20 Summer Drinks Guide: Refreshing Cocktails for Hot Weather
Summer is the season for long, cold, high-acid drinks that cool you down and keep the mood light. This 20 Summer Drinks Guide covers classic and easy cocktails you can make at home, from citrus highballs to tropical favourites and refreshing spritzes.
These drinks work beautifully for poolside afternoons, barbecues, and warm evenings. For pairing ideas with food, see our Seasonal Drink Pairing Guide. For more poolside inspiration, check Summer Sips That Slay Poolside.
Classic Summer Refreshers
- Margarita — Tequila, lime, orange liqueur. Bright and sharp. See our Margarita Showdown.
- Mojito — White rum, mint, lime, sugar, soda. Fresh and cooling. Learn more in Mojito Magic.
- Aperol Spritz — Aperol, prosecco, soda. Light, bitter-sweet, and bubbly.
- Tom Collins — Gin, lemon, sugar, soda. Simple and thirst-quenching.
- Paloma — Tequila, grapefruit soda, lime. Crisp and refreshing.
Tropical Favourites
- Piña Colada — Rum, pineapple, coconut cream. Classic holiday vibes.
- Daiquiri — White rum, lime, sugar. Clean and elegant.
- Mai Tai — Rum, orange curaçao, lime, orgeat. Tropical depth.
- Watermelon Margarita — Tequila, fresh watermelon, lime. Perfect for hot days.
- Cuba Libre — Rum, cola, lime. Easy and crowd-pleasing.
Highballs and Long Drinks
- Gin and Tonic — Gin, tonic, lime or cucumber. Timeless summer staple.
- Whisky Highball — Whisky, soda, citrus. Light and refreshing.
- Moscow Mule — Vodka, ginger beer, lime. Spicy and cooling.
- Dark and Stormy — Dark rum, ginger beer, lime. Bold and fizzy.
- French 75 — Gin, lemon, sugar, champagne. Elegant and sparkling.
Easy Fruit and Herb Drinks
- Strawberry Basil Smash — Gin or vodka, strawberries, basil, lemon.
- Peach Bellini — Peach purée, prosecco. Simple and festive.
- Cucumber Mint Cooler — Vodka or gin, cucumber, mint, soda.
- Blackberry Gin Fizz — Gin, blackberries, lemon, soda.
- Pineapple Rum Punch — Rum, pineapple juice, lime, soda or ginger beer.
Featured Full Recipes
Classic Margarita
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 50 ml tequila
- 25 ml lime juice
- 20 ml orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
- Salt for the rim (optional)
Method
Rim a glass with salt if desired. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into the glass over fresh ice. See our Margarita Showdown for variations.
Classic Mojito
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 50 ml white rum
- 25 ml lime juice
- 10 ml simple syrup
- 6-8 mint leaves
- Soda water to top
Method
Gently muddle the mint with the syrup and lime in a glass. Add rum and ice, then top with soda water. Stir gently. Learn more in Mojito Magic.
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 60 ml Aperol
- 90 ml prosecco
- 30 ml soda water
- Orange slice
Method
Fill a large wine glass with ice. Add Aperol, prosecco and soda water. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
Quick Tips for Summer Drinks
- Use plenty of ice and chill your glassware.
- Fresh citrus makes a big difference.
- Batch the non-carbonated ingredients ahead for parties.
- Offer at least one low-alcohol or non-alcoholic option.
For technique help, see Shake It Like a Pro and Ice Matters.
These 20 summer drinks cover the classics and easy variations that work all season long. Keep the flavours bright, the ice cold, and the glasses full.
