Summer Cocktail Recipes

Beat the Heat with Our Top-Rated Refreshers

Three refreshing orange summer cocktails garnished with fresh lime wheels and green basil leaves, set on a muted green tabletop.

Discover our ultimate collection of summer cocktail recipes—curated from your absolute favorites. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, lounging poolside, or enjoying a sunset happy hour, these easy-to-make drinks bring bold flavors and vibrant colors to every occasion.

Our Most Popular Summer Sips

We’ve analyzed what our community loves most. Start with these top-rated, crowd-pleasing recipes:

🍹 The Pearl: Bright, zesty, and effortlessly refreshing.
🍹 The Zombie: A classic tiki powerhouse with four types of rum.
🍹 San Sebastián Smash: A bright, fruit-forward springtime trip to Spain.
🍹 Classic Margarita: The timeless, salty-sweet essential.
🍹 Bourbon Peach Smash: Illinois-grown peaches meet smooth bourbon.

Why You’ll Love Our Selection

We feature a variety of spirits and fresh, seasonal ingredients to keep your drink game exciting:

Tequila: Zesty and refreshing favorites like our Spicy Paloma.
Rum: Tropical punches and island-inspired classics.
Gin: Crisp botanicals like our Cucumber Basil Gin Rickey.
Vodka: Icy, versatile, and crowd-pleasing creations.

Ready to shake things up?

The Pearl

Bright, zesty, and effortlessly refreshing, this cocktail brings together smooth tequila, subtle red grapefruit, and a squeeze of fresh lime over ice. It’s the perfect balance of citrusy bite and mellow sweetness—ideal for warm afternoons, sunset happy hours, or whenever you need a crisp, invigorating sip. Simple ingredients, bold flavor.

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Zombie

Legend has it that Don the Beachcomber concocted the first instance of the Zombie to help a hungover customer survive an important business meeting. We suggest skipping the meeting altogether to enjoy this classic cocktail, which uses four different types of rum.

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San Sebastián Smash

Is it a smash? A sangria? A sparkling wine cocktail? All three? Who cares? It is, undeniably, a deliciously refreshing springtime trip to Spain’s beautiful north coast in one, not so little, glass. Fair warning, this Binny’s original demands savory, salty snacks. Pintxos, anyone?

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Classic Margarita

There's a reason that when you think Mexican food, the first cocktail that comes to mind is the margarita. The citrus and sweet character is a timeless match with spicy, salty, saucy Mexican cuisine. If you're looking to impress, these two tips will help you make the perfect, crowd-pleasing margarita.

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Bourbon Peach Smash

Binny's Home Bartender has created the best Bourbon Peach Smash recipe made with Illinois’ famous Calhoun County Peaches, Whiskey Acres Bourbon, ginger beer and mint. The results make for a stunning summer sipper.

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Cucumber Basil Gin Rickey

The classic Gin Rickey is the perfect summer refresher. Just a handful of ingredients and the lack of any sugar make the Rickey so pure, so clean and so very quenching that a second is hard to resist. Not only that, it’s a low-calorie cocktail that lovers of hard seltzer will find familiar. The end result is the kind of invigorating, citrusy and perfectly piney potation that summer sipping demands.

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Bramble

The dog days of summer are upon us. The solution for this sticky summer slog? The bramble cocktail. It's a concoction that usually includes blackberry and gin, but variations feature raspberry, blueberry and more. And if gin isn't your style, vodka makes a great substitution, too. With the many twists on this fruity sipper, it was hard to narrow down the list to just our top four.

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Pegu Club

So the story goes, this classic dates back to the early 1920's and was served at Burma's Pegu Club in Rangoon, Burma to men of elite status within the government and such. This juicy gin-based gem is simple to make but is full of complex and robust flavors. While this sipper technically pre-dates Tiki cocktails, it's perfect for spring sipping and beyond.

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Refreshing Spicy Tequila Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail for Summer

Spicy Fever-Tree Paloma

The Paloma cocktail is the cool, refreshing, grapefruity cousin of the Margarita. Both are Tequila and citrus centric, but the Paloma is a tall drink in which the mixer shares center stage with the liquor.

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Aperol Spritz

Looking to up your brunch game? Give a refreshing Aperol Spritz a try. Pair these sparklers with a plate of fresh fruit for a lovely and fresh treat. Aperol's herbal bitterness is tamed by orange juice and bubbles, making for a complex and deceptively drinkable sipper.

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Sangria

Nothing says spring or summer like a big pitcher of sangria. The best part of mixing up sangria is that you can make it completely your own. Kiwi? Sure! Honey? Go for it! Brandy? The more the merrier. We like to mix ours with a splash of pineapple juice and Cognac. As for the wine, we like to use Underwood - in cans - because it adds a nice light, fruitiness to the mix, not to mention is super convenient.

