18 Summer Cocktails for Parties, BBQs and Backyard Gatherings

I’ve made all of these at some point over the last couple of summers – some at actual gatherings, some just because it was hot and I wanted something better than a glass of warm lemonade. The watermelon margarita slush and the strawberry sangria pitcher are the two summer cocktails I make most often when I’m feeding a group because they scale up easily and don’t require individual shaking per glass.

There’s a range here from properly boozy (the coconut rum punch, the spiked Arnold Palmer) to light and refreshing (the lavender lemonade spritz, the cucumber basil gimlet). A few of them work as mocktails with minimal adjustment – I’ve noted where that’s the case in the tips for each one.

If you’re planning a full summer spread to go alongside these, the BBQ sides roundup and the 5-ingredient BBQ sauces cover the food side. The frozen lemonade slushie is also worth knowing about for anyone not drinking.

1. Lavender Lemonade Spritz

Lavender syrup sounds fussier than it is – it’s just equal parts sugar and water simmered with dried lavender for a few minutes, then strained. Once you have it, this comes together in seconds: lemon juice, lavender syrup, sparkling water, ice. The colour is beautiful and the floral note from the lavender is subtle enough that it reads as interesting rather than soapy. Good as-is or with a shot of gin if you want something stronger.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup lavender syrup
• 2 cups sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lavender Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water with dried lavender buds. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool and strain out the lavender.
2. Mix the Drink: In a pitcher, combine the lemon juice and lavender syrup. Stir well to mix.
3. Serve: In a glass filled with ice, pour the lemon-lavender mixture and top it with sparkling water. Stir gently.
4. Garnish and Enjoy: Add fresh lavender sprigs and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.

Tips: Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of lavender syrup. For a non-alcoholic version, simply serve the lavender lemonade without any spirits, or replace the sparkling water with your favorite soda.

Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings. Nutritional Information: Approximately 150 calories per serving (without additional spirits).

2. Blueberry Gin Fizz

Muddled blueberries give this gin fizz a deep purple colour and a berry sweetness that makes it taste more complex than the ingredient list suggests. The lemon juice keeps it sharp rather than sweet. If you want to make a batch version, muddle the blueberries and mix everything except the soda water ahead of time – top each glass individually when you pour so the fizz doesn’t go flat sitting in a pitcher.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• Soda water
• Ice
• Mint or rosemary sprig for garnish

Instructions

1. Muddle the blueberries in a shaker to release their juices.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with soda water and gently stir to combine.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint or rosemary and a few whole blueberries.

Enjoy this delightful Blueberry Gin Fizz as a refreshing treat on a sunny day!

Tips: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup. For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the gin with tonic water and follow the same steps for a refreshing mocktail.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories: 150, Carbs: 12g, Sugars: 10g.

3. Watermelon Margarita Slush

This is the one to make when you’re feeding a group and want something that looks spectacular with minimal effort. Blended watermelon, lime, tequila and agave over ice – the watermelon does all the flavour work and gives it a colour that photographs brilliantly. Blend just before serving so it stays properly slushy. Salt the rim, add a wedge of watermelon on the glass, done.

Ingredients

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup tequila (or more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons agave syrup (or honey)
• Ice cubes
• Salt (for rimming the glass)
• Lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Blend the watermelon cubes until smooth, then strain the juice through a sieve to remove any pulp.
2. In a blender, combine watermelon juice, lime juice, tequila, and agave syrup. Add ice and blend until you reach your desired slushy consistency.
3. Rim the glasses with lime juice and dip in salt for a flavorful touch.
4. Pour the slush into the prepared glasses and garnish with lime wedges.

Tips: For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the tequila and replace it with sparkling water.

This drink serves about 4 people and has approximately 120 calories per serving (with tequila). Enjoy!

4. Cucumber Basil Gimlet

The most grown-up drink on this list. Cucumber and basil muddled together with gin and lime juice creates something genuinely elegant – cool, herby, not sweet. It’s the cocktail for people who say they don’t really like cocktails. Strain it well so you get a clean, clear drink rather than bits of herb floating in it, and serve it in a short glass over a big ice cube if you have one.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 4 slices cucumber
• 4-5 fresh basil leaves
• Ice
• Cucumber slice and basil sprig for garnish

Instructions

1. Muddle the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the cucumber slices and basil leaves. Muddle gently to release their flavors.
2. Add the Liquids: Pour in the gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake: Shake well until the mixture is chilled and combined.
4. Strain: Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish: Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of basil. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 150kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14g

