Come summer, there’s pretty much nothing we want more than an ice-cold drink in the backyard. There’s something about sipping on a cold beverage, firing up the grill, and enjoying the company of friends and family (or maybe just your own company and a good book!). Whether you’re looking for a cocktail recipe for your next garden party or just something fun for the family to sip on this week, there’s sure to be something here you’ll love. We’ve rounded up our favorite refreshing summer drinks that the whole crew can sip on.
There are plenty of mocktail recipes on this list, making it easy to find something that everyone can enjoy. Even some of the cocktail recipes we’ve included can be modified to omit the alcohol. For instance, you can swap in seltzer for sparkling wine in many drink recipes. There are also plenty of non-alcoholic wines on the market that you could incorporate into your summer drink menu for an elevated feel without the booze.
If you’re looking to shake up the rest of your summer dining, check out our roundups of easy summer dinner ideas, light dinner ideas, and kid-friendly dinner ideas.
Check out our most refreshing summer drinks to enjoy this year below:
Photo credit: Steve Giralt; Food stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich; Prop stylist: Paige Hicks
1
Iced Sparkling Honey-Lime Red Tea
Mix up a pitcher of this refreshing iced tea next time you’re having friends over. It brings together red tea, honey, fresh lime juice, and club soda.
Get the Iced Sparkling Honey-Lime Red Tea recipe.
Marcus Nilsson
2
Margaritas
No Triple Sec? No problem. These margaritas have plenty of flavor thanks to the fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and fresh mint.
Get the Margaritas recipe.
Woman’s Day
3
Berry Sangria
Make the most of summer’s seasonal produce with this sangria. In addition to strawberries and blueberries, you’ll need lemon juice and sparkling rosé.
Get the Berry Sangria recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Discover our customer success stories.
Sponsored By STMicroelectronics
BHOFACK2//Getty Images
4
Classic Champagne Cocktail
Got something to celebrate this summer? Toast the occasion with this elevated champagne cocktail made with lemon zest, sugar, and angostura bitters.
Get the Classic Champagne Cocktail recipe.
Image Source//Getty Images
5
Spicy Pickle Bloody Mary
A summer brunch calls for this flavorful drink. It’s made with prepared horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, pepperoncini peppers and plenty of tomato juice. Don’t forget the vodka!
Get the Spicy Pickle Bloody Mary recipe.
Woman’s Day
6
Ginger-Peach Soda
It doesn’t get more summer-y than this. Fresh ginger, ripe summer peaches, fresh mint and chilled seltzer will truly hit the spot on a hot afternoon. Add a splash of rum if you’re in the mood to make it a cocktail.
Get the Ginger-Peach Soda recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Woman’s Day
7
Pomegranate-Thyme Spritz
This cocktail is perfect any time of year. The homemade pomegranate-thyme syrup takes a little extra time to make, but it’s 100% worth it.
Get the Pomegranate-Thyme Spritz recipe.
VeselovaElena//Getty Images
8
Orange-Cranberry Mimosa
This festive cocktail makes any day feel celebratory. It’s made with orange juice, cranberry juice, sparkling wine, and fresh cranberries. If you’d rather make it a mocktail, swap out the sparkling wine for seltzer.
Get the Orange-Cranberry Mimosa recipe.
RELATED: How to Glam Up At-Home Brunch
Kate Mathis
9
Berry-Black Tea Punch
This dazzling punch makes use of your bundt cake pan. Fill it with lemons, raspberries, and mint, then fill with water and freeze. In a matter of hours, you’ll have this showstopping ice ring that keeps your punch nice and cold all evening long.
Get the Berry-Black Tea Punch recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Brent Hofacker / 500px//Getty Images
10
Apricot Fizz
This simple but elevated cocktail requires just three ingredients: vodka, apricot nectar, and sparkling wine.
Get the Apricot Fizz recipe.
Cedric Angeles
11
Fresh Berry Lemonade
Lemonade with homemade strawberry syrup? Yes, please! It’s the perfect way to jazz up lemonade. Just make sure you have a good mesh sieve on hand to make the delicious syrup for this refreshing sip.
Get the Fresh Berry Lemonade recipe.
Andrew Purcell
12
Cranberry-Basil Spritzer
This spritzer’s refreshing mix of cranberry and lime hits the spot on a hot summer day — while also incorporating flavors usually enjoyed during cooler weather — for a unique warm-weather drink.
Get the Cranberry-Basil Spritzer recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
con poulos
13
Icy Watermelon Granita
If lemonade is the drink of summer, watermelon is certainly the fruit! This granita combines both to make the ultimate summer refreshment.
Get the Icy Watermelon Granita recipe.
Biocity / 500px//Getty Images
14
Fizzy Cranberry-Lemonade Punch
Want a punch of flavor? The undiluted lemonade concentrate adds mouth-watering tartness while the cranberry cocktail juice mellows it with sweetness.
Get the Fizzy Cranberry-Lemonade Punch recipe.
Johnny Miller
15
Cucumber, Lemon, and Mint Fizz
Light, fresh flavors of cucumber, lemon, and mint unite in this ginger ale and tea creation. It’s great for non-fruit lovers since the lemon acts as more of a side character than the main event.