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Huma Rosa

The Humo Rosa, or Smoke Rose, is an intricately mixed cocktail full of sweet and smokey flavors. Mezcal, ginger liqueur and grenadine flow perfectly together to create an uniquely flavorful spring cocktail.

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Big Mama

It's tiki time! Our Big Mama is full of tropical flavors that will have you feeling like you're floating on a flamingo raft somewhere under the sun. This tropical cocktail is a polite mix of lime, ginger, almonds, cinnamon, pineapple, and lemon. The savory sweet combo will have you making another and another and another.

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Mezcal Mule

Mezcal is definitely becoming a new fan favorite. This smoky summer sipper is a twist on the classic vodka mule cocktail. The smoky profile of the Mexican spirit shines through when combined with ginger beer in this Mezcal Mule with bite.

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Frozen Pina Colada Refreshing Summer Cocktail

Piña Colada

Escape to the tropics with this creamy, dreamy Frozen Piña Colada—the ultimate blend of coconut, refreshing pineapple, and rum for a refreshingly smooth sip! Some claim this refreshing tripartite tropical delight has beginnings dating back to the days of Caribbean pirates.

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Fruity Maracuya Mango Margarita Cocktail

Maracuyá Margarita

A fantastically fruity cocktail in full bloom. Fragrant, tart passionfruit shares the stage with bright, floral tequila - while layers of subtle tropical kiwi & pineapple notes round out what is quite possibly the finest spring margarita recipe.

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Refreshing Frozen Strawberry Rum Daiquiri Cocktail

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri

Cool, fruity, and irresistibly refreshing, the Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri is the perfect blend of sweet strawberries, zesty lime, and smooth rum for a vibrant, icy escape! Made with fresh or frozen strawberries, a splash of lime juice, and just the right amount of simple syrup, this classic cocktail is bright, tangy, and deliciously smooth.

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Frozen Watermelon Margarita

A quintessential poolside sipper, the Watermelon Margarita. Our recipe utilizes ice cubes made from rich agua fresca for a more intense watermelon flavor and ice cold slushy texture. A summery frozen cocktail designed to combat the heat.

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La Puerta del Cielo

El Cielo’s heavenly appeal is at the fore, supported by soft, lightly sweet vermouth blanc and the outstanding dryish but superlatively orangey Pierre Ferrand Curacao. No simple syrup or other sweetener was required, just a little lemon juice for balance.

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Refreshing Summer Vodka-Spiked Lemonade Cocktail

Refreshing Lemonade Punch

It's sweet, fresh and easy to make for a large group or for just yourself! A bright citrus vodka is perfect for this summery citrus punch. And that extra dash of sugar - well, that's just optional. (But we recommend it.)

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The Siesta

A mash-up a margarita and a daquiri, The Siesta is easy to make, delicious and follows the pattern that most excellent new wave cocktails follow- use a tried-and-true template, swap out a key ingredient & rebalance.

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Refreshing Vodka Watermelon Squeeze Cocktail

Watermelon Squeeze Quencher

Cool off with this refreshing, fruity delight, perfect for warm weather sipping! Crisp vodka meets juicy watermelon and fizzy lemon-lime soda, creating a light, bubbly, and irresistibly smooth cocktail. It’s the ultimate sunny-day sipper—sweet, citrusy, and oh-so-refreshing!

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Shop Pre-mixed Summer Cocktails →

Buzzballz Lotta Colada

200 ml Bottle

Buzzballz Lotta Colada

200 ml Bottle

In Stock Check All Stores

$3.39

Cutwater Spirits Paloma Ready to Drink Cocktail

4 Pack of 12 oz Can

Cutwater Spirits Paloma Ready to Drink Cocktail

4 Pack of 12 oz Can

In Stock Check All Stores

$11.99

$12.99

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On The Rocks Premium Cocktails The Blue Hawaiian Made With Cruzan Rum

750 ml Bottle

On The Rocks Premium Cocktails The Blue Hawaiian Made With Cruzan Rum

750 ml Bottle

Only 7 Left Check All Stores

$17.99

$19.99

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Tip Top Margarita 4pk

4 Pack of 100 ml Can

Tip Top Margarita 4pk

4 Pack of 100 ml Can

In Stock Check All Stores

$19.99

Ketel One Botanical Spritz Peach Orange Blossom 4 Pack Cans

4 Pack of 355 ml Can

Ketel One Botanical Spritz Peach Orange Blossom 4 Pack Cans

4 Pack of 355 ml Can

Only 5 Left Check All Stores

$9.99

$14.99

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Cutwater Spirits Rum Mai Tai Ready to Drink Cocktail

