Summer. It’s synonymous with relaxing poolside, hitting the beach, or grilling up an amazing meal on the back patio. And what better way to elevate these classic summer moments than with a refreshing summer cocktail? Mix up your summertime plans and explore some of our most delicious summer cocktail recipes.
The Origin Story Of Cocktails
The word “cocktail” likely originated from a centuries-old practice of garnishing drinks with the feathers of a rooster’s tail. Over time, the term evolved to specifically mean a drink made from spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. Eventually, a wide array of tasty ingredients was added to the mix, leading to the vast menu of delicious cocktail recipes we enjoy today.
Recipe #1: Classic Mojito
The Mojito is a Cuban classic that balances the perfect notes of sweet, citrus, and herbal. It’s a light, thirst-quenching drink you’ll find yourself sipping all summer long.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. white rum
- 6-8 mint leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tsp. sugar
- Club soda, to top
- Cocktail ice
Instructions
- Muddle mint leaves, sugar, and several lime wedges together in a sturdy glass. The goal is to release the oils and flavors, not pulverize the leaves.
- Add rum and plenty of cocktail ice.
- Top with club soda and stir.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wedge.
Recipe #2: Fruity Watermelon Frosé
If you’ve never enjoyed the delightful combination of frozen watermelon and rosé, now’s your chance! Frosé is a perfect, slushy poolside treat.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon, frozen
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry rosé wine
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2-4 tbsp. honey (depending on desired sweetness)
- Cocktail ice
Instructions
- Combine frozen watermelon, rosé, honey, and lime juice in a high-powered blender.
- Blend until smooth and frosty, adding small amounts of cocktail ice if your blender struggles with the mixture.
- Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately.
Recipe #3: Frozen Margarita
Frozen margaritas are essential for any summer party, bringing tangy, salty, and sweet flavors to the refreshment table.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. silver tequila
- 2 oz. lime juice
- 1 oz. orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1 tbsp. agave nectar (or simple syrup)
- Salt for rimming the glass (optional)
- Plenty of cocktail ice
Instructions
- If you like a salt rim, moisten the edge of your glass with a wedge of lime and dip it into salt.
- Combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, agave nectar, and ice in a blender.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Enjoy!
Recipe #4: Paloma
This lesser-known Mexican cocktail rivals the margarita in its refreshing qualities. Combining tequila, grapefruit, and a bit of fizz, it’s both tart and bright.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. blanco tequila
- 1 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ oz. fresh lime juice
- Agave nectar to taste (optional)
- Grapefruit soda or club soda
- Cocktail ice
Instructions
- Add tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice to a tall glass filled with cocktail ice.
- Add a dash of agave nectar if you desire more sweetness.
- Top with soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a grapefruit or lime wedge.
Recipe #5: Strawberry Basil Smash
If you have fresh herbs in your garden, this cocktail is a must-try. It’s a fruity twist on a classic whiskey smash.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 4-5 strawberries
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- Cocktail ice
Instructions
- Muddle strawberries and basil in a cocktail shaker.
- Add bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill with cocktail ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry and basil leaf.
Recipe #6: Aperol Spritz
This iconic Italian cocktail is light, bubbly, and a little bit bitter. It’s the ultimate low-alcohol refreshment.
Ingredients
- 3 oz. Prosecco
- 2 oz. Aperol
- 1 oz. club soda
- Cocktail ice
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Host Your Next Cocktail Party With Emergency Ice
No cocktail creation is complete without the perfect ice!
Emergency Ice will deliver premium cocktail ice right to your door, ensuring that your drinks are always perfectly chilled. Dry ice, block ice and bagged ice delivery is our specialty. If you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, pool party, or any summer event in the DFW area, Emergency Ice has you covered.