This post is all about fresh cocktails for summer!
Introducing Bright, Summertime Fresh Cocktails
During a beautiful summer day there’s nothing quite like a fresh cocktail on the porch or in the garden. I don’t know about you, but given the season I want to feel like I’m drinking summer from a glass – give me watermelon, give me tropical, give me a fun margarita! Fortunately, our curated list of 10 fresh cocktails features these bright flavors, offering a fun spin on the classics.
Cheers to summer sipping!
Fresh Cocktails Perfect for the Summer Season
1. Tropical Strawberry Hibiscus Rum Smash
Yum yum, gimme some! This Tropical Strawberry Hibiscus Rum Smash features dried hibiscus flowers, fresh mint, and tropical fruits. I love when a fresh cocktail is packed with ingredients of the season — I find it both grounding and celebratory to be anchored in the “now” in this way.
2. The Colada Sunrise Recipe
The Colada Sunrise is a twist on a classic piña colada, with the addition of mango and grenadine. Doesn’t it look stunning in the glass?! If you’re in the mood for something tropical, this is it.
3. Watermelon Lime Gin & Tonic
Carolina Galen has the best recipes. This watermelon lime gin and tonic cocktail combines fresh watermelon and lime with fragrant mint (maybe straight from your garden or a pot in your kitchen?) – it’s a beautifully balanced drink with a tajín rim that’s both fresh and bright. What’s more, the ingredients are easily found during peak summer months.
4. Peach Paloma
I love a good paloma. They are easy and classic, and we often make them with mezcal in our house. This peach paloma is super duper simple. Simply take the traditional paloma ingredients (grapefruit juice, tequila, and lime juice), give them a stir or a shake, and top with a natural peach soda.
If you have ripe peaches on hand, you could certainly garnish this beautiful fresh cocktail with them, or give them a squeeze to drain the peach nectar. The nectar would be beautiful with a little tequila, topped with club or peach soda.
5. Aperol Coconut Margarita
I did say I love a fun margarita! Also, Aperol. While it took me a while to accept that I love an Aperol Spritz, I’m all in now. And while I’m not a huuugeee coconut fan (are you?), I do enjoy it in the summertime and love that it’s in the form of coconut milk in this fresh summer cocktail, which adds a touch of creaminess. This Aperol Coconut Margarita makes me feel like I’m basking in sunshine while planning a trip abroad.
6. Creamsicle Prosecco Floats
Oh goodness. Are creamsicles nostalgic for you? While creamsicles may ring some childhood notes for some of us, for others they may simply be a beautiful, creamy, way to refresh. These Creamsicle Prosecco Floats are crazy easy — one scoop of vanilla ice cream, one scoop of orange sherbet, top with Prosecco and garnish. I love a drink that feels special, but is not at all overwhelming when it comes to the recipe.
7. Spicy Pineapple Coconut Cocktail
This Spicy Pineapple Coconut Cocktail gets its heat from ginger, which is such a nice balance to the pineapple. If you’re not a ginger fan, you could skip it and instead, muddle some mint in the glass to add some layers of flavor. Alternatively, if you want heat, but don’t want ginger, you could also muddle jalapeño in the shaker and strain it out when pouring into your glass. If you don’t like too much heat, just start with a little bit and avoid the seeds.
8. Pineapple Mango Rum Punch
I love cocktails that can be batched for a get together. This Pineapple Mango Rum Punch is clearly just beautiful, combining pineapple, coconut, mango, orange flavors with grenadine. If you are not a fan of a punch that’s on the sweeter side, this would be lovely with the addition of lime juice (the tartness will cut the sweetness of the juices) and topped with club soda.
9. Passionfruit & Elderflower “Wildest Dreams” Martini
This floral and fruity martini can be made with gin or vodka (based on your preference), and Baked By Claire includes many variations — one of which you’re bound to love if you’re a passionfruit and elderflower fan. My husband grew up with passionfruit so a passionfruit drink or dessert always catches my eye. With it’s bright, complex flavor profile, boasting both tartness and sweetness, it’s a well rounded flavor for a fresh summer cocktail.
Grab your favorite coupe glass and your cocktail shaker. As my kids would say, “LET’S GOOO!”
10. Pink Dragonfruit Pineapple Rum Fizz
This gorgeously hued pink cocktail in a highball glass is as easy as it is stunning (and can be batched). Simply combine pineapple juice, dragonfuit powder, and rum, and top with soda water (or club if that’s what you have on hand).
Did you find a fresh cocktail perfect for you during these summer months?
If you try one of these recipes or have your own favorite for fresh cocktails during the warm weather months, please share!
Whether boasting flavors native to you or simply a refreshing cocktail you enjoy, we would love to hear it. Cheers!
Other breezy summer entertaining posts which may be of interest to you:
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