4 Pack of 12 oz Can

Cutwater Spirits Rum Mai Tai Ready to Drink Cocktail

4 Pack of 12 oz Can

In Stock Check All Stores

$11.99

$12.99

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Aperol Spritz 4pk

4 Pack of 200 ml Bottle

Aperol Spritz 4pk

4 Pack of 200 ml Bottle

In Stock Check All Stores

$16.99

BeatBox Beverages Blue Razzberry

500 ml Tetra Pak

BeatBox Beverages Blue Razzberry

500 ml Tetra Pak

In Stock Check All Stores

$3.99

On The Rocks Premium Cocktails The Strawberry Daiquiri Made With Cruzan Rum

750 ml Bottle

On The Rocks Premium Cocktails The Strawberry Daiquiri Made With Cruzan Rum

750 ml Bottle

Only 10 Left Check All Stores

$17.99

$19.99

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Jameson Orange Spritz 4 Pack Cans

4 Pack of 355 ml Can

Jameson Orange Spritz 4 Pack Cans

4 Pack of 355 ml Can

Only 8 Left Check All Stores

$11.99

On The Rocks Premium Cocktails The Mai Tai Made With Cruzan Rum

375 ml Bottle

On The Rocks Premium Cocktails The Mai Tai Made With Cruzan Rum

375 ml Bottle

Only 9 Left Check All Stores

$10.99

Jose Cuervo Authentic Classic Strawberry Lime Margarita

4 Pack of 200 ml Bottle

Jose Cuervo Authentic Classic Strawberry Lime Margarita

4 Pack of 200 ml Bottle

In Stock Check All Stores

$6.99

$7.99

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Crafthouse Pineapple Daiquiri 4 Pack Cans

4 Pack of 200 ml Can

Crafthouse Pineapple Daiquiri 4 Pack Cans

4 Pack of 200 ml Can

Only 2 Left Check All Stores

$16.99

The Long Drink Company Traditional Variety

8 Pack of 12 oz Can

The Long Drink Company Traditional Variety

8 Pack of 12 oz Can

Requires Store Selection Check All Stores

$15.99

Jose Cuervo Authentic Lime Margarita

1.75 L Bottle

Jose Cuervo Authentic Lime Margarita

1.75 L Bottle

Requires Store Selection Check All Stores

$12.99

$14.99

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Lucky One Sweet Tea Variety 8 Pack Cans

8 Pack of 355 ml Can

Lucky One Sweet Tea Variety 8 Pack Cans

8 Pack of 355 ml Can

Requires Store Selection Check All Stores

$19.99

Pusser's Rum Painkiller Cocktail

4 Pack of 355 ml Can

Pusser's Rum Painkiller Cocktail

4 Pack of 355 ml Can

Out of Stock Check All Stores

$14.99

$17.99

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Chi Chi's Pina Colada

1.75 L Bottle

Chi Chi's Pina Colada

1.75 L Bottle

Requires Store Selection Check All Stores

$9.99

Bacardi Bahama Mama RTS

1.75 L Bottle

Bacardi Bahama Mama RTS

1.75 L Bottle

Requires Store Selection Check All Stores

$16.99

Demo Kitchen Recipe: Spanish Style Grilled Ribeye

Kickoff grilling season with this big, bold recipe for grilled ribeye topped with marinated red peppers and Spanish blue cheese. It’s packed with flavor and so simple that you will have plenty of time to party and eat like royalty too. Just marinate the steaks and the peppers a day in advance and you are set up for an easy time when it comes time to grill.

Demo Kitchen Recipes: Summer Garden Panzanella

A modern riff on the classic Tuscan bread salad, panzanella, is designed specifically to delight all you home gardeners and mavens of farmers markets. A bright, light, fresh but umami laden salad course is built for outdoor dining or summer parties.

Demo Kitchen Recipe: New England Lobster Roll

What could be more pleasant than a lobster roll on a warm sunny afternoon? This is a lightly dressed, chilled lobster salad served on a warm butter toasted bun, making it a decadent but refreshingly cool summer sandwich.

Summer Cocktail Recipes

Our Most Popular Summer Sips

Why You’ll Love Our Selection

The Pearl

Zombie

San Sebastián Smash

Classic Margarita

Bourbon Peach Smash

Cucumber Basil Gin Rickey

Bramble

Pegu Club

Spicy Fever-Tree Paloma

Aperol Spritz

Sangria

Huma Rosa

Big Mama

Mezcal Mule

Piña Colada

Maracuyá Margarita

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri

Frozen Watermelon Margarita

La Puerta del Cielo

Refreshing Lemonade Punch

The Siesta

Watermelon Squeeze Quencher

Shop Pre-mixed Summer Cocktails →

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Related Articles

Demo Kitchen Recipe: Spanish Style Grilled Ribeye

Demo Kitchen Recipes: Summer Garden Panzanella

Demo Kitchen Recipe: New England Lobster Roll