57 Refreshing Summer Cocktails To Stay Cool

From pool parties to outdoor brunch, there are plenty of opportunities to kick back and relax this summer. Trying out some new and exciting summer cocktails is a great way to spice up your day. There are many different types of summer alcoholic drinks, and it’s so much fun to experiment with. From sangria to a Bahama Mama and even a tequila sunrise, try a couple of these refreshing drink recipes and you just might find your new favorite.

Table of contents:

• Wine and champagne cocktails
• Tequila cocktails
• Gin cocktails
• Vodka cocktails
• Rum cocktails
• Beer cocktails
• Whiskey cocktails

1. Citrus mint Champagne punch

Type of drink: Wine and Champagne cocktails

This citrus mint punch cocktail combines mint syrup, lemon and lime juices, gin and Champagne. It’s perfect for those who crave summer cocktails with mint. 

2. White wine sangria

Type of drink: Wine and Champagne cocktails

A sangria recipe is sure to be a hit at any party, especially during the summer. Put a unique spin on a classic red wine sangria by instead using a dry white. It’s as easy as combining it with brandy, club soda and fresh fruit. 

3. Frosé (frozen rosé)

Type of drink: Wine and Champagne cocktails

You and your friends will love to “rosé all day” with this delicious frosé recipe. Blend frozen strawberries, simple syrup, ice and pink wine. This summer cocktail tastes similar to a strawberry daiquiri with slightly less sweetness.

4. Limoncello spritz

Type of drink: Wine and Champagne cocktails

This delicious sparkling drink gets the bulk of its flavor from an Italian liquor called limoncello. For this limoncello recipe, mix a shot with some sparkling wine and seltzer, and you’re good to go!

5. Mimosa 

Type of drink: Wine and Champagne cocktails

What summer brunch is complete without a mimosa? Incorporating sparkling wine and orange juice, a mimosa at the table or by the pool will kick off summer in just the right way. 

6. Aperol spritz

Type of drink: Wine and Champagne cocktails

What’s not to love about a bubbly, citrusy Aperol spritz? This classic summer cocktail is easy to make and is equally refreshing — the dashes of prosecco and soda water are the perfect touch for any hot summer day.

7. Bellini

Type of drink: Wine and Champagne cocktails

Bellinis are a classic cocktail you can sip all year, but they taste especially good during the hot summer months. Fresh peaches and fizzy Champagne are the perfect pair in paradise. 

8. Tequila sunrise

Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

Tequila and orange juice are a delicious and refreshing combination that creates the ultimate summer cocktail. Add a splash of grenadine for a bit of sweetness and a beautiful color that makes your tequila cocktail look like a sunrise. 

9. Cucumber margarita

Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

Adding cucumber to this margarita recipe makes it an incredibly refreshing summer cocktail. You can give it a spicy kick by adding some jalapeño, or sweeten it up with a bit of agave nectar. 

10. Grapefruit margarita

Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

Ruby red grapefruit, orange liquor and tequila are a winning combination for the summer. Add a splash of grenadine to this grapefruit margarita recipe for a beautiful color and a touch of sweetness. 

11. Paloma

Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

Have you met the margarita’s delicious cousin, the paloma? This tequila cocktail is packed with grapefruit and is just the right amount of sweetness. Sip this refreshing drink all summer long.

12. Ranch water

Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

Stay cool on those hot summer days with ranch water. This tequila and lime cocktail tastes even better when paired with spicy food!

13. Cadillac margarita

Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

For a richer and sweeter version of a margarita, try a Cadillac margarita. Grand Marnier paired with premium tequila, lime juice and simple syrup makes for a refreshing summer drink. 

14. Coconut margarita

Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

This tropical spin on a classic margarita adds both coconut cream and coconut milk into the mix. With tequila, lime juice, triple sec, agave nectar and coconut flakes for a garnish, this coconut margarita will have you feeling like you’re lounging by the sea. 

15. Spicy margarita 

Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

Give your margarita a bit of a kick by adding jalapeño peppers or jalapeño-infused simple syrup. Pair your spicy margarita with tortilla chips and salsa for a delightful summer treat. 

16. Frozen raspberry margarita

Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

Blend sweet and tart raspberries with orange, lime, tequila and a bit of sugar for a refreshing summer drink. It's perfect for sipping next to the pool on a hot day.

17. Gin basil smash

Type of drink: Gin cocktails

This simple gin cocktail recipe starts with freshly muddled basil leaves. Add some ice and pour in simple syrup, lemon juice and gin. 

18. Bee’s knees 

Type of drink: Gin cocktails

Bee’s knees is a Prohibition-era drink that includes gin, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and a simple syrup made with honey and warm water. Enjoy this refreshing cocktail by the pool or lounging with a good book this summer.

