10 delicious cocktail recipes for summer parties
Whether you’re hosting a pool party, a backyard barbecue, or a picnic in the park, having a few delicious cocktails on hand can make all the difference.
Summertime is all about enjoying the sun, the sand, and of course, refreshing cocktails. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard BBQ with friends and family, having a delicious drink in hand can take the experience to the next level. With so many cocktail recipes out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. But don’t worry – experts here.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of ten delicious cocktail recipes that are perfect for summer parties. From classics like margaritas and piña coladas to refreshing twists on old favourites, we’ve created our own spin on some of the best-known recipes.
Plus, we’ve included non-alcoholic options for those who want to skip the booze but still enjoy a tasty beverage. So, grab your cocktail shaker, put on your favourite summer playlist, and let’s get mixing!
Margarita
| Category | Information |
| Taste | Tart, tangy, citrusy, and salty |
| Ingredients | Tequila, lime juice, triple sec, salt, and ice |
| Estimated time | 5-10 minutes |
| Alcoholic content | Medium to high |
| Serving size | 1-2 servings |
Recommended for
The margarita is a classic summer cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve this classic cocktail in a beach or pool party setting to cool off in the heat.
Our margarita recipe
To make a sparkling margarita
- Mix 2 x shots of tequila, 1 x shot of lime juice, and 1 x shot of triple sec in a shaker with ice
- Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice
- Top with soda water and garnish with a lime wedge
- For a twist on the classic, try adding fresh fruit like mango or watermelon
Piña Colada
| Category | Information |
| Taste | Creamy, tropical, and sweet |
| Ingredients | Rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, ice, pineapple wedge |
| Estimated time | 5-10 minutes |
| Alcoholic content | Medium |
| Serving size | 1-2 servings |
Recommended for
This tropical cocktail is perfect for sipping in a hot and humid climate, such as a Caribbean or Hawaiian vacation. The piña colada is a tropical cocktail that’s perfect for sipping by the pool.
Our piña colada recipe
To make a piña colada
- Blend 2 x shots of rum, 2 x shots of pineapple juice, and 2 x shots of coconut cream with ice until smooth
- Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry
- To make a carbonated piña colada, blend 2 x shots of rum, 2 x shots of pineapple juice, and 2 x shots of coconut cream with ice until smooth.
- Pour into a tall glass and top with carbonated mixers like soda water or sparkling wine
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry
Strawberry Daiquiri
| Category | Information |
| Taste | Sweet, fruity, and refreshing |
| Ingredients | Rum, lime juice, strawberries, sugar, and ice |
| Estimated time | 5-10 minutes |
| Alcoholic content | Medium |
| Serving size | 1-2 servings |
Recommended for
The sweet and fruity flavours of a strawberry daiquiri make it an excellent choice for a backyard barbecue or garden party in the summer.
Our sparkling strawberry daiquiri recipe
To make a sparkling strawberry daiquiri
- Blend 2 x shots of rum, 1 x shot of lime juice, 1 x shot of simple syrup, and 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries with ice until smooth
- Pour into a chilled glass and top with soda water
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry
Mojito
| Category | Information |
| Taste | Refreshing, minty, citrusy, and sweet |
| Ingredients | Rum, lime juice, mint leaves, sugar, soda water, and ice |
| Estimated time | 5-10 minutes |
| Alcoholic content | Medium |
| Serving size | 1-2 servings |
Recommended for
The refreshing and minty taste of a mojito is perfect for sipping in a tropical or warm setting, such as a summer rooftop bar or outdoor patio.The mojito is a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for a summer party.
Our Mojito recipe
To make a bubbly mojito
- Muddle 6-8 mint leaves and 1 x shot of simple syrup in a glass
- Add 2 x shots of rum and 1 x shot of lime juice
- Fill the glass with ice and top with club soda
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge
H2 Watermelon Margarita
| Category | Information |
| Taste | Sweet, tangy, and refreshing |
| Ingredients | Tequila, watermelon juice, lime juice, triple sec, sugar, and ice |
| Estimated time | 5-10 minutes |
| Alcoholic content | Medium to high |
| Serving size | 1-2 servings |
Recommended for
This fruity twist on a classic margarita is best enjoyed in a pool or beach party setting to quench your thirst on a hot day. The watermelon margarita is a fruity twist on the classic margarita.
