13 Refreshing Cocktails to Sip This Summer
Cheers to the weekend! From watermelon margaritas to frozen brandy old-fashioneds, these cool cocktail recipes pair beautifully with a backyard BBQ.
Summery Cocktails That Are Fizzy, Fruity and Refreshing
Grapefruit Margarita
“When you add a drizzle of grenadine to your finished grapefruit margarita, it sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunset look.” —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Get the recipe for Grapefruit Margarita.
Bella Basil Raspberry Tea
“Beautiful basil and fresh raspberries lend bright colour and refreshing flavour to this grown-up iced tea. You’ll love the fun fizz and make-ahead convenience for parties.” —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Get the recipe for Bella Basil Raspberry Tea.
Guava Coconut Rum Cocktail
“My beverage is so sensational it’s like a taste of the tropics in a glass. The guava adds a touch of sweetness to this coconut drink.” —Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York
Get the recipe for Guava Coconut Rum Cocktail.
Nutty Hawaiian
“I came up with this tropical-tasting cocktail on a whim one day. Later, when my husband and I went to Key West, Florida, I asked the bartender at an open bar to make it. He loved it so much he asked if he could use it, and of course I said yes!” —Tracy Davidheiser, Reading, Pennsylvania
Get the recipe for Nutty Hawaiian.
Watermelon Margaritas
“Summer’s best flavours get frosty in the cocktail we serve at all our backyard shindigs. We mix sun-ripened watermelon and our favourite tequila with just the right amount of ice for a thick and boozy sipper that’s perfect when we’re grilling and chilling.” —Alicia Cummings, Marshalltown, Iowa
Get the recipe for Watermelon Margaritas.
Cucumber Gin Smash
“It doesn’t get much more refreshing than this gin cocktail. If you like your drinks on the sweet side, top yours off with lemon-lime soda instead of club soda.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Cucumber Gin Smash.
Blueberry Mojitos
“Blueberry and lime are two of my favourite flavours, so I added blueberries to my favourite mixed drink! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. To make simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water and cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a week.” —Michele Tungett, Rochester, Illinois
Get the recipe for Blueberry Mojitos.
Summertime Watermelon Punch for a Crowd
“I attended a patio party years ago where the hostess had a clever watermelon ‘bowl’ with a scalloped edge and filled with this punch. It was the hit of the party, and she was kind enough to share the delicious punch recipe with me.” —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Get the recipe for Summertime Watermelon Punch for a Crowd.
Frozen Brandy Old-Fashioneds
“Both sides of my family are Midwestern, so our strong brandy tradition is evident in the slush we make for the holidays and in the Wisconsin old-fashioned cocktails we enjoy year-round. I decided to combine those recipes into something completely new. This goes very quickly at gatherings!” —Stephanie Vaughan, Madison, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Frozen Brandy Old-Fashioneds.
Minty Pineapple Rum
“This delicious drink is a fabulous way to use fresh mint and celebrate summer. If the pineapple isn’t overly ripe, add a bit more sugar. Save any leftover pineapple-mint syrup in an airtight glass container, or freeze the mixture in ice cube trays to use later.” —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Get the recipe for Minty Pineapple Rum.
Strawberry Mimosas
“Here’s a tasty twist on the classic mimosa. To make this refreshing drink friendly for kids or mamas-to-be, substitute lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for the champagne.” —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Get the recipe for Strawberry Mimosas.
Maple Blackberry Mojito
“This refreshing summery cocktail is how you take advantage of prime berry season. I’ve also used other types of fruit, including raspberries, kiwi and strawberries.” —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine
Get the recipe for Maple Blackberry Mojito.
Sour Cherry Shandy
“A shandy is beer mixed with a nonalcoholic drink like fruit juice or lemonade.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Sour Cherry Shandy.
Next, pair these summery cocktails with a quick grill recipe that’s ready in 30 minutes—or less!
