this blueberry lemon thyme smash [15]. This summer bourbon cocktail also includes thyme and sparkling water for a bubbly finish.
Cranberry Blood Orange Nonalcoholic Sangria
Sober curious [16]? Not all summer cocktails have to be alcoholic. This cranberry blood orange nonalcoholic sangria [17] packs tons of flavor from the blood orange and cranberry, without any alcohol.
Strawberry Champagne
This fizzy, bubbly strawberry champagne [18] cocktail has all the lightness of a mimosa, plus pretty pink strawberry puree. It's perfect to serve at a brunch or early-afternoon happy hour.
Fiery Golden Mango Tonic
Not only is this fiery golden mango tonic [19] tasty, but it also has some good-for-you ingredients. Along with the mango and vodka, there's turmeric [20], ginger, and chamomile tea. You can even leave out the vodka for a healthy, nonalcoholic drink.
Strawberry Margarita
Nothing's prettier than this fruity, fresh strawberry margarita [21]. Grab a glass, add plenty of ice, and let the summer feelings just wash over you.
Watermelon Rosé Paloma
Maybe you haven't thought about watermelon, tequila, and rosé all together before, but you definitely will after you try this watermelon rosé paloma [22]. The cocktail is finished off with a lime-chili salt rim for an extra kick.
Campari Sangria
If you're not already a fan of Campari, a bitter Italian apéritif, this Campari sangria [23] will make you one. Combine the liqueur with rosé and fresh fruit to make a refreshing pitcher for the perfect summer afternoon.
Classic Mojito
No list of summer cocktails would be complete without a mojito. This classic mojito recipe [24] nods to the drink's heritage in Havana and requires just five simple ingredients.
St. Germain Margarita
If you haven't ventured into the world of elderflower cocktails, now is the perfect time to expand your horizons. Start with this St. Germain margarita [25], a simple, three-ingredient drink that's easy to make and delicious to drink.
Bee's Knees
Celebrate the '20s with this Jazz Age summer gin cocktail! As you might guess from the name, the bee's knees [26] is sweetened with honey and combined with gin and lemon for a light and fun speakeasy feel.
Orange Hibiscus Mai Tai
Hibiscus tea is the foundation for this orange hibiscus mai tai [27], along with two kinds of fruit juice, some rum, and a squeeze of lime.
Balsamic Peach Spritz
Spritzes are a summer staple, and we're all for finding new combinations to put inside. This balsamic peach spritz [28] uses a dash of balsamic vinegar for an unexpected flavor note that pairs surprisingly well with peach and Prosecco.
Jalapeño Margarita
Punch up your average margarita with this spicy twist on the classic beverage. Jalapeño peppers are the key ingredient to add an extra kick to this jalapeño margarita [29].
Honeysuckle Watermelon Cocktail
Watermelon is a classic summer cocktail ingredient,, but have you ever blended it with honeysuckle? We don't mean actual honeysuckle; this refreshing honeysuckle watermelon cocktail [30] uses honeysuckle-flavored vodka to evoke the sweet floral nectar.
Peach Wine Slushy
Frozen drinks are a must-have during summer. This peach wine slushy [31] is made with fresh or frozen peaches and white wine — and that's it!