It’s here, folks. Summertime is fully-ablaze in the US of A, and many of us have already indulged in plenty of sunshine, hot temps, pool days and fun summer drinks to prove it! And not a moment too soon, now that the June 21st solstice has arrived, making the season “officially official.”
There’s no better way to commemorate the longest day of the year than by raising a glass to the most glorious season on the calendar, with ice cold brews and the best summer cocktails (and mocktails!) ever to be shaken or stirred.
So as we roll out these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer — be sure to tantalize your taste buds with the refreshing beverage ideas below! Some are classic staples when it comes to basic mixology. Others are perhaps local libations featured on guided city tours. But all are fun summer drinks guaranteed to get you singin’ a song of cheer!
So sip ‘em at a casual gathering. Whip up some crowd-pleasing spirits for a grand event. Or just savor some experimenting in your own kitchen. However you end up indulging, rest assured these easy summer cocktails are quick to create and delightful to drink!
10 Refreshingly-Fun Summer Drinks
1. Mojito
- Perfect for: Pool lounging.
- Why it’s a fun summer drink: The refreshing summer cocktails you sip at the pool should be
just as crisp and rejuvenating as the cool waters you’re floating on. Hence why the mojito’s minty goodness is a perfect pairing for sitting in splish-splash territory. - What you need: 1½ oz white rum; 1 oz lime juice; 2 tsp sugar; ½-cup club soda; 6-10 mint leaves; ice.
- How to make it: Muddle-up the mint leaves, lime juice and sugar in a glass, then fill with ice. Pour rum over cubes, then add soda water. Garnish as desired with lime wedges and/or remaining mint sprig.
2. Craft Beer
- Perfect for: Post-hiking or -biking.
- Why it’s a fun summer drink: Your body will be forever grateful for the delicious carbs you consume after some solid sweatin’! The variety of options that abound in most brewery settings make good summer drinks that are ultra-refreshing after a great workout. Not to mention the relaxed atmosphere is on point.
- What you need: A thirst for liquid carbs.
- How to make it: Simply order, cheers and enjoy!
3. Magic Milkshake
- Perfect for: “Just because” all summer long.
- Why it’s a fun summer drink: It goes without saying that the milkshake is the epitome of a summer favorite. So bust out that blender, and add a splash or two of spirits to yummy scoops for deliciously-refreshing summer beverages! Great for anytime, anywhere. Want to add more creative twists to your cold treat? Some Googling finesse will turn up great ideas for putting some extra pizzazz into your adult shake! And of course, this drink is also just as wonderful when enjoyed without booze, too.
- What you need: Kahlúa and/or Baileys are excellent go-tos for this summer beverage. Add a bit of dark rum, brandy or bourbon for an extra lil’ adult kick.
- How to make it: Blend, baby, blend!
4. Moscow Mule
- Perfect for: The rooftop.
- Why it’s a fun summer drink: This is a classic when it comes to cool alcoholic drinks. (Literally and figuratively.) Nothing beats satisfying swigs of ginger beer from a cold mug when perched on a warm rooftop, basking in sunshine. This tasty gem also doubles nicely as an extra-refreshing summer cocktail at brunch, if you’re looking for a smoother alternative to traditional bloody marys and mimosas. Don’t have copper mugs handy? Small mason jars are a great substitute, if you’re going for trendy presentation.
- What you need: ½-cup ginger beer; 1½ oz favorite vodka of choice; ½-oz lime juice; ice.
- How to make it: Combine the above, then shake or stir. Pour over ice and serve.
5. Piña Colada Pops
- Perfect for: Kickin’ back on the porch or patio.
- Why it’s a fun summer drink: If you like Piña Coladas… then you’ll love these icy treats, inspired by some of the world’s most refreshing cocktails! And OK, maybe this one isn’t a beverage, per se — but obviously it starts out as one, and is just as thirst-quenching regardless! So grab a pop and hunker into a chair to enjoy some quality convo and/or people-watching.
