Looking for easy summer cocktail recipes to cool off and unwind? This collection of refreshing and hassle-free cocktails is perfect for backyard barbecues or poolside lounging, guaranteed to transport you to a tropical paradise with every sip.

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Summer is here, and what better way to embrace the season than by indulging in a delightful cocktail (or non-alcoholic mocktail)?

Whether you’re planning a backyard gathering, a relaxing poolside retreat, or simply seeking a refreshing sip after a long day, we’ve got you covered. These easy summer cocktail recipes will quench your thirst and keep you cool all season long.

Check out the cocktail recipes listed below and start your planning! My favorites are a classic Aperol spritz or a refreshing glass of frosé (a frozen rosé and strawberry slushie).

Some of the cocktail recipes can also be made into non-alcoholic beverages!

And what goes better with a cocktail than an irresistible appetizer? Try bacon wrapped dates, Mexicali dip, air fryer coconut shrimp, or crab rangoon dip.

If the list below doesn’t quench your thirst, browse all of our beverage recipes where you’ll find recipes for smoothies, juices, and more.

Summer Cocktail Recipes

Frosé in a glass, garnished with a strawberry slice, surrounded by whole strawberries and ice cubes on a white surface.

Frosé

4.56 from 29 votes
Rosé wine blended with frozen strawberries is the ultimate summer refreshment!
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Two French 75 cocktails garnished with lemon twists.

French 75

5 from 2 votes
Bright and sunshiny, this lemon, gin, and sparkling wine cocktail is a classic for a good reason!
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An light orange aperol spritz in a wine glass garnished with orange peel cut into the shape of a star.

Aperol Spritz Recipe

5 from 6 votes
Another classic summer cocktail, an aperol spritz is slightly bitter, slightly sweet, and so very refreshing!
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Two glasses of vodka lemonade garnished with orange wedges.

Vodka Lemonade

4.72 from 7 votes
Vodka lemonade is super easy to make and always a crowd pleaser! Ours has a special White Claw twist!
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Light red drink in a stemmed glass with raspberries nearby.

Raspberry Rosé Spritzer

5 from 1 vote
We love a spritzer in the summer and this raspberry rosé spritzer is refreshing, flavorful, and easy to make!
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Peach colored paloma cocktail on ice with a grapefruit and lime wedge.

Paloma Recipe – Spicy or Traditional

5 from 6 votes
Whether you like it sweet or spicy, this grapefruit tequila cocktail is perfect with tacos or nachos!
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White wine spritzer with berry ice cubes.

White Wine Spritzer with Berry Ice Cubes

5 from 2 votes
This refreshing white wine spritzer with berry ice cubes is the epitome of sweet sophistication for all your summer celebrations.
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Bright red cocktail garnished with a cherry and a lime wheel.

Bay Breeze Recipe

4.67 from 6 votes
If you love a fruity drink, this one is for you! Tart cranberry and sweet pineapple juice are perfectly paired in this refreshing cocktail!
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Beautiful cocktails made with gin and tonic water and lime.

Classic Gin and Tonic Recipe – tips to make the best!

5 from 2 votes
You can't go wrong with a classic gin and tonic! Try adding muddled cucumber for something different and unique!
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Two stemmed glasses with rose spritzers, garnished with strawberries.

Rosé Spritzer

4.67 from 3 votes
Another great spritzer, this rosé spritzer only needs two ingredients!
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Red iced beverage in a margarita glass.

Strawberry Margarita Punch

5 from 12 votes
If you like a sweeter drink, try this strawberry margarita punch!
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Three long stem wine glasses filled with frozen sangria, and topped with a fresh strawberry and orange slice. A paper straw is in each glass.

Frozen Sangria Slushie

4.67 from 3 votes
I honestly like this cocktail better than traditional sangria because you don't have to fish fruit out of your glass after you drink the sangria!
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Overhead view of watermelon slushie garnished with lime and mint.

Watermelon Slushie

5 from 2 votes
This watermelon slushie is an easy summer refresher perfect for hot, humid days. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it can be made with or without alcohol.
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A mash-up of a vanilla milkshake and a mojito, this mojito milkshake is absolute summer perfection! You'll love the flavors of a mojito in a decadent summer treat. Get the recipe on RachelCooks.com!

Mojito Milkshake

5 from 3 votes
A mash-up between a cocktail and a milkshake, this mojito milkshake is the ultimate summer refresher!
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Close up view of a pink lemonade on ice, garnished with berries and fresh mint.

Sparkling Pink Lemonade (with cocktail option!)

4.50 from 4 votes
Whether you make this one a cocktail or a mocktail, you're sure to be satisfied and refreshed!
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Two light pinkish red cocktails garnished with blood oranges, on a tray.

Blood Orange Martini

4.38 from 8 votes
The color of this cocktail is bright and fun, and the flavor is undeniably delicious!
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Pineapple margarita with chili rim.

Pineapple Margarita (or Mezcal Margarita)

5 from 2 votes
Shake up a refreshing homemade pineapple margarita for a refreshing change this summer. Try both options: with tequila or with smoky mezcal.
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8 Comments

  1. Lihle says:

    I love to make cocktail

    Reply
    1. Rachel Gurk says:

      Same!

      Reply
  2. Bri | Bites of Bri says:

    Great roundup Rachel! I cannot wait to try some of these from each category.

    Reply
  3. Kate @ Diethood says:

    Goodness… everything sounds so good! And I LOOOVE that first photo! Wish I could start sippin’ on it!!
    Thank you for including my Spritzer!

    Reply
  4. Christy @ My Invisible Crown says:

    Love these!!! Such a great list and so many options. :)

    Reply
  5. Julia says:

    Great round-up! Saving this for some of our upcoming parties!

    Reply
  6. denise says:

    nice selection

    Reply
  7. Lauren at Keep It Sweet says:

    I seriously miss real cocktails but I love that there are so many non-alcoholic options!

    Reply