Beat The Heat With These 10 Summer Cocktails

Summer is here, and with it comes the scorching heat that often leaves us longing for refreshing and cooling drinks. What better way to beat the heat and quench your thirst than with a delicious summer cocktail? 

We've rounded up 10 of our favorite recipes that are guaranteed to cool your tastebuds and elevate your summer experience. From fruity margaritas to zesty twists on classic cocktails, these drinks are perfect for sipping by the Beach Club Pool, at happy hour, or a leisure-filled evening at home.

So grab your cocktail shaker, kick back, and enjoy these tasty concoctions!

1. Cherry Lemonade Margarita

Tart and slightly sweet, this margarita combines the flavors of frozen cherries, fresh lemon juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and agave nectar. The result is a vibrant and invigorating drink that will transport you to a tropical paradise.

Ingredients 

7 oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

1 ½ cups cherries, frozen

4 oz. silver tequila

1 oz. orange liqueur

1 oz. agave nectar

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Lemon wedge

Directions 

Step 1 - Zest the lemon, then place it in a small bowl with the sugar. 

Step 2 - Stir the sugar and lemon together until combined, and set aside.

Step 3 - Take the lemon wedge, and run along the lip of the cups you’ll be serving the margaritas in.

Step 4 - Using a citrus juicer, juice 3-4 small lemons to have the freshly squeezed 7 oz. of lemon juice. (number of lemons depends on the size and juiciness.)

Step 5 - Add the frozen cherries, orange liqueur, silver tequila, agave nectar, and lemon juice to the blender.

Step 6 - Blend until smooth.

Step 7: Prepare the glasses by pouring a small amount of the lemon-sugar mixture onto a plate. Dip the rims of the glasses into the mixture to create a sugared rim.

Step 8 - Pour into the prepared glasses, and enjoy immediately!

See Full Recipe - https://www.thespeckledpalate.com/cherry-lemonade-margaritas/ 

2. Italian Paloma

A refreshing twist on the classic Paloma, this zesty and tangy drink features tequila, Campari, pink grapefruit juice, lime juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Italian orange soda. It's a perfect balance of flavors that screams summer with every sip.

Ingredients 

3 oz tequila

1.5 oz Campari

1/2 oz pink grapefruit juice

1 oz fresh lime juice

1 oz fresh lemon juice

3/4 oz simple syrup

6 oz chilled Italian orange soda

Pinch of salt

Directions 

Step 1 - In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour tequila, Campari, simple syrup, and all the fruit juices.

Step 2 - Shake the mixture vigorously for about 20 seconds to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and chilled.

Step 3 - Using a strainer, pour the cocktail over a glass filled with ice.

Step 4 - Slowly pour the orange soda over the top of the cocktail, allowing it to gently mix with the other ingredients.

Step 5 - Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors of the drink. Garnish the cocktail with a grapefruit twist for an elegant touch.

Step 6 - Serve the Italian Paloma immediately, and enjoy its zesty and tangy flavors!

See Full Recipe - https://sugarandcharm.com/italian-paloma-cocktail-recipe 

3. Tom Collins

This classic gin-based cocktail is a timeless favorite. With freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water, the Tom Collins offers a perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors, culminating in a fizzy and refreshing finish.

Ingredients 

Club soda

1 ¾ teaspoons granulated sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

¼ cup gin

Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Lemon wheel (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1 - Pour the lemon juice into a Collins glass. Add the sugar and stir briskly until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 2 - Fill the glass with ice, leaving enough room for the remaining ingredients.

Step 3 - Pour in the gin, allowing it to mix with the lemon juice and sugar.

Step 4 - Top off the glass with club soda, adding enough to reach the desired level, and stir the mixture gently to ensure the flavors are well combined.

Step 5 - Garnish the Tom Collins with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry for a touch of visual appeal.

Step 6 - Serve and enjoy the refreshing flavors of the Tom Collins immediately!

See Full Recipe - https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/tom-collins

4. Banana Rum Old Fashioned

For those looking for a bold and strong old-fashioned with a twist, this cocktail combines bourbon, light rum, crème de banane, and Angostura bitters. The addition of creme de banane adds a touch of sweetness and tropical flair to this classic drink.