- What you need: 1/3-cup light rum; 3 tbsp fine granulated sugar; 1/3-cup unsweetened coconut milk; 3 cups freshly-chopped pineapple; ½ cup water.
- How to make it: Throw all ingredients to a blender, and let it run until you have a nice, smooth liquid. Strain out any lingering solid bits. Pour into pop-molds. Freeze, inserting sticks after about 30 minutes. Continue to let sit until frozen solid. Then enjoy!
6. Lemonade: Classic or Libation-Infused
- Perfect for: Watching ballgames.
- Why it’s a fun summer drink: Whether watching America’s favorite Pastime at home or in the stands, little is more refreshing on a hot summer day than lemonade. Plenty of ballpark bars these days are stocked with the spirits needed to make this tasty treat happen. And even if they aren’t, the refreshing power of this as a non-alcoholic summer drink can’t be underestimated. While variations of this recipe can offer a fairly fancy version of this fun mixed drink idea (essentially making lemonade from scratch and adding rum), simply adding a citrus-flavored vodka to a pre-made jug of lemon goodness is a quick ‘n’ easy alternative.
- What you need: Citrus-flavored vodka.
- How to make it: Pour, stir, sip. Repeat as needed.
7. Champagne Punch
- Perfect for: Backyard parities — particularly those with yard games.
- Why it’s a fun summer drink: This beverages is like the “cousin” to sangria. It’s a festive addition to an apps/ hors d’oeuvres spread. And as far as refreshing summer cocktails go, it’s a downright top-notch crowd-pleaser! Not to mention it’s super-easy to make in bigger batches, so it’s ideal for larger gatherings.
- What you need: 1 bottle of bubbly; 2 cups seltzer; ½-cup brandy; and 1 cup peach nectar.
- How to make it: Mix everything in a large bowl or glass dispenser. Float some peach slices and berries in the sparkling mix to give the punch a fun, summery display.
8. Tommy-Brew
- Perfect for: Brunch! (Bonus points for going al fresco style!)
- Why it’s a fun summer drink: Sometimes you want that bloody mary at brunch… But a cold, refreshing beer also sounds deeeee-licious. So get the best of both worlds by treating yourself to this gem. The shockingly great combo of tomato juice and beer means this easy summer cocktail might be your first one, but it sure won’t be your last!
- What you need: 1 part tomato juice; 1 part light beer or pale ale; ice is optional; bacon is encouraged because obviously it makes everything better!
- How to make it: Pour juice and beer (over ice, if desired), and stir a bit. Serve with a lime slice to allow for an added spritz option. Lay a slice or two of crispy bacon across as a tasty little topper.
9. Domestic Drafts
- Perfect for: 4th of July and Labor Day festivities.
- Why it’s a fun summer drink: We couldn’t very well call ourselves true Americans if we didn’t have this on the list, could we? Celebrate our glorious nation and the beautiful, hardworking folks in it with any number of brews, proudly made in the US of A. Rep some serious patriotism, while also supporting the liquid-crasftmanship of homegrown hops as you crack open a cold one and slide it into fantastically-cheesy a red, white and blue coozie. Psst, root beer is a true-blue choice, too!
- What you need: A patriotic thirst for fun, family, friends and festivities.
- How to make it: Open cooler, pop tab, swig, and smile!
10. Pineapple Rum-Fun Mixed Drink
- Perfect for: Hangin’ out on the lake or boat.
- Why it’s a fun summer drink: Yo-ho-hooo, you sure don’t want to miss out on this refreshing summer beverage, mateys! Not only is it tasty as can be, but it’s a super-easy summer cocktail to boot, requiring very little prep time. So channel your inner rum-lovin’ pirate (or maintain your innocence with a mocktail), and raise a glass to sunshine with your favorite people!
- What you need: Ice; non-alcoholic sparkling cider; fresh pieces o’ pineapple; 1½ oz dark rum.
- How to make it: Simply combine all of the above ingredients in a glass and enjoy. Avoiding the shot of rum also makes this a great non-alcoholic summer drink!