19. Floradora

Type of drink: Gin cocktails

This Floradora cocktail recipe is made with gin, raspberry liquor, lime juice and ginger beer. It’s a beautiful pink color and offers the perfect combination of sweet raspberry, floral gin and a spicy ginger kick.

20. Tangy and sweet gimlet

Type of drink: Gin cocktails

Sip in style while staying cool with this tangy and sweet gimlet cocktail. Enjoy the citrus flavors of lime juice with a hint of sweetness from simple cocktail syrup. Don’t forget to garnish your summer cocktails with a lime wedge.

21. Blueberry gin and tonic

Type of drink: Gin cocktails

Add a twist to the classic gin and tonic with blueberry syrup. Not only does the blueberry taste delicious, but it transforms the cocktail into a stunning purple hue.

22. French 75

Type of drink: Gin cocktails

Named after the gun the French used during World War I, this gin and Champagne cocktail has a kick of flavor, balanced with the sweetness of lemon juice and simple syrup. Enjoy a French 75 during a homemade brunch or summer outing. 

23. Gin fizz 

Type of drink: Gin cocktails

Gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water come together to make a gin fizz, a heavenly summer drink. If you want it frothier, add an egg white. 

24. Pimm’s Cup

Type of drink: Gin cocktails

A Pimm’s cup is a sparkling, fruity summer favorite perfect for filling a pitcher for a party. To make it, you’ll need Pimm’s No. 1 (a gin-based liqueur), ginger ale, fresh fruit, mint and lemon juice.  

25. Tom Collins

Type of drink: Gin cocktails

A sour gin drink with fizz and sweetness, the Tom Collins is refreshing to sip on a hot day. Sugar, lemons and club soda combine with the gin to make a lemonade-tasting beverage.

26. White Linen

Type of drink: Gin cocktails

With crunchy and refreshing cucumber slices, a white linen is a great choice for summer. You’ll also need gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water and elderflower liqueur. 

27. Blue Long Island iced tea

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

You can enjoy a Long Island iced tea year-round, but they taste especially good during the hot summer months. Experience a twist on the classic Long Island iced tea by adding blue curaçao to the mixture of spirits — including vodka, gin, rum and tequila — and a splash of lemon-lime soda to make a blue Long Island iced tea. The blue curaçao will turn the drink a beautiful blue and give it an orange flavor. 

28. Watermelon martini

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

This watermelon martini practically screams “summer.” The mixture of fresh watermelon, mint, vodka and orange liquor creates a flavor with just the right amount of sweetness that allows the fruity flavor to shine.

29. Salty dog

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

One of the most refreshing and easy summer cocktails with vodka is the salty dog, which is a mix of vodka, grapefruit juice, lime juice and grapefruit-flavored sparkling water. It’s served over ice in a glass with a salted rim. 

30. Berry vodka smash

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

This fruity and refreshing vodka cocktail is made with muddled raspberries and strawberries, blackberry jam, honey syrup, lemon juice and fresh rosemary. The mix of citrus, herbs and fruit in this berry vodka smash recipe is nothing short of amazing!

31. Strawberry vodka lemonade

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

This light, fruity vodka recipe starts with muddled strawberries. Add some ice and a shot of vodka, then top it with lemonade. Enjoy this refreshing summer drink all season long.

32. Bay breeze

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

Create the ultimate beach vibe with this bay breeze recipe. Pour vodka, cranberry juice and pineapple juice over ice. Garnish your cup with a slice of lime, and enjoy.

33. Moscow mule

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

When searching for summer cocktail recipes, you can’t go wrong with a Moscow mule. One sip of the fresh lime, ginger beer and vodka, and you’ll want to drink this cocktail all summer long.

34. Dirty Shirley

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

Elevate the beloved Shirley Temple drink with a shot of vodka. This boozy version will make you feel nostalgic as you soak up the warm summer sun.

35. Pineapple martini

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

Give your vodka martini a burst of tropical flavor with pineapple and lime. Shake until it's icy cold, then garnish with sliced pineapple. You might even rim the glass with sugar if you're feeling fancy. 

36. Cosmopolitan

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

A cosmo is an elegant choice for a ladies' night or romantic dinner — any event that needs a little glamour. It’s made with vodka (regular or lemon), tart cranberry juice, a hint of orange from the triple sec and some zest from the freshly squeezed lime juice. 

37. Lemon martini

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

Put a refreshing, citrusy twist on a classic martini. Perfect to serve during summer parties, this lemon martini incorporates vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup, finished with a lemon twist garnish. 

38. Sparkling vodka fruit punch

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

Refresh party guests or kick back under the summer sun with a sparkling vodka fruit punch. This fruity drink is full of juices, sliced fruits, mint and soda. 

39. Watermelon coconut mojito

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

When it comes to easy summer cocktails, you can’t go wrong with watermelon, coconut and rum. For this rum recipe, blend up some fresh watermelon chunks and pour them into a classic mojito for a sweet, summery twist everyone is sure to love.

