While mixology can be a labor of love, summertime drinks shouldn’t add any work to lazy (or busy!) summer days. We picked some of our favorites that can be mixed without breaking a sweat. With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to sit back in the shade and watch your herb garden grow with one of these delightful mixtures.
1. Aperol Spritz
We would be amiss to not lead off with the Aperol Spritz. This spritz is a refreshing combination of the lightly bitter Aperol paired with the best of bubbles: prosecco. The bright orange hue of the Aperol is alluring to the eye and the prosecco paired with the aperitif makes it an easy sipper, but the ice keeps you and your drink cool in the sun.
2. Spring Bubbly
Despite the name being Spring Bubbly, we think this is an easy summer drink that couldn’t be any more straightforward. It’s comprised only of gin, club soda, lemon, and simple syrup, which is why we love it so much. In the dog days of summer, the less movement in the heat the better. You can build this cool and hydrating drink right into your highball and head back to your spot in front of the fan or by the pool.
3. Strawberry Fizz
Continuing our journey of fizzy drinks, the Boozy Ginger’s Strawberry Fizz knocks it out of the park. She uses a strawberry fennel syrup to balance the gin and lemon, then tops it off with prosecco to give it that nice fizz. A well-balanced cocktail that would also be easy enough to make up ahead of time or several at once.
4. Peach’s Tea
For those that prefer their sweet tea with a little kick, Peach’s Tea is a must-try. Lenny Sipss uses chilled black tea with gin, Cointreau, and peach nectar– the perfect flavor combination for a front porch or back deck sipper, it all depends on whether or not you want to invite your neighbors over to try some.
5. Long Island Ginger Iced Tea
The Long Island Ginger Iced Tea is a well-balanced, grown-up version of its cousin. We understand the raised eyebrows at thinking the cousin of the Long Island Iced Tea could be wel-balanced, but this version isn’t going to knock you out. This has half the amount of booze but has all the flavor thanks to the ginger beer addition.
6. Rosé Berry Sangria
The summer season is sangria season. Well, sangria season is all year but this rosé berry sangria pairs with summer the way cardigans pair with fall. This recipe calls for mixed berries, a bottle of rosé, and vodka- but Short Girl Tall Order suggests adding orange water to bring this to a new level. Let it chill and work its magic overnight– then all you need to do is pour over crushed ice and add club soda when you’re ready to enjoy.
7. Blackberry Mint Shrub
Shrub cocktails are a quintessential part of any mixologist’s arsenal in the summer. This recipe highlights blackberry, mint, and lime– all ingredients that highlight the taste of summer. Paired with the rum, this drink is a refreshing, slightly sweet cocktail that is great for a night in with yourself or to serve to guests.
8. Paloma
Although recently highlighted in our 10 Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo, the Paloma is worth mentioning when discussing summertime cocktails. It’s quick to build and easy to drink– the citrusy grapefruit flavors and tequila combine to make it feel like you’ve got it made in the shade after just one sip.
9. Grapefruit Daiquiri
Rum always tastes like summer and warm weather to us, and daiquiris are a great summer drink for when you want to show off your nice glassware. When made right, daiquiris aren’t the sugar-filled drink most think them to be– in fact, we think they’re underrated! Daquiris are easily customizable with different flavors, sweetness, and tartness depending on your preference.
10. Bonus: Strawberry & Hibiscus Lemonade Pops
We thought we’d highlight an atypical drink. It may seem an unusual choice, but necessity is the mother of invention: boozy popsicles. Remember pouring juice into the popsicle mold and waiting impatiently for them to freeze? Welcome to the improved popsicle life. Pop all four ingredients into a blender, pour into a mold, then place in the freezer and wait (impatiently) for them to take shape. Preferably the night before or first thing in the morning as these will need time to freeze.
