Shake up Summer: Easy and Quick Summertime Cocktail Recipes
There is something so fulfilling about having an ice cold cocktail on a beautiful summer day and truthfully, nothing completes the summertime vibe better than delicious cocktails. Fortunately, crafting up perfect summertime cocktail doesn't have to be complicated. We've compiled some of the best and easy-to-make cocktail recipes that are sure to shake up any summertime day!
The Classic Margarita
The Classic Margarita is a beloved cocktail for summertime sipping. It's a timeless drink that never goes out of style and can be customized to your liking. Here's our easy and quick recipe for this classic cocktail:
- 2 oz. tequila
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- 1⁄2 oz. triple sec
- Salt for rimming glass
- Lime wheel for garnish
1. Rub the rim of your glass with a lime wedge and dip the rim into salt to coat.
2. In a shaker, add ice, tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec. Shake well.
3. Strain the mixture into the salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel.
The Classic Margarita is a refreshing and tangy cocktail that's perfect for summer days. You can also add a touch of sweetness by using flavored simple syrup or fresh fruit juices. Experiment with different tequila types, like silver, reposado, or añejo, to find your preferred taste. If you’re feeling like a big dawg, substitute your tequila for a cognac. Cheers to a timeless classic!
Watermelon Vodka Cooler
When it comes to summertime cocktails, nothing says refreshing like watermelon. This fruity and refreshing drink is perfect for sipping on the porch with friends or while lying out by the pool. The Watermelon Vodka Cooler is incredibly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
- 2 cups of watermelon chunks
- 1 1/2 oz of vodka
- 1 oz of fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz of honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
- Club soda
1. In a blender, puree the watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
3. In a shaker, combine the watermelon juice, vodka, lime juice, and honey syrup. Shake well.
4. Fill a highball glass with ice, and strain the cocktail into the glass.
5. Top the cocktail with club soda, and garnish with a watermelon slice or mint leaves.
The Watermelon Vodka Cooler is another cocktail that can be customized to your liking. You can also make it a mocktail by omitting the vodka. With its bright colors and sweet flavors, this drink is sure to impress your tastebuds. So, go ahead and shake up a Watermelon Vodka Cooler this weekend!
Pineapple Rum Punch
Pineapple and rum are a match made in heaven and this punch is the perfect recipe to transport you to a tropical island. This cocktail is sweet and tangy with a little bit of a kick. Perfect for those summer nights when you want to relax and enjoy the perfect drink while watching the sunset.
- 2 cups of fresh pineapple juice
- 1 cup of white rum
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup of lime juice
- 2 tbsp of honey
- 1/4 cup of grenadine
- Pineapple wedges and cherries for garnish
1. In a large pitcher, add fresh pineapple juice, white rum, orange juice, pineapple chunks, lime juice and honey.
2. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Add grenadine to the pitcher and gently stir, but don't over mix, as the drink may lose its pretty pink color.
4. Place some ice cubes into a cocktail shaker and add some of the pineapple rum punch.
5. Shake well and strain into glasses filled with ice cubes.
6. Garnish each glass with pineapple wedges and cherries and serve.
The combination of sweet pineapple and tart lime juice makes the Pineapple Rum Punch so refreshing. Try making this Pineapple Rum Punch at your next summer gathering you won't be disappointed!
Strawberry Basil Smash
Nothing says summertime quite like strawberries and fresh herbs. That's why we're crushing hard on the Strawberry Basil Smash cocktail. This fruity, refreshing drink is the perfect addition to any Sunday brunch or poolside hangout.
To make this cocktail, you'll need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 3-4 fresh strawberries
- 2-3 fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
To start, muddle the strawberries and basil in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup, then fill the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled, then strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and a strawberry, if desired.
If you're feeling fancy, you can also add a splash of club soda or sparkling water to give the cocktail a little fizz. The Strawberry Basil Smash is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day, but it also pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, and fresh salads. Trust us; this drink will be a hit with all your guests.
Cucumber Gin and Tonic
Looking for a refreshing and crisp cocktail that screams summer? Look no further than the cucumber gin and tonic. With the perfect balance of herbaceous gin and cool cucumber.
To make this easy and refreshing cocktail, start by slicing up some fresh cucumber and muddling it in the bottom of your glass. Add in a shot of your favorite gin, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and top with tonic water. Give it a quick stir, and you've got a cocktail that's ready to sip in minutes.
Not only does the cucumber add a delicious and refreshing flavor, but it also adds a pop of color that makes this drink a showstopper. Serve it up with some ice and a sprig of fresh mint for an extra burst of flavor.
Looking for a fun twist on this classic cocktail? Swap out the tonic water for ginger beer to add a little spice and depth to the drink. You can also try using a cucumber-infused gin for an even more refreshing flavor.
No matter how you make it, the cucumber gin and tonic is the perfect cocktail for any summer occasion. Cheers to summer!
