35 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.

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 perfectly tasty and refreshing for summer.

2. Classic sangria

Type of drink: Wine and Champagne cocktails

A classic sangria recipe is sure to be a hit at any party, especially during the summer. It’s as easy as combining a fruit-forward red wine with orange liquor and fresh fruit. Top it off with a splash of unsweetened seltzer to cut the sweetness and give it some fizz.

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. 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. 

6. 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. 

7. 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. 

8. 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. 

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Salty dog

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

One of the most refreshing summer cocktails 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. 

13. 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!

14. 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.

15. Watermelon coconut mojito

Type of drink: Rum cocktails

When it comes to 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.

16. 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 summer cocktail is made with aged rum, coffee liqueur, creme de cacao, cream of coconut, milk and ice. 

17. 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. 

18. Manhattan float

Type of drink: Bourbon cocktails

This incredible cocktail turns a traditional Manhattan into a creamy and delicious ice cream float. This 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!

19. Sunset punch

Type of drink: Bourbon cocktails

This bourbon-based sunset punch is always a crowd-pleaser. It combines bourbon, white vermouth, simple syrup, ginger beer and fresh lemon juice. Serve it in a punch bowl with freshly sliced lemon rounds floating on top. 

20. Amaretto sour

Type of drink: Amaretto 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. 

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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 syrup. Don’t forget to garnish your summer cocktails with a lime wedge.

25. 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.

26. Long Island iced tea

Type of drink: Vodka, tequila, rum and gin cocktails

You can enjoy a Long Island iced tea year-round, but they taste especially good during the hot summer months. Experience the mixture of spirits and a splash of cola. Don’t forget to garnish with a slice of lemon to complement the flavors.

27. Aperol spritz

Type of drink: Wine and Champagne cocktails

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

28. Moscow mule

Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

When searching for summer cocktails, 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.

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. 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.

32. 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. 

33. 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!

34. Citrusy sidecar

Type of drink: Brandy cocktails

The citrusy sidecar is a balance between tangy citrus and a hint of sweetness. Whip up one of these summer cocktails in less than five minutes.

35. 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. 

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! Place an online order for all the ingredients you need to make these drinks with the help of 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.