5. Peach Bellini Delight

Two ingredients: peach puree and Prosecco. That’s genuinely it – the Bellini is one of those drinks that sounds more impressive than the work involved. The key is the peach puree rather than peach juice – it gives a thicker, more luxurious texture. You can use fresh peaches blended and strained or shop-bought peach puree. Pour the puree into the glass first, then top slowly with cold Prosecco so it doesn’t foam over.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• 1 cup prosecco or sparkling wine
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Blend the peaches: In a blender, combine the sliced peaches and sugar (if using). Blend until smooth. You may strain the puree through a fine sieve if you prefer a smoother texture.
2. Mix the cocktail: In a champagne flute or glass, add about 2-3 tablespoons of peach puree. Slowly pour prosecco over it, allowing it to mix gently.
3. Garnish: Add a few mint leaves on top for a refreshing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips: For a fun twist, try using other fruits like strawberries or raspberries.

This recipe serves 2-3, depending on the glass size. Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and enjoyable sip!

Non-Alcoholic Version:For a non-alcoholic Peach Bellini, substitute prosecco with sparkling water or lemonade, following the same steps for a refreshing summer drink.

6. Classic Daiquiri with Lime

The classic daiquiri is rum, fresh lime juice and simple syrup – nothing else, no fruit, no blending. It’s one of the best cocktails in existence when it’s made properly and one of the most frequently ruined by over-sweetening or using bottled lime juice. Fresh lime is non-negotiable here. Get the balance right (2:1:1 rum to lime to syrup is the starting point) and this is the drink you’ll make every summer.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces white rum
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Fresh lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

1. In a shaker, combine white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

Tips: Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup used. For a non-alcoholic version, simply mix fresh lime juice and soda water with a touch of sugar. This will give you a refreshing Lime Sparkler!
Nutritional Information: Approx. 150 calories per serving (not including the garnish).

7. Spicy Mango Daiquiri

The classic daiquiri format with mango puree and fresh chili – the sweetness of the mango and the slow heat of the chili work together in a way that’s genuinely surprising the first time you try it. Use fresh chili rather than chili powder for a cleaner heat. Start with less than you think you need – you can always add more but you can’t take it out once the drink is mixed.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh mango, chopped
• 1/2 cup white rum
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon agave syrup (optional)
• 1 small chili pepper, sliced (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Chili powder for rimming

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass: Moisten the rim of your glass with lime and dip it into chili powder.
2. Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine mango, rum, lime juice, agave syrup, and chili pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Serve: Fill the prepared glass with ice and pour the blended mixture over. Garnish with mango slices and a slice of chili on top.

Tips: Adjust the amount of chili according to your heat preference. For a smoother texture, strain the mixture before serving.

Servings: This recipe makes 2 servings.

Nutritional Information: Approximately 180 calories per serving, depending on added ingredients.

Non-Alcoholic Versions: Replace the rum with coconut water or sparkling water for a refreshing summer drink! You could also create a Mango Lime Cooler by blending mango with lime juice, soda, and mint for a zesty twist.

8. Tropical Pineapple Mojito

A mojito with pineapple juice in place of some of the soda water. The pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and a slight thickness that makes this feel more substantial than a regular mojito. Muddle the mint properly – press it against the glass with the muddler rather than bashing it, which bruises the leaves and makes the drink bitter. Top with soda water right before serving.

Ingredients

• 2 oz fresh pineapple juice
• 1 oz white rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• 1-2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• Club soda
• Pineapple wedges and mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves and sugar together to release the mint’s aroma and flavor.
2. Add the fresh pineapple juice, lime juice, and white rum. Stir well to combine.
3. Fill the glass with ice and top off with club soda to your desired level.
4. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple and a sprig of mint before serving.

Tips: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar or using a flavored syrup. For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the rum with more pineapple juice or coconut water for a tropical mocktail!

Servings: This recipe serves one but can easily be multiplied for a larger crowd.

Nutritional Information: Approximately 150 calories per serving (without added sugar), rich in vitamin C from pineapple and lime.

Non-Alcoholic Pineapple Mojito: Replace rum with extra pineapple juice or sparkling water and follow the same instructions for a refreshing drink without alcohol!

9. Minted Lemon Thyme Cooler

This one is worth making as a mocktail even if you’re not drinking – lemon juice, thyme simple syrup, fresh mint and sparkling water is genuinely excellent without any alcohol. Add gin or vodka if you want to. The thyme syrup is what makes it interesting – thyme and lemon is a combination that works much better than it sounds, slightly earthy and herby in a way that lifts what would otherwise be a plain lemonade.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 8 lemons)
• 1/2 cup honey or agave syrup
• 4 cups sparkling water
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices and thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. In a pitcher, mix the fresh lemon juice with honey or agave syrup. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
2. Add the fresh mint and thyme leaves to the mixture, and muddle gently to release their flavors.
3. Pour in the sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
4. Serve over ice cubes, and garnish each glass with lemon slices and a sprig of thyme.

