Hot days call for cool drinks and summer cocktails are all about refreshment.

Whether you're poolside, grilling in the backyard, or just looking to wind down after a long day, certain cocktails hit just right when the weather warms up.

In this roundup, we’ll share the best summer cocktails to keep you cool, along with links to their full recipes.

From citrusy classics to tropical favorites and bubbly refreshers, these drinks are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for sunny sipping.

What Makes a Cocktail a “Summer” Cocktail?

Summer drinks are typically:

• Light and refreshing

• Citrus- or fruit-forward

• Served cold over ice or frozen

• Lower in alcohol (though not always)

They’re designed for long afternoons, backyard parties, and relaxing with friends, often with ingredients like lime, mint, fresh fruit, and soda water.

10 Essential Summer Cocktails (with Recipe Links)

1. Margarita

A bright, tangy classic made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. Serve it on the rocks or blended with ice.
👉 Margarita Recipe

2. Daiquiri (Classic Version)

Not the frozen variety, this Cuban cocktail uses white rum, lime juice, and sugar for a refreshing, tart sipper.
👉 Daiquiri Recipe

3. Mojito

Minty, bubbly, and just a touch sweet. Rum, lime, sugar, soda water, and fresh mint make this a summer staple.
👉 Mojito Recipe

4. Paloma

A fizzy grapefruit cocktail that’s lighter than a Margarita but just as satisfying. Tequila and grapefruit soda (or juice + soda) do the trick.
👉 Paloma Recipe

5. Aperol Spritz

Bittersweet and low-ABV, this Italian aperitivo mixes Aperol, prosecco, and soda water for a bubbly brunch or patio drink.
👉 Aperol Spritz Recipe

6. Pimm’s Cup

This British summer classic pairs Pimm’s No. 1 with lemonade or ginger ale and loads of fruit and cucumber.
👉 Pimm’s Cup Recipe

7. Gin & Tonic

Simple, aromatic, and endlessly customizable. Perfect with lime, cucumber, or fresh herbs.
👉 Gin & Tonic Recipe

8. Piña Colada

Creamy, tropical, and beachy to the core. Rum, pineapple, and coconut blended with ice = vacation in a glass.
👉 Piña Colada Recipe

9. Tequila Sunrise

A visual stunner that tastes as good as it looks. Orange juice and grenadine layer under tequila for a sunset effect.
👉 Tequila Sunrise Recipe

10. Tom Collins

A citrusy gin highball topped with soda water—it’s bright, bubbly, and incredibly sessionable for summer.
👉 Tom Collins Recipe

Tips for Summer Cocktail Success

• Use lots of ice: Chill glassware and shake hard to combat the heat

• Fresh is best: Use fresh citrus and herbs whenever possible

• Keep it light: Choose lower-ABV options or top drinks with soda water

• Batch it: Make large pitchers of Mojitos, Margaritas, or Pimm’s Cups for easy entertaining

• Garnish generously: Fruit slices, mint sprigs, edible flowers—all add visual pop and flavor

Final Thoughts

Summer cocktails should be fun, flavorful, and easy to make. With these refreshing recipes in your rotation, you’ll be ready to handle every heatwave, happy hour, and backyard hang.

Click through to explore full recipes and start building your summer drink menu today.