Summer drinks are my favorite way to cool down a hot afternoon. I rounded up my best sangrias, cocktails, and frozen sips right here. Every one is easy and refreshing.
I built this list for backyard parties and lazy weekends alike. You will find boozy pitchers, no-alcohol coolers, and a few frozen treats. Pick a few and mix away.
Planning the whole spread? These drinks go with my Father’s Day grilling recipes and my Memorial Day cookout ideas. Cheers to summer.
Summer Sangrias
Sangria is the ultimate make-ahead pitcher. I let mine sit so the fruit soaks up all the wine.
Rosé Sangria with Fresh Peaches
My Rosé Sangria with Fresh Peaches tastes like summer in a glass. Sliced peaches and berries soak in chilled rosé until juicy and sweet.
Stone Fruit Sangria
My Stone Fruit Sangria is loaded with peaches, plums, and cherries. The fruit softens in red wine for a deep, jammy pour.
Easy Summer Cocktails
These cocktails come together fast. Each one is bright, citrusy, and built for sipping outside.
Classic Mint Mojitos
My Classic Mint Mojitos stay cool and crisp from muddled mint and lime. I top them with soda for a fizzy finish.
Sparkling Ginger Cocktail
My Sparkling Ginger Cocktail gets a warm, spicy kick from fresh ginger. Bubbles and citrus keep it light and easy to drink.
Citrus Sidecar Cocktail
My Citrus Sidecar Cocktail balances brandy with fresh lemon and orange. It is tart, smooth, and a little fancy.
Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
My watermelon vodka cocktail blends fresh watermelon and basil with a splash of vodka into a pitcher-ready sipper that tastes like a hot afternoon by the pool.
Rosemary-Grapefruit Gin Fizz
This bright rosemary-grapefruit gin fizz pairs tart grapefruit and gin with an easy homemade rosemary syrup for a refreshing, herbal cooler.
Lemonade, Iced Tea & Iced Chai
Not every drink needs alcohol. These chilled classics work all day long.
Rose Lemonade
My Rose Lemonade gets a floral lift from rose water. It is tart, sweet, and pretty in the glass.
Strawberry Lemonade
My strawberry lemonade blends ripe summer strawberries into fresh-squeezed lemonade for a sweet-tart pitcher the whole backyard will drain fast.
10 Minute Iced Tea
My 10 Minute Iced Tea is the fastest one I make. Ten minutes gets you a smooth, never-bitter pitcher.
Iced Chai Latte
My Iced Chai Latte is spiced chai over ice with cold milk. It is creamy, cozy, and refreshing at once.
Frozen & Slushie Drinks
When it is really hot, I reach for something frozen. These boozy ice treats double as dessert.
Cherry Merlot Winesicles
My Cherry Merlot Winesicles freeze sangria into a grown-up treat. Cherries and red wine make every bite juicy.
Peach Bourbon Snow Cones
My Peach Bourbon Snow Cones soak shaved ice in peach and bourbon syrup. They are part cocktail, part nostalgic snow cone.
Non-Alcoholic Summer Drinks
These coolers keep everyone happy, kids included. They are my go-to summer drinks for daytime parties.
Mango Lassi
My Mango Lassi blends sweet mango with yogurt into a thick, creamy sip. It takes four ingredients and a blender.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
My Watermelon Agua Fresca blends watermelon and lime into the most refreshing cooler. I strain mine for a smooth, light drink.
Watermelon Milkshake
Inspired by a Thai market stand, my 3-ingredient watermelon milkshake whips fresh watermelon into a frosty, creamy cooler with no alcohol in sight.
I hope these summer drinks make your hottest days a little cooler. Save this list for your next backyard party.