Tips: For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit any spirits. This drink can be made ahead of time; just add the sparkling water right before serving to keep it fizzy.

This recipe serves about 6 people and is a great way to keep everyone hydrated and happy!

Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 90, Carbohydrates: 22g, Sugars: 21g, Vitamin C: 20% of Daily Value.

10. Raspberry Mojito

Fresh raspberries muddled with mint, then rum, lime juice and soda water. The raspberries turn the drink a deep pink-red and add a tartness that works really well against the rum. It’s a better drink than the standard mojito if you ask me – the berry adds complexity that plain lime and mint doesn’t have. Make a raspberry simple syrup ahead of time if you’re making a batch, rather than muddling individual portions.

Ingredients

• 10 fresh raspberries
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 ounces white rum
• Soda water
• Ice
• Mint sprigs and raspberries for garnish

Instructions

1. Muddle raspberries, mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice in a glass until well combined.
2. Add ice to the glass, then pour in the white rum.
3. Top off with soda water and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with additional mint leaves and raspberries before serving.

Tips: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste. You can also make a non-alcoholic version by substituting the rum with extra soda water for a refreshing mocktail.

Servings: This recipe makes one cocktail, but it can easily be scaled up for a larger group.

Nutritional Information: Approximately 150 calories per serving (may vary based on sugar and rum used).

11. Cherry Limeade Spritzer

Cherry juice, fresh lime juice, a little simple syrup and sparkling water – this is the lighter option on a table full of heavier cocktails, and it works well as a spritzer for people who want something cold and fizzy without too much alcohol. Use tart cherry juice rather than sweet cherry juice if you can find it – it has more character and stops the drink from tasting like fruit punch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 cups cherry juice
• 4 cups club soda
• Fresh cherries, for garnish
• Lime slices, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lime juice and cherry juice, mixing well.
2. Slowly add the club soda to the mixture, stirring gently to combine without losing too much fizz.
3. Add ice cubes to glasses and pour the spritzer over the ice.
4. Garnish with fresh cherries and lime slices.
5. For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, simply omit any spirits and serve as is!

Tips: Feel free to adjust the proportions to suit your taste! This recipe makes about 6 servings and is perfect for gatherings.

Nutritional information per serving: approximately 90 calories, 22g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.

12. Strawberry Sangria Pitcher

The crowd-serving drink. Make this the night before, refrigerate overnight, and it’s ready to pour when guests arrive – the fruit soaks in the wine and brandy and becomes part of the drink rather than just a garnish. Use a decent but not expensive bottle of red or rosé, add sliced strawberries, orange, brandy and a little orange juice, and leave it to sit. It genuinely improves with time so don’t rush it.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) of dry white wine
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
• Club soda or lemon-lime soda, to top
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix together the wine, orange juice, sliced strawberries, lemon, lime, and brandy (if using). Stir well to combine.
2. Sweeten: Taste the mixture and add sugar if desired, stirring until dissolved.
3. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
4. Serve: When ready to serve, add club soda or lemon-lime soda to the pitcher for a fizzy touch. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Tips: For a fun twist, try adding other fruits like peaches or blueberries.

This recipe serves about 6-8 people and is about 150 calories per serving without added sugar.

For a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling grape juice instead of wine and add extra fruit slices for flavor.

13. Coconut Rum Punch

This is the properly boozy one – coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine. It tastes tropical and refreshing which means people drink more of it than they plan to. Worth making in a big pitcher for a party because it scales up easily and everyone will have some. The grenadine sinks to the bottom if you leave it – stir just before pouring for the full sunset colour effect.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut rum
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Fresh pineapple slices and maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut cream, and lime juice. Stir well until mixed.
2. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the mixture over the ice.
3. Garnish with fresh pineapple slices and maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy your tropical escape!

Tips: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less coconut cream. For a non-alcoholic version, replace rum with extra pineapple juice and add a splash of soda for fizz.

Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Nutritional Information (per serving): Approx. 180 calories, 0g fat, 24g carbs, 2g protein.

14. Honeydew Melon Margarita

Honeydew melon blended with tequila, lime juice and a little agave – the melon gives it a pale green colour and a delicate sweetness that’s completely different from the watermelon version. It’s a more subtle drink, less punchy, better for people who find regular margaritas too sharp. The melon needs to be properly ripe for this to work – if it’s not sweet when you taste it, the cocktail won’t be either.

Ingredients

• 2 cups honeydew melon, cubed
• 1/2 cup tequila
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon agave syrup (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in salt to coat.
2. Blend: In a blender, combine the honeydew melon, tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup if using. Blend until smooth.
3. Serve: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the blended mixture over the ice.
4. Garnish: Add a lime wedge on the rim for a decorative touch.

