Make a splash with great summer cocktails: Margaritas, mimosas, and more

Photo courtesy of zoranm / iStock Via Getty Images

Refreshing summer drink recipes to help you cool off and unwind

Many of us have go-to summer cocktail recipes. We keep a bottle of the same thing in the cabinet and make simple drinks because they're familiar. Let's break out of that rut this summer and try something new.
 
Instead of a gin and tonic, how about a frozen raspberry gin and tonic? Instead of the same old screwdriver, trade it for a skinny vodka margarita. Not into fruity? Try our Baileys iced coffee. We have a new world of easy summer cocktail recipes for you, and there's something for everyone, whether you're grilling in the backyard or sitting by the pool with a great summer read.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Frozen raspberry gin and tonic

A classic gin and tonic is one of the most refreshing summer cocktails, but add raspberries and simple syrup and give it a spin in the blender, and you’ve got one of our favorite new summer drink recipes. This frozen raspberry gin and tonic has us going for seconds. Pair it with something from these easy summer dinner ideas.
 
Get this recipe: Frozen raspberry gin and tonic

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Frozen strawberry daiquiri with mango

The classic daiquiri has been famous for over 100 years and was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. But when you add strawberries and blend it all up, it's one of the most ordered frozen drinks ever. Fresh mango adds creaminess to this cocktail without adding dairy, so it's fruity, fluffy, and perfect for a hot day. Summer drinks don’t get much better than this!
 
Get this recipe: Frozen strawberry daiquiri with mango

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Pink mimosa

If you've been to a Barbie party since the movie came out, there's a good chance someone served pink mimosas. The original mimosa was believed to have been concocted in 1925 at the iconic Ritz Paris hotel. Today, a mimosa usually features equal parts Champagne or sparkling wine and orange juice, but many different versions exist.
 
To get its fun, rosy hue, this one combines Champagne and pink lemonade, a refreshing twist on the brunch favorite. When it comes to easy summer cocktail recipes, two ingredients are all that's needed.
 
Get this recipe: Pink mimosa

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Jamaican rum punch

When your feet hit the ground in Jamaica, you'll have one of these fruity but potent refreshing summer cocktails in your hand. If a visit to the Caribbean isn't in the cards, don't worry. Our traditional recipe for rum punch, including two different rums and several juices, will have you singing along with Bob Marley before you know it.
 
Get this recipe: Jamaican rum punch

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Coconut margarita

One of the best summer cocktail recipes, this creamy concoction is perfect for sipping by the pool. We start with the classic combination of tequila, triple sec, and lime, but add coconut milk and blend it into a frozen masterpiece. You'll make this one on repeat all summer long.
 
Get this recipe: Coconut margarita

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Frozen daiquiri

Summer cocktail trends come and go, but a good classic always hits the spot. The classic daiquiri gets upgraded with triple sec and a whirl in the blender. Triple sec, an orange-flavored liqueur, is sweet and pairs perfectly with the tart lemon. Blending it until smooth makes this concoction one of the best summer drink recipes.
 
Get this recipe: Frozen daiquiri

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Malibu pina colada

Nothing says summer like a pina colada, but make it with coconut rum and you have a next-level cocktail. Blending the ingredients with lots of ice turns these simple ingredients into a creamy, rich, ice cream-like cocktail sure to be on your list of best summer drinks.
 
Get this recipe: Malibu pina colada

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Frozen mezcal margarita

You're in for a treat if you've never had a frozen margarita made with mezcal. Mezcal's smokiness gives new depth to this summer drink, and the salted rim takes it over the top. Chill your glasses if you can and serve this icy cold.
 
Get this recipe: Frozen mezcal margarita

Readers' Choice Awards: Best Regional Fast Food (2024)

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Green apple martini

This green apple martini is as refreshing as it looks. That pretty green hue comes from Sour Apple Pucker, which is so good combined with apple juice and a squeeze of lemon. Sometimes, the easiest summer cocktail recipes are the best. Serve it ice cold or on the rocks with a thin slice of green apple.
 
Get this recipe: Green apple martini

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Pineapple margarita

The pineapple symbolizes welcome, and there's nothing like greeting guests with a cold, delicious margarita made with this fresh tropical fruit. We like this one on the rocks with a salted rim, but you can certainly blend it into slushy goodness.
 
Get this recipe: Pineapple margarita

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Tinto de verano

You can't have a list of best summer cocktail recipes and not have sangria on the list. Though tinto de verano is not technically sangria, it's close. Usually made with equal parts red wine and lemon-lime soda, think of it as a red wine spritzer with fruit. It's a perfect summer sipper.
 
Get this recipe: Tinto de verano

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Spiked Arnold Palmer

We took sweet tea and lemonade and added vodka, rum, and fresh peaches for one of our go-to summer cocktail recipes. This drink not only looks refreshing but also feels like a cool breeze at first sip. You're going to be making this one a lot this summer.
 
Get this recipe: Spiked Arnold Palmer

Readers' Choice Awards: Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food (2024)

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Watermelon mojito

Synonymous with warm weather, watermelon adds great flavor to summer drinks. This one is packed with flavor, thanks to muddling the fruit with a little simple syrup. Who's ready for a party on the patio?
 
Get this recipe: Watermelon mojito

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Baileys iced coffee

We usually reserve Baileys for cooler months, but when you add ice, it becomes the perfect delicious after-dinner cocktail. Make a pot of decaf for your guests and see who wants an upgrade. With just two ingredients, you'll want to add this to your list of the best easy summer cocktail recipes.
 
Get this recipe: Baileys iced coffee

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Iced tea whiskey slush

When the dog days of summer roll around, there's nothing like a slushy summer cocktail to cool you off. The combination of praline-flavored whiskey with iced tea and lemon is a show-stopper every time. It not only looks refreshing, but it's also a serious thirst quencher.
 
Get this recipe: Iced tea whiskey slush