25 Sizzling Summer Cocktails That Will Keep You Cool

Rebecca's Rockin' Vodka Lemonade
Photo: cookin'mama

What's summer without a refreshing cocktail to get you through the sweltering heat? Whether you're somewhere on a beach, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just need to cool off — we have drinks for that. Stay chill this summer with our top-rated cocktail recipes (umbrellas not included). From bourbon to beer-based and everything in between, these drinks are refreshing. And don't forget the ice! The best tasting cocktails use fresh ice made from pure, filtered water. And, yes, we do have a recipe for cocktail ice. Read on for 25 summer cocktails that will keep you cool all season long.

01 of 25

The Real Mojito

The Real Mojito
CC<3's2bake

Learn to make this traditional Cuban cocktail like the pros. Reviewer Carrie says, "The great thing about this aptly named recipe is that it is so authentic. It tastes as it should--not too sweet, with some granulated sugar left at the end."

02 of 25

Jewel's Watermelon Margaritas

Jewel's Watermelon Margaritas
France C

Reviewer Courtney Brackney Weaver says, "It was so good that we made extra syrup, then put the syrup, lime juice, and melon in freezer bags so that next time we feel like some, all we have to do is drop it in the blender with tequila!"

03 of 25

Best Strawberry Daiquiri

Best Strawberry Daiquiri
PEIBEAUTY

Use your bounty of fresh summer strawberries to cool off with this refreshing daiquiri. Reviewer lilsmokies says, "I would highly recommend buying FRESH strawberries for this drink."

04 of 25

Pina Colada III

Pina Colada III
Kim

While recipe creator May and Sive describes this recipe as "simple, run-of-the-mill," this rich and creamy tropical drink will have you coming back for more. Reviewer Ada says, "I used fresh pineapple instead of the juice, that gave it more body and fresh taste. My husband and I enjoyed them very much!"

05 of 25

Watermelon Sangria

Watermelon Sangria
Snacking in the Kitchen

The only thing that could make sangria more of a refreshing, summer drink would be the addition of everyone's favorite summer fruit. Reviewer Gessica says, "Not much to say here EXCEPT this is so darn tasty I could have made this the entire summer if I found this recipe earlier."

06 of 25

Caribbean Rum Punch

Caribbean Rum Punch
bamorse

"This delicious concoction is the traditional rum punch recipe used in the West Indies, passed down for years," says recipe creator HeatherB. "The old rhyme goes, 'One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak.' Any fruit juice can be used. Serve chilled over ice, with fruit garnishes and a sprinkling of grated nutmeg."

07 of 25

Margaritas

Margaritas
Dianne

Put the mix down! It only takes three simple ingredients to make this classic blended margarita, no mix necessary. Reviewer KDA949 says, "I think this is the ONLY way to make blended margaritas!"

08 of 25

Sangria! Sangria!

Sangria! Sangria!
StarGal

Sangria is a refreshing summer punch made with red wine and chopped fruits, and oftentimes other liquors. This variation uses brandy in addition to red wine, giving it a rich flavor. Reviewer MAMASPICE says, "The brandy is the key to this recipe!"

09 of 25

Frozen Summer Slush

Frozen Summer Slush
MAGDIEGO

This is a gin-based drink, but the liquor can be easily substituted to fit your preference. Reviewer ALEXKEV says, "This is now our summer drink. I made it virgin and froze it and added whatever liquor guests wanted."

10 of 25

Salty Chihuahua

Salty Chihuahua
magicallydelicious

A salty dog cocktail is traditionally made with gin or vodka, but this variation uses tequila. Reviewer ADDIESMOM says, "This is exactly what you need on a hot summer day. I felt like I was back in Cancun after sipping on one of these! Thanks so much for my new favorite drink."

11 of 25

Lemon Drop Martini

Lemon Drop Martini
Spunky Buddy

This is a classic cocktail that's perfect for the summer months. Reviewer Elizabeth says, "This martini is excellent and very easy to make. It is now the favorite cocktail of every girl's gathering I go to."