Our watermelon margarita recipe
To make a sparkling watermelon margarita
- Blend 2 cups of cubed watermelon, 2 x shots of tequila, 1 x shot of lime juice, and 1 x shot of triple sec with ice until smooth
- Pour into a salt-rimmed glass and top with soda water
- Garnish with a slice of watermelon
H2 Lemonade Cocktail
| Category | Information |
| Taste | Sweet, tangy, and refreshing |
| Ingredients | Vodka, lemonade, soda water, lemon wedge, and ice |
| Estimated time | 5 minutes |
| Alcoholic content | Medium to high |
| Serving size | 1 serving |
Recommended for
This simple and refreshing cocktail is perfect for sipping in a hot and sunny climate, such as a summer picnic or outdoor festival. The lemonade cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make summer drink that’s perfect for a backyard barbecue.
Our lemonade cocktail recipe
To make a fizzy lemonade cocktail
- Mix 2 x shots of vodka or gin with 4 oz of fresh lemonade in a glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Sangria
| Category | Information |
| Taste | Fruity, sweet, and refreshing |
| Ingredients | Red wine, brandy, orange juice, lemonade, fruit, soda water, and ice |
| Estimated time | 10-15 minutes |
| Alcoholic content | Medium to high |
| Serving size | 4-6 servings |
Recommended for
Sangria is a fruity and refreshing drink that’s perfect for a summer party.
Our sparkling sangria recipe
To make a sparkling sangria
- Mix 1 bottle of red wine, 1 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of brandy, and 1/4 cup of sugar in a large pitcher
- Add sliced fruit like oranges, lemons, and strawberries and let the mixture chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving
- Top with sparkling wine just before serving
Moscow Mule
| Category | Information |
| Taste | Spicy, refreshing, and tangy |
| Ingredients | Vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and ice |
| Estimated time | 5 minutes |
| Alcoholic content | Medium to high |
| Serving size | 1-2 servings |
Recommended for
The Moscow mule is a classic summer cocktail that’s easy to make and delicious to drink. The spicy and refreshing flavours of a Moscow mule make it an excellent choice for sipping in a hot and humid climate, such as a summer beach vacation or outdoor music festival.
Our moscow mule recipe
To make a classic Moscow mule
- Mix 2 x shots of vodka, 1 x shot of lime juice, and ginger beer in a mug filled with ice
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint
Bubbly Frosé
| Category | Information |
| Taste | Sweet, fruity, and slushy |
| Ingredients | Rosé wine, strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and ice |
| Estimated time | 10-15 minutes |
| Alcoholic content | Medium |
| Serving size | 2-3 servings |
Recommended for
This frozen cocktail is perfect for sipping in a hot and sunny climate, such as a pool party or beach vacation.
Our bubble frosé recipe
To make a bubbly frosé
- Blend 1 bottle of rosé wine, 1 cup of frozen strawberries, 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- Add 1/4 cup of sugar with ice, blend until smooth
- Pour into a chilled glass and top with sparkling wine
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry
Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail
| Category | Information |
| Taste | Sweet, tangy, and refreshing |
| Ingredients | Vodka, blueberries, lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water, and ice |
| Estimated time | 5 minutes |
| Alcoholic content | Medium to high |
| Serving size | 1 serving |
Recommended for
The sweet and tangy flavours of this cocktail make it perfect for sipping in a warm and sunny climate, such as a backyard barbecue or outdoor concert. If you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink that’s both sweet and tart, then the Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail is perfect for you.
Our sparkling blueberry lemonade cocktail recipe
To make a sparkling blueberry lemonade cocktail
- Muddle a handful of fresh blueberries in a glass
- Add 1 x shot of lemon juice, 1 x shot of simple syrup, and 2 x shots of vodka
- Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and a few extra blueberries
Iced Tea Cocktail
| Category | Information |
| Taste | Sweet, tangy, and refreshing |
| Ingredients | Vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, unsweetened iced tea, lemon wedge, and ice |
| Estimated time | 5 minutes |
| Alcoholic content | Medium to high |
| Serving size | 1 serving |
Recommended for
This refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for sipping in a hot and humid climate, such as a summer picnic or outdoor sports event. The iced tea cocktail is a perfect summer drink that is both refreshing and easy to make.
Our iced tea cocktail recipe
To make the iced tea cocktail cocktail
- Mix 2 x shots of vodka, 1 x shot of lemon juice, and 1 x shot of simple syrup in a glass filled with ice
- Top with unsweetened iced tea and stir
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of fresh mint
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail or a fruity twist on a classic, these ten delicious cocktail recipes are sure to be a hit at your next summer party. Don’t forget to offer non-alcoholic options for guests who prefer not to drink.
With a little bit of preparation, you can have a wide variety of drinks that everyone will enjoy. Cheers to a fun and refreshing summer!