Cocktail Recipes & Ideas

It’s the drink of the summer!

It’s so refreshing.

With all the fun 4th of July festivities – the fireworks, parades, and the big summer cookout with family and friends — be sure to plan your menu ahead of time! From festive desserts and easy side dishes to everything on the grill, you’ll also need refreshing drinks for everyone to enjoy.Peak summer calls for icy-cold refreshments, whether it’s a pitcher cocktail or a classic glass of ice cold lemonade, these 4th of July drinks are perfect for the occasion.

Move over, margarita!

It’ll keep all the good vibes flowing.

It’s the perfect summer sipper.

It’s like a piña colada, only better.

Looks just like a summer sunrise.

It's my favorite party trick.

I make it every Friday.

Forget the Aperol spritz.

It’s one of the best mojitos you will ever make.

I was greeted in the kitchen by a giant honeydew melon sitting on the counter emitting a deliciously sweet aroma, which immediately made me think, we need to eat or drink this now! I took to the challenge and in my own cocktail quickfire, I reached for the glowing green bottle of Midori on the bar. Typically I use Midori, a melon flavored liqueur, for all sorts of fun Halloween drinks. But, today I was craving a classic cocktail, the Melon Ball. Here’s how to make it.

It’s a perfect drink for a casual brunch or special celebrations.

Here at The Kitchn, we are firm believers in the power of sangria. Whether you serve it in the spring, in the summer, in the fall, or in the winter, sangria is the perfect make-ahead cocktail. Pull a pitcher from the fridge as guests arrive and no one needs much encouragement to start pouring glasses. It feels fancy and instantly festive, but sangria is also one of the easiest big-batch cocktails you can make. As the party host, it’s a no-brainer.

The mint julep — a combination of bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and ice — is a simple, classic cocktail. Traditionally served in a silver cup that gets beautifully frosty on the outside from copious amounts of crushed ice, it’s perfect for sipping on hot summer days (even if you’re not watching the Kentucky Derby).You may associate mint juleps with the Kentucky Derby and those cute silver cups, but it actually has a much longer history.

They’re not just for Cinco de Mayo.

No sweetener necessary.

Do you love a mint julep as much as I do? This classic cocktail always seems to have the right amount of minty sweetness, just enough fizz, and a strong bourbon flavor. It’s a near-perfect sip on a hot porch in summertime. Kentuckians in particular have strong opinions about what should and should not go into a julep cup. Most would agree that a classic julep should start with mint muddled with a bit of sugar.

Equal parts easy and delicious.

Garnishing is when things get real fun.

You only need three ingredients, including the tequila.

Pitcher cocktails are smart party choices; they easily serve a crowd and don’t require you to be constantly shaking and stirring. These pitcher margaritas are even wiser than the rest, seeing as this recipe isn’t even a recipe — it’s a ratio. Just follow a ratio of three parts tequila, two parts orange liqueur, and one part lime juice.

It’s a perfect way to spice up your day.

Espresso martini who?

So fun, so festive.

It’s all about the bubbles.

Roasted chestnuts are great, this cocktail is even better.

It’s equal parts tart, sweet, and silky.

If you love chocolate-covered almonds, this one's for you.

This Chocolate Martini Is Made For Chocolate Lovers

It’s not your average Old-Fashioned.

Cheers!

You're only five ingredients away from bliss.

The classic cocktail is so easy to stir up at home.

Cheers!

It has taken me far too long to discover how amazing — and how astoundingly easy — it is to make my own limoncello. I had this hazy idea that limoncello must be a closely guarded secret kept by a sect of weathered Italian grandfathers with wooly driving caps and secretive, knowing smiles. Just me? Well, it turns out all you need to make truly incredible limoncello are some good lemons, a bottle of stiff vodka, and just a little patience.

Irish coffee is one of our favorite St. Patrick’s Day treats — though we also enjoy it on Black Friday (staying home, skipping shopping) and on both Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. So when Sheela Prakash shared her uncle’s rules for making the very best Irish coffee I had to give his method a try. It turns out, just a few key points make for a better Irish coffee that is perfect for celebrating the everyday.

It's the best bubbly cocktail we know.

They're a holiday miracle.

Grab some candy canes.

Let’s get merry.

Just like whiskey, rum, and gin, you’ll find a bottle of vodka in just about everyone’s liquor cabinet. It’s a staple spirit that’s incredibly versatile in cocktails, whether you’re simply enjoying it with tonic water or shaking it into some sort of fruity concoction. If you have a bottle waiting to be turned into happy hour drinks, look no further. We’ve gathered all our best vodka cocktail recipes and dropped them all in one place.

A hot and fruity Mexican Christmas punch.

Look to the people who survive winters with only a few hours of sunlight each day for the coziest winter drink.

Bubbly water makes it so refreshing.

It's tropical and coconut-y.

Your guests are going to love this.

And it's so easy!