40. Bushwacker

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

This drink is basically a cross between a chocolate milkshake and a piña colada. It’s frosty, sweet and oh-so-decadent. This Bushwacker summer cocktail is made with aged rum, coffee liqueur, creme de cacao, cream of coconut, milk and ice. 

41. Painkiller

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

This drink is appropriately named because once you finish it, you’ll feel no pain. The painkiller recipe features a fun and fruity blend of orange, pineapple and coconut mixed with a solid helping of dark rum. 

42. Sunset punch

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

This rum-based sunset punch is always a crowd-pleaser. It combines grenadine, white rum, Campari, pineapple, lime and ginger beer. Serve it in a punch bowl with freshly sliced pineapple rounds floating on top. 

43. Miami Vice

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

The Miami Vice combines two favorite summer cocktails — a strawberry daiquiri and a piña colada — to create this refreshing drink. Cool off this summer season with this frozen cocktail, and don’t forget to garnish with a strawberry and a slice of pineapple.

44. Bahama Mama

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

Sipping on a Bahama Mama is like drinking a slice of paradise. Sink your toes in the sand or sit poolside and enjoy the coconut rum and tropical flavors.

45. Exotic Mai Tai

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

Enjoy a slice of paradise wherever you are in the world with this exotic Mai Tai recipe. This tropical delight combines rum, orange and lime to create the ultimate summer cocktail. 

46. Dark and stormy

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

Made with dark rum, ginger beer and lime, a dark and stormy is an easy tropical drink to make at home. Smooth and invigorating, it’s a great drink for an evening get-together. 

47. Cuba Libre 

Type of drink: Rum cocktails 

Originating in Cuba in the early 1900s, the Cuba Libre is a great way to incorporate fizz and sweetness into your summer. Just elevate a simple rum and Coke with the juice of half a lime. 

48. Blackberry mojito 

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

Craving the balance of tart and sweet that only summer blackberries can deliver? Check out this blackberry mojito. You’ll muddle mint and blackberries before adding the rum and lime juice. Skipping the rum makes this recipe one of the most delicious summer mocktails. 

49. Piña colada

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

If you want to feel like you’re in a tropical getaway with the sea breeze on your face, a piña colada is a no-brainer. Easily make one at home with rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut and ice. 

50. Caipirinha

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

A Caipirinha is Brazil’s national drink, and it only requires three ingredients. The star of the drink is cachaça, a Brazilian distilled liquor. With a little lime and sugar, everything comes together to create a refreshing and flavorful drink.

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

51. Zombie

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

Fruity and tropical, a zombie cocktail conjures images of a clear sky, sparkling ocean and sand between your toes. With a few types of rum (golden, white and 151-proof), Angostura bitters, pineapple juice, orange, grenadine, cherries, lime, mint and passion fruit syrup, this drink might have you feeling like a zombie the next day. 

52. Lemon shandy

Type of drink: Beer cocktails

Plain old lager is so last season — elevate your favorite beer by turning it into a lemon shandy. All you have to do is combine equal parts beer and lemonade to enjoy a refreshing drink.

53. Michelada

Type of drink: Beer cocktails

A Michelada incorporates beer, lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and tomato juice. This Mexican cocktail is spicy, savory and excellent for a summer brunch.

54. Amaretto sour

Type of drink: Whiskey cocktails

This tasty twist on the classic whiskey sour is a mix of amaretto, simple syrup and lemon juice. This amaretto sour tastes so good you’ll have a hard time stopping at just one. 

55. Manhattan float

Type of drink: Whiskey cocktails

This incredible cocktail turns a traditional Manhattan into a creamy and delicious ice cream float. This Manhattan float bourbon recipe includes your favorite type of whiskey, sweet vermouth, ice cream, heavy cream, cherry soda, bitters and a bit of sugar. It’s the perfect summertime happy hour drink or dessert!

56. Reverend Palmer

Type of drink: Whiskey cocktails

A Reverend Palmer melds the flavors of an Old Fashioned and a spiked Arnold Palmer. One of the most unique summer cocktails on our list, the Reverend Palmer includes bourbon infused with lupine tea, lemon simple syrup and Angostura bitters.  

57. Irish mule 

Type of drink: Whiskey cocktails

This twist on a Moscow mule replaces the vodka with whiskey. For an Irish mule, you’ll need Irish whiskey, lime juice and ginger beer served in a copper mule mug.

Cool down with tasty summer cocktails

Need a bit of refreshment on a hot summer day? It’s easy to whip up these summer cocktails without ever leaving your house! Order all the ingredients you need to make these drinks through Instacart. Add ingredients to your online cart and let your professional shopper handle the rest. Receive your groceries right to your door, leaving you more time to spend by the pool.

With Instacart’s grocery and alcohol delivery services, you’re free to experiment with all kinds of drink recipes any time you want.