During the summer, there’s nothing better than having a refreshing drink in hand. Here are five easy, delicious drinks that are the best flavors of the season. You can make them at home!
Spicy Watermelon Margarita
This easy to make watermelon margarita has a little extra kick to it, making it the perfect cocktail to sip on all summer.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz (120 ml) of watermelon juice
- 1 oz (30 ml) of tequila
- 1 oz (30 ml) of triple sec
- 2 slices (more or less depending on how spicy you want this) of fresh jalapeño
- Salt and chili powder (eyeball this for salt rim)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Puree watermelon chunks in a blender then strain it to get watermelon juice.
- Rub the top of your glass with a slice of lime and then dip it into salt – or even salt with a bit of chili powder – to get the salt rim.
- Put jalapeño slices, watermelon juice, tequila, triple sec, and a dash of lime juice in a cocktail shaker along with a few pieces of ice.
- Give it a few shakes until well chilled and pour into the prepared glass. Add ice if you would like to chill further.
- Serve and enjoy!
Limoncello Spritz
Bubbly and flavored with pure lemon, this is one of our favorite summer drinks with a spin on the Aperol Spritz but used with Limoncello, an Italian liqueur often sipped for after-dinner shots. It’s bubbly and effervescent, with a citrus bite—a refreshing crowd-pleaser you might even find featured in a mixology class.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz of limoncello (60 ml) – chilled if possible
- 3 oz (88 ml) of Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled if possible
- 1 oz (30 ml) of sparkling water – Limón LaCroix pairs really well too!
- Mint leaves and/or lemon rounds for the garnish
- (You can also add strawberry chunks if you want more of a strawberry lemonade taste!)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Add Limoncello to a glass filled with ice and gently stir.
- Top with the Prosecco or sparkling wine of your choice and sparkling water.
- Optional* Add strawberry chunks if you want a strawberry lemonade taste.
- Add your mint leaves and/or lemon rounds for the garnish
- Serve and enjoy!
Strawberry Mint Moscow Mule
Your classic Moscow mule is a year-round drink, but the addition of strawberries and mint gives this staple a summer spin.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries
- ¾ cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1 – 2 limes, sliced into wedges
- 5 oz (44 ml) of Vodka
- 1 or 2 12 oz cans of Ginger beer
- Ice
Instructions:
- Add strawberry slices and mint leaves in glass
- Squeeze limes to make lime juice, Add a few splashes of lime juice into glass and muddle together
- Pour in the vodka and top off with ginger beer
- Add another splash of lime juice and ice
- Garnish with strawberry slices, mint leaves, and a lime wedge
- Serve and enjoy!
Salty Dog
This summer gin drink is perfect for when you want a citrusy cocktail with a salted rim but not a margarita. With a unique name and beautiful pale pink color, this drink has the perfect understated summer vibe.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz (88 ml) grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 1/2 oz (44 ml) of gin or vodka – whichever you prefer
- Salt and lime or grapefruit slice for salt rim
- Grapefruit slice for garnish
- Ice
Instructions:
- Rub the top of your glass with a slice of lime or grapefruit and then dip it into salt to get the salt rim on a highball glass.
- Fill the glass with ice. Add gin or vodka and then grapefruit juice.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
- Serve and enjoy!
Peach Melba Mimosa
This light, fresh cocktail is filled with sweet berries, peaches, and just enough champagne to feel festive.
Ingredients:
- 1 – 2 cups of frozen and fresh raspberries
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 1 cup of frozen peaches
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
- 2 bottles of champagne, cava, or other sparkling white wine
Instructions:
- In a blender, blend up the frozen raspberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Set this aside.
- Rinse the blender then puree the peaches and remaining sugar, lemon juice, and water
- Pour the raspberry puree and peach puree into your glasses, then top off each with champagne.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and/or peaches.
- Serve and enjoy!