Ingredients 

2 tablespoons 100-proof bourbon

2 tablespoons light rum 

1 tablespoon crème de banane 

1 dash Angostura bitters

1 (2- x 1-inch) orange peel strip

Directions

Step 1 - Fill a tall mixing glass with ice cubes

Step 2 - Add the bourbon, rum, crème de banane, and a dash of bitters to the mixing glass.

Step 3 - Stir the mixture for approximately 5 seconds, ensuring that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 4 - Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into a rocks glass over a large ice cube, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5 - Take an orange peel strip and twist it over the cocktail, expressing the oils to enhance the aroma and taste.

Step 6 - You can either tuck the twisted orange peel into the glass as a garnish, adding an extra touch of fragrance or discard it if desired. 

Step 7 - Sit back, relax, and savor the delightful flavors of the Banana Rum Old Fashioned!

See Full Recipe - https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/banana-rum-old-fashioned 

5. White Sangria

Bright and bubbly, this fruity sangria is made with dry white wine, Lillet blanc, peaches, apples, lemons, mint leaves, and club soda. It's a versatile recipe that allows you to experiment with different fruits in your home, making it the perfect customizable summer cocktail.

Ingredients 

1 bottle of dry white wine (such as Pinot grigio or Chenin blanc), chilled

4 ounces Lillet blanc

1 medium peach, pitted and sliced

1 green apple, cored and sliced

1 lemon, cut into wedges

3 mint sprigs

Club soda, chilled, to top (optional)

Directions 

Step 1 - In a pitcher, combine the wine, Lillet, sliced fruit, and mint. Stir the mixture gently to ensure all the flavors are well combined.

Step 2 - Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let the sangria chill for up to four hours. This allows the flavors to infuse and develop.

Step 3 - When ready to serve, divide the White Sangria between 4 to 6 wine goblets. If desired, top each glass with a splash of club soda for a bit of effervescence.

Step 4 - Serve the refreshing White Sangria to your guests, and enjoy the bright and fruity flavors of this delightful summer drink!

See Full Recipe - https://www.liquor.com/white-sangria-recipe-5191601

6. Watermelon Mojito

Watermelon is the official fruit of summer, and this mojito variation captures its refreshing essence perfectly. With the combination of lime wedges, mint leaves, watermelon chunks, rum, ice, and Fresca soda, this cocktail is a delightful way to stay hydrated and cool.

Ingredients 

1 Lime cut into wedges

12 Mint, leaves

2 to 3 cups Watermelon, cut into chunks

1 cup Ice

2 oz Rum

Fresca soda or club soda

watermelon, lime, mint for garnish

Directions 

Step 1 - In a shaker, add watermelon chunks, mint leaves, ice, and lime wedges. Use a muddler to gently crush the ingredients, releasing their flavors and aromas.

Step 2 - Add rum to the shaker and give it a good shake to mix all the ingredients together.

Step 3 - Fill glasses with ice, leaving some room at the top. Pour the watermelon mixture into each glass, filling it halfway.

Step 4 - Complete filling each glass with soda, and give it a gentle stir to combine the flavors.

Step 5 - Garnish each glass with a watermelon wedge, a mint stem, and/or a lime wedge for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Step 6 - Serve the Watermelon Mojitos and enjoy their delightful blend of flavors and the cooling sensation they provide!

See Full Recipe - https://www.callmepmc.com/watermelon-mojito/ 

7. Mezcal Negroni

For a taste of Italy with a smoky twist, try this mezcal-based variation of the classic Negroni. With mezcal, Campari, sweet vermouth, and an orange garnish, this cocktail offers a sophisticated and complex flavor profile that is sure to impress.

Ingredients 

1 ounce mezcal

1 ounce Campari

1 ounce sweet vermouth

Orange half-wheel (garnish)

Directions

Step 1 - In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir the mixture until it becomes well-chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 2 - Using a strainer, pour the concoction into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. This will help keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.

Step 3 - To garnish the Mezcal Negroni, place an orange half-wheel on the rim of the glass. The citrusy aroma from the garnish will enhance the overall experience.

Step 4 - Sit back, relax, and enjoy the smoky and complex flavors of the Mezcal Negroni!