12 of 25

Cherry Bomb

Cherry Bomb
sanzoe

"This is a wonderful rum drink with lime and grenadine," says recipe creator TENS100. "It's great for any occasion. If this recipe seems too easy, well it is, but the drink is incredibly enjoyable and worth the lack of trouble!"

13 of 25

Beer Margaritas

Beer Margaritas
docswife

Over a thousand reviewers have given this unique, beer-based margarita glowing reviews. Reviewer lockesmom says, "The beer really takes away the extreme sweetness, but adds a great flavor."

14 of 25

Ultimate Frozen Strawberry Margarita

Ultimate Frozen Strawberry Margarita
FoodFan

Recipe creator JTWTECH describes this as, "A near perfect strawberry margarita with frozen strawberries and limeade concentrate." Need we say more?

15 of 25

Lemon Drop

Lemon Drop Martini
Spunky Buddy

Some reviewers suggest adding more sugar if you prefer your lemon drops on the sweeter side. Reviewer RKBrown says, "This drink was very refreshing and I also put sugar on the rims of the martini glasses."

16 of 25

Mint Juleps

Mint Juleps
The Gruntled Gourmand

Pay homage to the bluegrass state with this classic derby day drink. "Sit on the front porch in your rocking chair on a sultry afternoon and sip on one or two of these," says recipe creator jenn. "The proper way to serve a mint julep is in a frozen silver goblet, but you can use glasses instead--just use the most elegant ones you have!"

17 of 25

Rebecca's Rockin' Vodka Lemonade

Rebecca's Rockin' Vodka Lemonade
cookin'mama

Frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate, vodka, and lime are all that's needed to concoct this summertime refresher. "Great drink for summer get-togethers that is quick and easy to make," says reviewer jenrcooks.

18 of 25

True Manhattan

True Manhattan
lutzflcat

Manhattan enthusiasts will tell you exactly how their favorite drink should be made, take it from recipe creator JIBERN who describes this as, "A classic drink. Stir, most Manhattan drinkers like it that way. Shake it only when asked to do so."

19 of 25

White Peach Sangria

two wine glasses on a tray filled with pink sangria garnished with peach slices, with a bowl of fresh peaches on the side
TrishAnn

If you want something a little lighter than red-wine sangria, this white peach variation is made for the summer months. Reviewer Crystal S says, "Excellent Sangria! Light, refreshing, perfect for summer evenings!"

20 of 25

Strawberry Mojito

Strawberry Mojito
LashGal

Put fresh strawberries, mint, and limes on display in this rum-based cocktail. Reviewer Nilla bean says, "Very delicious, and very much appreciated by friends at our backyard BBQ. I didn't measure out everything perfectly, but used this recipe as a guide for the ratios I should pour."

21 of 25

Summer Beer

Summer Beer II
Marie Medek Brenden

A can of beer is mixed with pink lemonade concentrate, vodka, and water to create an easy punch that's great to serve to crowds. Reviewer TRACIEZODY says, "Don't be afraid to mix beer and vodka - it's wonderful!"

22 of 25

Champagne Peach Punch

Champagne Peach Punch
Reynell Barnes

Add an ice ring to this punch for an eye-catching party drink. Reviewer austinsmama says, "Made this for a dinner party, not a single drop left!! I took your advice and used an ice mold with fresh peaches and a few raspberries! What a hit!"

23 of 25

JoeDogg's Spicy Red Beer

JoeDogg's Spicy Red Beer
sanzoe

Reviewer LULUMARIE says, "The health benefits of this amazing beverage include soothing a hangover — it's better than a bloody mary! I like it with V8 juice as well, but don't forget the hot pepper."

24 of 25

Frozen Mudslide

Frozen Mudslide
Deb C

Reviewer MAGGIE MCGUIRE says, "This drink was absolutely fantastic! It was a warm evening and our guests thoroughly enjoyed this out on the patio. Don't drink too fast or you'll get a bad case of brain freeze." The vodka-based dessert cocktail is made with coffee liqueur and Irish liqueur and topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream.

25 of 25

Strawberry Basil Margarita

Strawberry Basil Margarita
House of Aqua

Reviewer penbrant says, "I tend to think of myself as a margarita connoisseur, and this recipe definitely hit the spot! The very simple addition of basil really added a unique spin."

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