15. Spiked Arnold Palmer

An Arnold Palmer is half iced tea, half lemonade – a spiked version adds bourbon or vodka. The bourbon version is better. The tea cuts the sweetness of the lemonade and the bourbon adds a warmth that makes it more interesting than a straight lemonade cocktail. Make a big batch of sweet tea ahead of time, mix with fresh lemonade when you’re ready to serve, and add the bourbon to individual glasses so people can adjust the strength themselves.

Ingredients

• 1 cup strong brewed black tea, cooled
• 1 cup lemonade
• 1/2 cup vodka or bourbon
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the brewed black tea and lemonade.
2. Add the vodka or bourbon and stir well to mix.
3. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the Spiked Arnold Palmer over the ice.
4. Garnish each drink with fresh mint leaves and a lemon slice.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing cocktail!

Tips: For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the vodka or bourbon and enjoy the classic Arnold Palmer. You can also try adding sparkling water for a fizzy twist!

Servings: This recipe serves 4.

Nutritional Information (per serving with vodka): Calories: 150 | Carbohydrates: 12g | Sugars: 10g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g

16. Grapefruit Rosemary Spritz

Grapefruit and rosemary is an underrated combination – the bitterness of the grapefruit and the resinous, slightly piney quality of the rosemary work together in a way that’s genuinely sophisticated. Make a rosemary simple syrup (same method as the thyme syrup above), mix with fresh grapefruit juice, Aperol or Campari if you have it, and top with Prosecco. This is the aperitivo-style drink for the beginning of a summer dinner rather than an afternoon by the pool.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces grapefruit juice
• 1 ounce gin
• 1 ounce tonic water
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Ice cubes
• Grapefruit slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the grapefruit juice and gin, then stir gently.
3. Add tonic water and a sprig of rosemary.
4. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and enjoy!

Tips: For a sweeter drink, you can add a splash of simple syrup.

This recipe makes one serving, but it can easily be multiplied for a crowd. Nutritional information per serving is approximately 150 calories.

Non-Alcoholic Option: For a non-alcoholic Grapefruit Rosemary Spritz, replace gin with tonic water. Use the same proportions for a refreshing mocktail sure to please everyone!

17. Orange Creamsicle Cocktail

This one tastes exactly like the ice cream – orange and vanilla cream in a glass. Orange juice, vanilla vodka, cream or half-and-half, a little simple syrup. It’s rich and sweet so serve it small – this is a dessert cocktail rather than something to drink all afternoon. Works well at the end of a BBQ when you want something that feels indulgent. Shake it hard with ice so it gets properly frothy from the cream.

Ingredients

• 2 oz orange juice
• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 oz orange liqueur (like Triple Sec)
• Ice
• Whipped cream (for garnish)
• Orange slice (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the orange juice, vanilla vodka, orange liqueur, and cream. Fill the shaker with ice.
2. Shake well for about 15 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with whipped cream and garnish with an orange slice.

Servings: 1 cocktail

Nutritional Information (per serving): Approximately 250 calories, 6g fat, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g protein.

For a non-alcoholic version, simply mix orange juice and cream with a splash of soda for fizz. You can also blend orange sherbet with cream and serve it in a glass for a refreshing treat!

18. Frozen Pineapple Coconut Daiquiri

The frozen version of a piña colada essentially, but lighter – pineapple, coconut cream, rum and lime juice blended with ice. The lime juice is what stops it from being cloyingly sweet and keeps it refreshing rather than dessert-like. Blend until completely smooth – any chunks of ice ruin the texture. This is the last drink on the list for a reason: it’s the one to make when the afternoon is winding down and you want something cold and tropical to finish on.

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 1/2 cup white rum
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• Ice, as needed
• Mint leaves, for garnish
• Fresh pineapple slices, for garnish

Instructions

1. Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the frozen pineapple chunks, coconut cream, white rum, and lime juice. Blend until smooth. Add ice to achieve desired thickness.
2. Serve: Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with mint leaves and fresh pineapple slices.
3. Enjoy: Sip and savor the tropical flavors!

Tips: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less coconut cream. For a less thick texture, add a splash of pineapple juice.

Servings: This recipe makes about 2 servings.

Nutritional Information (per serving): Approximately 320 calories, 14g fat, 42g carbs, 2g protein.

For a non-alcoholic version, use 2 cups of coconut water instead of rum and follow the same blending instructions. You can also blend together fresh pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice for a refreshing drink that captures the tropical essence.

These cocktails are all part of the Fourth of July party food roundup – bookmark it for your next summer cookout.

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