Summer is the perfect season for enjoying a refreshing cocktail in the sun. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, having a picnic, or simply relaxing in your backyard, a delicious cocktail can enhance your summer experience. 

Here are some of the best summer cocktails to make and enjoy these days:

Margarita

The margarita is a classic summer cocktail that never goes out of style. To make it, you’ll need tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a touch of simple syrup. Shake all the ingredients together with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed glass, and garnish with a lime wedge. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.

Mojito

The mojito is a refreshing cocktail that is perfect for those who love the combination of mint and lime. To make a mojito, you’ll need rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and club soda. Muddle the mint and sugar together in a glass, add ice, rum, and lime juice, and top with club soda. Stir well and garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.

Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is an Italian classic that has become increasingly popular in recent years. To make it, you’ll need Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water. Fill a wine glass with ice, add Aperol and Prosecco, and top with soda water. Garnish with an orange slice for a beautiful summer cocktail.

Pina Colada

The Pina Colada is a tropical cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. To make it, you’ll need rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth, and pour into a glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry for a tropical vibe.

Sangria

Sangria is a fruity and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for summer. To make it, you’ll need red wine, fruit juice, fruit slices, and a sweetener of your choice. Mix all the ingredients together in a pitcher and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors infuse. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh fruit.

Daiquiri

The Daiquiri is a classic cocktail that is perfect for those who love a simple, refreshing drink. To make it, you’ll need rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake all the ingredients together with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with a lime wedge.

Another great idea for summer cocktails is to incorporate fresh herbs, such as basil, rosemary, or thyme, to add a unique twist to your drink. For example, a basil gin fizz made with gin, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water is a perfect cocktail for a hot summer day.

You can also experiment with different types of spirits and liqueurs, such as vodka, gin, or Campari, to create a range of cocktails with different flavors and intensities. For example, a gin and tonic made with cucumber, mint, and lime is a refreshing and light cocktail that is perfect for a summer picnic.

If you’re hosting a summer party, consider setting up a DIY cocktail bar where guests can create their own custom drinks. Provide a range of spirits, mixers, and garnishes, such as fresh fruit, herbs, and bitters, and let your guests get creative.

Here are some additional tips to make your DIY cocktail bar a hit at your summer party:

Label the ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients are labeled and clearly visible. You can use small chalkboards or labels to identify the different spirits, mixers, and garnishes. This will make it easy for your guests to find what they need and avoid confusion.

Provide recipe cards: Consider providing recipe cards with some suggested cocktails and their ingredients. This will give your guests some inspiration and help them come up with their own creations.

Use quality ingredients: Make sure you provide high-quality ingredients, such as fresh fruits, herbs, and premium spirits. This will make a big difference in the taste of the cocktails and make your guests feel special.

Keep it organized: Keep the cocktail bar organized and clean throughout the party. Have extra cups, ice, and napkins on hand to avoid any messes or spills.

Offer non-alcoholic options: Make sure to provide some non-alcoholic options for guests who don’t drink or who are the designated drivers. You can offer soda, juice, or flavored water as mixers.

Have fun: Finally, remember to have fun and encourage your guests to get creative with their cocktails. A DIY cocktail bar is a great way to add some excitement to your summer party and create a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

Consider a theme: To make your DIY cocktail bar more exciting, consider having a theme for the drinks. For example, you could have a tropical theme and provide ingredients such as coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum.

Have a bartender: Consider having a bartender or two to help your guests create their cocktails. This will add to the experience and ensure that the cocktails are made correctly.

Provide ice: Make sure you have plenty of ice on hand for your guests. Consider having an ice bucket or cooler filled with ice cubes or crushed ice.

Make it interactive: Encourage your guests to try different combinations of ingredients and share their creations with others. You could even have a competition for the best cocktail or have guests vote for their favorite.

Keep it safe: Finally, remember to keep the safety of your guests in mind. Make sure you have plenty of non-alcoholic options and encourage your guests to drink responsibly. Consider having a designated driver or offering transportation options for those who have had too much to drink.

Lastly, don’t forget about frozen cocktails, such as frozen daiquiris or frozen margaritas, which are perfect for hot summer days. Simply blend your favorite cocktail ingredients with ice, and serve in a chilled glass for a fun and refreshing treat.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to summer cocktails, so don’t be afraid to get creative and try new recipes. Whether you prefer a classic margarita or a fruity sangria, there’s a cocktail out there that will suit your taste buds and make your summer days even more enjoyable.

In conclusion, these are some of the best summer cocktails to make and enjoy these days. Whether you’re sipping on a refreshing mojito or a tropical Pina Colada, these cocktails are sure to enhance your summer experience. So gather your friends, fire up the grill, and enjoy a delicious cocktail in the sun!