Looking for the best summer drink recipes? You're in the right place! Summer is the best time to sip on cocktails, mocktails and smoothies, depending on your lifestyle. This list of must-try drinks should be able to get you through the rest of summer with no problem!
Cool Off with Summer Drinks
Summers are getting hotter and hotter, and the need for refreshing drinks is at an all-time high.
Living in Arizona, I know this better than anyone. That's why I put together this list of our best summer drinks. (And this list of the best frozen desserts, because, well, come on. Our freezer gets a workout in the summertime!)
From cocktails to mocktails to smoothies, there's something here everyone in your house will love. Keep reading for my tips for making summer drinks and 21+ of my favorite recipes.
1. Summer Smoothies: Tips & Tricks
You might think smoothies are a breakfast drink, and they are, of course. But if you haven't been enjoying smoothies for a snack, you are missing out on these filling yet refreshing beverages as a way to cool down.
You could go for a fruit smoothie or a coffee smoothie. Or you can make my basic smoothie recipe with whatever you have on hand.
Stock up on frozen banana, frozen spinach and your favorite ingredients so you always have the makings for smoothies ready to go.
2. Non-Alcoholic Summer Mocktails: Ideas & Tips
Whether there are little ones around or adult non-drinkers, having a few mocktail recipes up your sleeve is a great way to cater to everyone. Plus, they are so dang refreshing!
Lemonade and limeade make great mocktail mixers. Simply add some garnishes — like fresh mint, berries or sliced fruit — to make them feel fancier.
You can also dress up drinks with something sparkling, like ginger ale, sparkling apple cider or seltzer water. The effervescence is ideal for cooling off in the summertime.
Stock up on a shelf-stable lemonade or soda so you always have a drink ready to go. Bonus: You can use leftover lemonade to make lemonade popsicles.
3. Summer Cocktails: Tips & Tricks
Who doesn't like a boozy drink now and again?! Cocktails are one of the best kinds of summer drinks.
Be sure your home bar is well-stocked with your favorite spirits and mixers, so you always have what you need for your favorite drinks ready to go. Rum, gin, tequila and vodka are great ones to have for summer cocktails.
If you're serving a crowd, making drinks in a big batch is a good idea. Then serve it in a pitcher or punch bowl. You could also set out all the ingredients for guests to build their own drinks, à la a mimosa bar.
Here are some great recipes to consider for parties:
- margaritas
- mojitos
- mimosas & bellinis
- sangria
- punch
And don't forget, stocking your fridge with wine and beer is always a good idea too. Bonus: You can use them to make cocktails, like this rosé wine spritzer or a beer margarita.
The Best Summer Drink Recipes
Now, let's get into the best summer drink recipes! These are our favorites. What would you add? Comment below and let me know!
Strawberry Lemonade Mocktail
This sweet and delicious strawberry lemonade is so perfect for summertime! You will love how bright and refreshing it is!
Pineapple Smoothie
Start the day with a refreshing pineapple smoothie! Made with banana and yogurt, this creamy and tangy smoothie tastes just like vacation.
Honey Orange Lemonade
Nothing says summer like a tall glass of Honey Orange Lemonade! This lemonade variation is naturally sweetened with a quick honey simple syrup and made with freshly squeezed oranges and lemons. Celebrate the warmer weather with a refreshing glass of Honey Orange Lemonade!
Blueberry Greek Yogurt Smoothie
Smoothies are the perfect breakfast or snack to pack in tons of flavor and protein! Made with frozen blueberries, plain Greek yogurt, spinach, flax seed and sweetened with a pinch of honey, this Blueberry Greek Yogurt Smoothie is perfect for summertime.
Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie
The Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie is a tropical delight to enjoy for breakfasts and snacks. It tastes like vacation in a glass!
Non-Alcoholic Sangria
Enjoy a summer afternoon picnic or date with this non-alcoholic sangria. With fresh fruit and mint, it's perfectly refreshing.
Tropical Island Green Smoothie
Bright and colorful, this tropical smoothie is packed with flavor, vitamins and tropical vibes. It's a great way to start the day or keep it going as a snack.
Ginger Strawberry Bellini
Planning a brunch? This Ginger Strawberry Bellini is the perfect brunch cocktail for any occasion! With a fresh strawberry purée, orange juice, ginger ale and prosecco, this is not your average Bellini recipe!
White Wine Spritzer with Berries
This white wine spritzer is so refreshing! Add your favorite berries for a sweet and delicious summer sipper.
Peach Smoothie
It's not summer without peaches! You will love these peach smoothies. They're a great way to use up fresh peaches.
Prickly Pear Margarita
If you're looking for a perfect summer cocktail, this Prickly Pear Margarita is it. This margarita is sweet and so refreshing on a hot summer day. It's perfect for a barbecue or chillaxing by the pool.
Peach Raspberry Sangria
This Peach Raspberry Sangria will be the hit of all of your summer get-togethers! A simple sangria recipe with peaches, raspberry, Moscato wine and a quick peach simple syrup makes this cocktail irresistible in the summer.
Peach Blackberry Lemonade Mocktail
This peach blackberry lemonade is the perfect lemonade mocktail for any occasion: baby showers, bridal showers, or just because! This refreshing beverage is perfectly sweet and tart — a fruity version of a classic that everyone will love!
Easy Strawberry Banana Smoothie
There's not much more summery than strawberries! This Greek yogurt smoothie recipe made with strawberries, bananas, Greek yogurt and almond milk is the perfect way to start your morning! This classic fruit combination goes perfectly with creamy Greek yogurt in a smoothie!
Champagne Floats
Champagne Floats make the perfect effortless party cocktail and punch idea for any party! Using champagne or prosecco and your favorite fruity sorbet, you can have a beautiful cocktail that's perfect for sharing!
Mixed Berry Smoothie
A Mixed Berry Smoothie is the perfect quick breakfast or mid-day pick-me-up on a hot day. To make this tasty treat, you only need some frozen fruit, almond milk, spinach and Greek yogurt.
Strawberry Ginger Ale Punch
This sweet, effervescent and non-alcoholic punch is perfect for casual summer get-togethers, but it feels fancy so it works for dinner parties too. Topped with scoops of sorbet, guests won't soon forget this delicious punch.
Blueberry Lemonade
If you're looking for the perfect summer mocktail, this blueberry lemonade is sure to hit the spot! Whether you need a fancy drink for a party or a refreshing drink just because, blueberry lemonade is easy to make and has the perfect blend of tart and sweetness.
Orange Margarita
These Orange Margaritas are perfect to have on your menu. They are made with fresh squeezed orange juice, lime juice, triple sec and tequila for a simple, flavorful and fun margarita recipe! This is a twist on a classic margarita recipe that you're definitely going to want to try.
Watermelon Gin Cocktail
Summer just isn't summer without watermelon. These watermelon gin drinks are refreshing and crushable, perfect for cookouts or for sipping by the pool.
Iced Caramel Macchiato
Coffee drinks in the summertime should be ice-cold, if you ask me. These sweet and delicious iced caramel macchiatos are just like the ones you can get at your favorite coffee shop — but better, because they're homemade.
Michelle Palin says
It would be hard to pick a favorite from this list! They all look so refreshing!!
chelsea jacobs says
The strawberry mojito looks delicious!