Lots of things pair well with a great summer cocktail: lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard BBQ, enjoying a warm summer evening with friends, stargazing with a special someone. The perfect summer drink can elevate even epic moments like these with the perfect touch of relaxation. From fruity and fizzy to smooth and savory, these summer cocktails are designed to bring the splash, adding flavor and fun to summertime. Grab your shaker, ice, and a little bit of sunshine, and let’s explore some great summer drink choices!
Photo by Captured by Augustine.
campari spritz
Serves 4
ingredients
- 2 (1/2-inch) grapefruit wedges, plus thin slices for serving
- 12 ounces Campari, chilled
- 12 ounces Prosecco or sparkling wine, chilled
- 8 ounces grapefruit seltzer or club soda, chilled
- Ice
directions
1. Squeeze juice from grapefruit wedges into a medium glass measuring cup, then add Campari, and stir to combine. Divide Campari mixture among 4 wine glasses.
2. Pour 3 ounces Prosecco and 2 ounces seltzer into each glass. Add a thin grapefruit slice, then fill glasses with ice.
Photo by DenisMArt.
blackberry-mint julep
Serves 1
ingredients
- Small ice cubes
- 1/4 cup blackberries, plus 1 blackberry for garnish
- 2 tablespoons mint leaves, plus 1 mint sprig for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1-1/2 ounces bourbon
directions
1. Fill a rocks glass halfway with ice cubes.
2. In a shaker, combine 1/4 cup of blackberries, mint leaves, sugar, bourbon, and 1/3 cup ice cubes, and shake well.
3. Strain the drink into the glass through a coarse sieve, pressing on the solids.
4. Add a blackberry and mint sprig garnish on top.
Photo by Elena Veselova.
strawberry-mint sangria
Serves 4
ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries, sliced and divided
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, divided
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- Ice
- 1 (750-mL) bottle dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
- 1-1/2 cup (12 ounces) soda water
- 2 ounces St. Germain
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
directions
1. In a cocktail shaker or large measuring cup, using a muddler, mash half the strawberries and half the mint into a chunky paste. Add the simple syrup and continue to muddle until the strawberries are completely broken down.
2. Fill a pitcher with ice, then strain the strawberry syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into the pitcher. Add the wine, soda water, St. Germain, and lemon juice, and stir to combine.
3. Stir in the lemon slices and the remaining 8 ounces strawberries and 1/2 cup mint.
Photo by Murzik Nata.
bourbon peach iced tea
Serves 4-6
ingredients
Peach Simple Syrup
- 1-1/2 pounds fresh peaches (about 3), peeled and sliced
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
Tea
- 6 black tea bags
- 1 cup peach simple syrup
- 1/2 cup (or more) bourbon
- Ice • 1 fresh peach, sliced
directions
Peach Simple Syrup
1. In a medium pot over medium heat, bring peaches, sugar, and 2 cups water to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until peaches have completely softened, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool.
2. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the peaches with a spoon to release more juice. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Make Ahead: Syrup can be made 1 month ahead. Keep refrigerated.
Peachy Tea
1. In a medium pot or kettle, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Let steep 5 to 8 minutes. Discard tea bags.
2. Pour tea into a heatproof pitcher. Add 1 cup peach simple syrup and 4 cups water, and stir to combine. Let cool.
3. When ready to serve, add bourbon. Taste and add more bourbon or simple syrup, if desired.
4. Serve over ice with peach slices.