See Full Recipe - https://www.liquor.com/recipes/mezcal-negroni/ 

8. Spicy Michelada

Looking for a fiery beer cocktail to spice up your summer? The Spicy Michelada is the perfect choice. Combining light Mexican beer, Clamato juice (or tomato juice), lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, hot sauce, and a chili powder rim, this cocktail packs a punch of flavor and heat.

Ingredients 

12 ounces light Mexican beer Corona is good, as is Sol, Tecate or Modelo

12 ounces Clamato juice (or use tomato juice)

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice rinds reserved

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or Maggi sauce)

2 teaspoons hot sauce

Ice

1 teaspoon chili powder or Tajin seasoning for rimming the glass

Salt for rimming the glasses

Lime wedges for garnish if desired

Directions

Step 1 - In a wide and shallow dish, combine enough salt, Tajin seasoning, or chili powder to cover the bottom of the dish. This will be used to rim the glasses.

Step 2 - Take a lime wedge (or use the reserved lime rinds) and rub it along the rims of two glasses. Then, dip the rims into the spicy salt mixture, ensuring an even coating.

Step 3 - Fill the glasses with ice and set them aside to keep them chilled.

Step 4 - In each glass, divide the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, hot sauce, lime juice, beer, and Clamato juice. Mix the ingredients well to combine all the flavors.

Step 5 - To garnish the Spicy Michelada, add a lime wedge to each glass. This will provide a fresh and citrusy touch.

Step 6 - Serve the Spicy Michelada and enjoy its fiery and invigorating flavors!

See Full Recipe - https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/drinks/michelada-recipe-traditional/ 

9. Key Lime Gimlet

Key lime pie is a quintessential summer dessert, and now you can enjoy its flavors in a refreshing cocktail. Made with seltzer, gin, simple syrup, and key lime juice, this drink is a tangy and citrusy delight that will transport you to the sunny shores of Key West.

Ingredients 

3 c. Seltzer

1 c. gin

1/2 c. simple syrup

1/2 c. Key Lime Juice

Key lime slices, for serving

Directions

Step 1 - In a mixing glass, combine seltzer, gin, simple syrup, and Key lime juice. Stir the mixture gently to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2 - Chill the Key Lime Gimlet in the refrigerator for a short period to enhance the flavors and achieve a refreshing temperature.

Step 3 - When ready to serve, pour the Key Lime Gimlet into glasses. Optionally, you can add Key lime slices as a garnish for an extra burst of citrus flavor and visual appeal.

Step 4 - Serve the Key Lime Gimlet and enjoy its tangy and invigorating taste!

See Full Recipe - https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a36534/key-lime-gimlet/ 

10. Sweet Tea Sangria

A Southern favorite with a twist, this peach raspberry sangria combines sweet tea, white wine, berries, peaches, and fresh mint. It's a delightful and refreshing beverage that perfectly captures the essence of summer.

Ingredients 

6 c. Sweet tea

1 bottle of white wine

1 pt. berries

1. sliced peaches

Fresh mint

Directions

Step 1 - In a pitcher, combine 6 cups of sweet tea and a bottle of white wine. Stir the mixture gently to ensure the flavors of tea and wine are well combined.

Step 2 - Add your choice of berries, like raspberries, and sliced peaches to the pitcher. 

Step 3 - Let the Sweet Tea Sangria chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. For optimal taste, you can even let it chill overnight to enhance the infusion.

Step 4 - When ready to serve, consider garnishing the sangria with fresh mint leaves for a touch of freshness and aroma. 

Step 5 - Pour the Sweet Tea Sangria into glasses, ensuring that each serving has a good amount of fruit.

Step 6 - Sit back, relax, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in the Sweet Tea Sangria!

See Full Recipe - https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a43403/sweet-tea-sangria-recipe/ 

With these 10 juicy summer cocktails in your repertoire, you'll be well-equipped to stay cool throughout the season and maybe even impress your significant other. Whether you're enjoying your day at The Beach Club pool or a leisure-filled evening at home, these recipes offer a wide range of flavors and ingredients to keep your tastebuds dialed. 

No matter where you are or what you’re drinking, no summer cocktail is complete without the summer fit! So, whether you're looking for swimwear or leisurewear we’ve got you covered! 

Designed on the balmy beaches of Florida, and worn all over the world, Duvin is the perfect place to turn for high-quality summer outfits.

So grab that umbrella drink, kick back, and enjoy the Internet's Go-To Beach Brand.