Summer Cocktail Recipes Everyone Will Love

Summer has begun and temperatures are quickly on the rise. What better way to cool off than with a refreshing cocktail? It’s the perfect season for hosting outdoor parties and relaxing by the pool. Whether you’re into a classic margarita or something with a little twist, here are some summer cocktail recipes everyone will love.

Pimm’s Cup

Originally crafted in The Big Easy, Pimm’s Cup is the fruity, refreshing drink of the south. The very best Pimm’s Cup is served at The Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. It contains pretty low alcohol so you can feel safe having a couple.

2 ounces of Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur

1 slice of English cucumber

1 ½ teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

4 ounces of ginger ale or ginger beer

Garnished with a lemon slice and sliced cucumber

Muddled the English cucumber at the bottom of a Collin’s glass. Add crushed ice, Pimm’s No. 1, and lemon juice. Fill with ginger ale and add garnishes.

Paloma

Palomas are among Mexico’s most popular cocktails – no wonder they’re a perfect summer drink. If you like drinks that are a little tart and sour, then you’ll love a Paloma.

2 ounces of silver tequila

3 oz. of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

½ of a squeezed lime

3 oz of club soda

Pinch of salt

Garnished with a lime

Mix silver tequila with lime juice and salt in a Collin’s glass. Top off with grapefruit juice and club soda. Garnish with a lime.

Jalapeño Margarita

Maybe you’re someone that wants to add a little extra heat to the summer. Jalapeño margaritas are a fun twist on a classic cocktail. Remember it’s always 100 times better if you skip the store-bought mix – they’re always way too sour. Freshly squeezed limes are the only way to go.

¾ cup of the tequila of your choosing

¼ cup of jalapeño peppers

¼ cup of Grand Marnier

½ cup of freshly squeezed lime juice

¼ cup of simple syrup

A splash of club soda

Pour tequila into a glass and add your jalapeños. Let the mixture soak for about 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. Mix in the Grand Marnier, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add a splash of club soda and ice. Garnish with a couple of jalapeños and lime.

Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer

If you’re a fan of darker liquors, then try this alcoholic version of a classic beverage. This drink is really easy to make and great for serving a large group. It’s basically the drunken cousin of a peach Snapple.

1 part lemonade

1 part iced tea

1 tsp of simple syrup

1 ounce of your choice of bourbon

½ ounce of peach liqueur

½ of a peach

Garnished with a mint leaf

Mix all of the ingredients into a pitcher in no particular order. Stir and serve with regular ice or a whiskey ice ball. Garnish with slices of peaches and a piece of mint.

Rose Sangria

This recipe from Williams and Sonoma is always a huge hit. You can never go wrong with sangria.

1 bottle of your choice of rosé

1 cup of grapefruit juice

½ cup of orange juice

3 ounces of Cointreau

3 ounces of brandy

2 ounces of simple syrup

1 lemon

1 orange

4 cups of raspberries

¾ cup of seltzer

Combine everything the rose, grapefruit, orange, Cointreau, brandy, simple syrup, and fruit in a pitcher. Refrigerate for no longer than 8 hours. Top each drink off with seltzer and garnish with an orange.