7 Summer Cocktail Recipes

Summer is the perfect time of year to host a party. Whether it’s for the Fourth of July, Labor Day, a birthday, or for no reason at all, take advantage of the weather and host a party outdoors. The added outside space lets you invite more guests, set up party games, barbeque, or enjoy your backyard or pool. Drinks are an important part of any party, so make your party a success by having the best summer cocktails.

Try these summer cocktail recipes for your next event:

Watermelon Mojito: Nothing says summer more than watermelon!

Ingredients:

• 4 large mint leaves
• ½  lime
• 1 tablespoon superfine sugar
• 4 ounces seedless watermelon, cut into ½-inch cubes (about ¾ cup), plus a small wedge for garnish
• 2 ounces white rum
• ½ cup ice cubes

In a glass, add mint, lime juice, and sugar and crush with a muddler (or the back of a spoon). Then add watermelon and continue to crush. Pour the rum over the mixture and add ice. Garnish with a small watermelon wedge and serve.

Cherry Beer-Garita: Impress your friends with this super easy summer cocktail recipe!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. Cherry flavored soda
• 12 oz. Tequila
• 12 oz. (one bottle) Corona
• 12 oz. (one can) Frozen Limeade Concentrate

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and mix. To make it even easier, pour in the Limeade first and then use the empty can to measure the soda and tequila. Serve over ice and garnish with a lime wedge and maraschino cherry. For slushy frozen margaritas, leave in the freezer for a few hours before serving. The alcohol will keep the mixture from freezing through and with a quick stir it will be a perfect slushy drink.

Badminton Blast: These vibrant blue summer cocktails are perfect for a pool party!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Gin
• ½ oz. Midori melon liqueur
• ½ oz. Blue Curacao
• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

Mix ingredients and serve over ice. Garnish with a lemon slice.

White Strawberry Lemon Sangria: This easy sangria is a perfect fruity drink for a summer garden party.

Ingredients:

• 2 lemons, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, cored and sliced (any kind)
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced lengthwise
• 1 750 ml bottle white wine
• ½ cup white rum
• 4 cups lemon-lime soda

Put fruit slices in a pitcher, and pour the rest of the ingredients over the fruit. Mix, cover, and put in the refrigerator for 4-5 hours. Serve in glasses over a few fruit slices and ice, and garnish with lemon.

 

Champagne Fruit Punch: This fruity punch is perfect for a hot summer gathering or evening party.

Ingredients:

• 1 thinly sliced peach
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup blueberries
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup Simple Syrup
• 1 bottle champagne or other sparkling white wine

Mix fruit, lemon juice, and simple syrup before your party and let sit for an hour or so the fruit flavor comes out. Then pour in the champagne or sparkling wine just before serving over ice.

 

Bomb Pop Cocktail: This red, white and blue drink is perfect for the 4th of July or Memorial Day!

Ingredients:

• 3 Drops of Grenadine
• 3 oz. Smirnoff Ice
• 2 oz. Blue Curacao

Drop Grenadine into the bottom of the glass, pour in Smirnoff Ice gently, and top with Blue Curacao. The colors stay separated for a vibrant red, white and blue look, so serve without mixing.

Frozen Coconut Limeade: Substitute the rum with cream of coconut to make a version of this summer cocktail for your younger guests!

Ingredients:

• 5 ½ cups ice
• ⅝ cup coconut rum
• 4-5 tablespoons frozen limeade concentrate
• ⅛ cup water

Blend ingredients and serve with a lime wedge garnish.

Another fun idea: For a yummy “cocktail” you can eat, soak watermelon wedges in tequila and sprinkle on coarse salt. These edible “watermelon margaritas” will sure to have your guests talking. You can also serve classic homemade lemonade with a little kick of citrus vodka.

Mix and match these easy summer cocktail ideas to make your next party a success!

Ready to plan your own summer celebration? Get started with free online invitations!