Summer Cocktails that will Refresh You

Summer Cocktails

Long hot days call for refreshing summer cocktails that quench your thirst and help you unwind. There’s nothing like a zingy mojito or a crisp Aperol spritz to make you feel like you are on vacation in your own backyard. In this article, we’ll take a look at some easy summer cocktails you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients.

What Makes a Great Summer Cocktail?

When temperatures are high we naturally crave lighter, refreshing flavors such as fresh mint, citrus and tropical fruits. Most popular summer cocktails have some sugar for a burst of extra energy and are served over plenty of ice. Fruit-based cocktails are especially tempting since most fruits have a high water content as well as valuable nutrients to help keep us hydrated.

Wherever possible it’s best to use natural seasonal ingredients such as freshly-pressed fruit juices rather than store-bought juices which are high in sugar. It’s also important to use good quality spirits since these can make or break your cocktail.

Easy Summer Cocktail Recipes to Make at Home

Here are some of the best summer cocktails to make at home. These are our go-to summer cocktails that can be made with just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen.

• Raspberry Lime Rickey: Ripe raspberries and tangy lime are just made for summer cocktails. Shake together 2 oz gin, 1 oz lime juice and 0.5 oz raspberry syrup and pour into a highball glass filled with ice. You can top off the glass with as much soda water as you want. Don’t forget to add a few fresh raspberries at the end!

  

  
  

• Cucumber Basil Gimlet: Inspired by fragrant Italian basil, this cocktail is delicious when made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Muddle 3-4 basil leaves and 3-4 slices of cucumber in a shaker and then add 2 oz gin, 1 oz lime juice and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds before straining it into a glass.

  

  
  

• Spanish Sangria: This Spanish summer cocktail is made by combining a bottle of red wine, 1 cup of orange juice, and a splash of brandy in a large jug. Add sliced fruits and a little sparkling water to make it extra refreshing and serve chilled. Read the complete article.

  

  
  

• Strawberry Balsamic Smash: This adventurous cocktail combines sweet and sour flavors to create something truly thirst-quenching. Muddle 3-4 strawberries in a shaker with 1 oz simple syrup and 1 oz balsamic vinegar. Add 2 oz of your favorite bourbon and shake over ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a sprig of mint.

  

  
  

• Rum Punch: Refreshing summer cocktails like this simple rum punch are great for parties and big events. Make a pitcher for 6 people by combining 1 cup light rum, 1 cup dark rum, 2 cups orange juice, 2 cups pineapple juice, juice of 2 limes, and a quarter cup of grenadine. Add plenty of ice and sliced fruits right before serving.

  

  
  

• Whiskey Ginger Julep: Summer cocktails don’t have to be limited to just rum, tequila or gin. Muddle a couple of mint leaves and 0.5 oz simple syrup in the glass. Add 2 oz of your favorite whisky plus 2 oz ginger beer and fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir it all together and add a sprig of mint as a garnish.

  

  
  

Also Read: 5 Classic Whiskey Cocktails for Summer

Choosing the Right Spirits for Your Cocktail

Choosing the right spirit for the summer cocktail is always tricky. No worries now, we have covered the best spirits for summer cocktails for you. Here is the list -

Best Whiskey for Cocktails

Lighter, smoother whiskies with subtle flavors tend to work better for summer cocktails. It’s best to avoid really peaty or oaky whiskies as the flavors can clash or overpower fruity or herbal components. A classic bourbon like Buffalo Trace or Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon is a great choice for a summer Julep thanks to the subtle notes of caramel and spice and mellow personality. Irish whiskey like Jameson is another great choice because it is triple-distilled which gives it a smoother and lighter profile.

If you prefer more robust whiskies, go for punchier options like Sazerac Rye or Pendleton 12 Year Canadian Rye Whisky. The spicy character of these rye whiskies works beautifully in an Old Fashioned or just a simple whiskey and lemonade mixer to beat the summer heat.

Best Gin for Cocktails

Gin also comes in a whole world of varieties and styles, so we highly recommend experimenting and discovering your own favorites. The most popular is London Dry Gin which is clean and crisp with plenty of juniper influence. Tanqueray London Dry Gin and ​​Bombay Sapphire are great options for Cucumber Basil Gimlet since it goes well with herbal flavors. 

Other great options to experiment with include St. George Terroir Gin which is made with local Californian botanicals and the unique FY Organic Hawaiian Gin. 

Best Wine for Cocktails

Wine is a staple ingredient in many refreshing summer cocktails from Europe, whether it’s used as the base for a fruity Spanish sangria or an elegant mimosa. Red wine is typically used for sangria and we recommend choosing a light and fruity option like this 2022 Bodegas Borsao Garnacha Selección.

For mimosas, bellinis and other sparkling cocktails, it pays to use a good quality sparkling wine or Prosecco. We especially like this 2020 Korbel Natural Methode Champenoise from the Russian River Valley which offers a Californian take on Champagne. Or keep it classic with the Ferrari Trento Brut which has just a touch of sweetness and works beautifully with fruit-based cocktails.

Where to Buy Spirits for Refreshing Summer Cocktails?

Part of the fun of making these easy summer cocktails is experimenting with new flavors and getting creative. Here at Bottle Barn, we have a huge selection of spirits and wines to get you started. And our experts are always on hand to help you pick out the right bottles for you. Whether it’s a punchy rye whisky or a delicious bottle of rosé from a local California producer, we’ve got something we think you’ll love.