I live in Texas and summer is coming. I dread it. A Texas summer is hot and miserable filled with mosquitoes and humidity and drought. But it doesn’t have to be all bad. No, let there be a cocktail light at the end of the long, sweaty day. However, figuring out what cocktail to make is much more challenging. You want something light and tasty. It’s got to be cool and refreshing. No heavy drinks when its 105 degrees outside. The old standards like margarita and mojitos are popular for a reason. They’re delicious. You could make those. No problem. But why don’t you take some chances and make the best summer cocktails that leave you and others wanting another?
Summer Cocktails With Rum
Summer and rum are perfect for each other. Rum evokes images of pirates, islands, white sand beaches and relaxation.
Strawberry Mojito from The Forked Spoon
Boozy Dole Whip from Delish
Tipsy Mermaid Punch from Delish
Old Cuban from Honestly Yum
Cuba Libre from Delish
Carribean Rum Punch from Cooking With Curls
3 Ingredient Pina Colada from Gimme Some Oven
Dark -N-Stormy from Chowhound
Monkey Wrench from Drink Kings
Pina Colada Sangria from Delish
Summer Cocktails With Vodka
When you think of a vodka cocktail, your mind probably goes to a classic vodka martini or bloody mary. You don’t necessarily associate those with summer although they are great year-round drinks. Discover some vodka cocktails that are better suited for summer.
Lemon Blueberry Vodka Spritzer from Mfantans
Bloody Mary from Kitchen Swagger
Ruby Red Moscow Mule from A Communal Table
Key Lime Martini from A Communal Table
Vodka Lemonade from What The Fork
The Frenchie from Books n’ Cooks
Salty Dog from Mom 4 Real
Lemonade Prosecco Punch from Crazy For Crust
Mango Collins from Liquor
Moscow Mule Mimosa from Delish
Summer Cocktails With Tequila
Ah, tequila. Margaritas and shots. Salt and lime. Perfect. However, don’t sell yourself and tequila short. Tequila is extremely versatile and you can use it in numerous ways. Try some of these tequila recipes to make summer cocktails that you and your friends will love.
Tequila and Tonic from Mix That Drink
Lemon Basil Margarita from Liquor
Mexican Mule from Cupcakes and Cutlery
Spicy Watermelon Margarita from Liquor
Tequila Mojito from Delicious Everyday
Strawberry Sriracha Margarita from Domestic Fits
Spicy Avocado Coconut Margarita from VinePair
Bloody Maria from Liquor
Strawberry Tequila Sunrise from The Little Epicurean
Spicy Matcha Margarita from Wicked Spatula
Summer Cocktails With Gin
Gin is great for summer. It’s light and works great with a wonderful mix of ingredients. If you’re thinking about making a great summer cocktail, be sure to give gin a try.
Lemon Basil Gimlet from Happy Hour Projects
El Chapo from Liquor
Singapore Sling from Liquor
Cool Gin and Cucumber from Life She Lives
Ginger, Lemon and Rosemary Cocktail from Nellie Bellie
Strawberry Martini from Sidewalk Shoes
Fresh Watermelon Martini from Creative Culinary
Carribean Sunset Martini from Tamilee’s Tips
Gin Buck from Liquor
Frozen Gin and Tonic from Serious Eats
Summer Cocktails With Bourbon
An Old Fashioned is about as good as it gets for me. I’ll drink them year round. The good thing about making summer cocktails with bourbon is that the flavors that it gives – the vanilla and caramel – work smoothly in many other drinks, too.
Southern Style from Whisky Advocate
Jalapeno Bizness from Whisky Advocate
Jackalope from Whisky Advocate
Indian Summer from A Spicy Perspective
Vanilla and Fresh Cherry Bourbon Smash from Sweetpeas and Saffron
Blood Orange Bourbon Smash with Spicy Vanilla Sugar from HowSweetEats
Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade from My Like & Share
Kentucky Lemonade from Mom4Real
Bulleit Bourbon Kentucky Buck from Liquor
Kentucky Peach Bourbon and Vodka Cocktail from Liquor
Hopefully, this list gives you some good ideas about what to drink when the weather heats up. Try more than one. Find some you like and impress everyone else with your summer cocktail game.
Be sure to tell me which ones you like in the comments below.
Cheers