Get the Cucumber, Lemon, and Mint Fizz recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
mike garten
16
3-in-1 Agua Fresca
Agua fresca, a sugar and water-based drink with a combination of fruits, grains, and/or seeds, is a popular summer beverage. This 3-in-1 recipe lets you customize the central fruit.
Get the 3-in-1 Agua Fresca recipe.
Rimma_Bondarenko//Getty Images
17
Rhubarb Lemonade
Rhubarb may not be your first choice lemonade ingredient but don’t knock it till you try it. It’s an under-appreciated weapon in the kitchen that will have your friends begging for more.
Get the Rhubarb Lemonade recipe.
kate sears
18
Citrus Spritzer
This citrus-centric spritzer is the perfect summer brunch drink. Make a large batch and store it in a sealed container to enjoy for several days.
Get the Citrus Spritzer recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Helen Norman
19
Iced Fruit Punch
In this recipe, the words ‘iced fruit’ are literal. Freeze your favorite fruit juice in ice cube molds to mix later with ginger ale and seltzer water. Play with the amount of iced fruit cubes to find your preferred fruitiness level.
Get the Iced Fruit Punch recipe.
Saminaleo//Getty Images
20
Lemon + Mint Slushie
When we say “easy recipe,” this is what we mean. All it requires is lemonade, mint leaves, ice cubes, and a blender. Then, voila — slushie!
Get the Lemon + Mint Slushie recipe.
Darya Arnautova//Getty Images
21
Ginger Cucumber Lemonade
Ginger is the standout ingredient of this delicious summer concoction. Create a ginger simple syrup and combine it with lemonade, then garnish with cucumber for a post-drink snack!
Get the Ginger Cucumber Lemonade recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
ALEKSEI BEZRUKOV//Getty Images
22
Watermelon Fresca
Enjoy this fruity fresca with a spicy meal for a reprieve from the heat of both the food and summer weather. The hint of lime will pair great with tacos or tamales!
Get the Watermelon Fresca recipe.
5PH//Getty Images
23
Anticipation Punch
Whip up a batch of anticipation punch for your next big event: graduation, birthday, 4th of July, etc. This celebratory drink consists mainly of ginger ale and white grape juice — with fresh fruits to garnish.
Get the Anticipation Punch recipe.
24
Watermelon Limeade
Use the whole watermelon as a fun drink dispenser for your 4th of July party! Just leave out the vodka to make this recipe non-alcoholic (or keep it in if you prefer an adult beverage).
Get the Watermelon Limeade recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Kate Mathis
25
Mason Jar Citrus Coolers
Orange, lime, and lemon are the perfect trifecta of summer flavors. This tart, refreshing citrus drink has serious potential to become your new backyard BBQ go-to.
Get the Mason Jar Citrus Coolers recipe.
con poulos
26
Summer Melon Slushies
Whatever your flavor preference (Watermelon-Lime, Honeydew-Ginger-Mint, or Cantaloupe-Basil), these fruit slushies will keep you cool and happy.
Get the Summer Melon Slushies recipe.
Staci Valentine
27
Ginger-Peach Soda
This refresher is the perfect fruity, bubbly treat for a hot summer day.
Get the Ginger-Peach Soda recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Getty Images
28
Kiwi Lemonade Spritzer
One sip and you’ll fall in love with this unique drink that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors.
Get the Kiwi Lemonade Spritzer recipe.
Getty Images
29
Mocktail Blackberry Spritzer
Take advantage of berry season with this easy-to-make drink you’ll love sipping on all summer long.
Get the Mocktail Blackberry Spritzer recipe.
Getty Images
30
Strawberry-Lemon Punch
You can prep this refreshment in large or small batches. Either way, you’ll want it on hand. There’s nothing like the taste of fresh fruit and sweet lemonade on a summer afternoon.
Get the Strawberry-Lemon Punch recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Photo credit: Steve Giralt; Food stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich; Prop stylist: Paige Hicks
31
Iced Sparkling Honey-Lime Red Tea
This bubbly iced tea is just the drink for porch sipping.
Get the Iced Sparkling Honey-Lime Red Tea recipe.
Steve Giralt; Food stylist: Carrie Purcell; Prop stylist: Philippa Braithwaite
32
Sparkling Thyme Lemonade
Fresh thyme is an easy way to upgrade lemonade and delight your grown-up palette.
Get the Sparkling Thyme Lemonade recipe.
Getty Images
33
White Iced Tea
Get even more flavor and customize your drink by adding rosemary, lavender, or mint to this crisp treat.
Get the White Iced Tea recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Johnny Miller
34
Pineapple and Thyme Iced Tea
With just a hint of thyme and pineapple, both you and your guests will be wowed by this delicate and delectable drink.
Get the Pineapple and Thyme Iced Tea recipe.
Getty Images
35
Double Apple Iced Tea
If your kiddos love apple juice, they’ll adore this unique twist on iced tea made with a variety of fresh apples and juice.
Get the Double Apple Iced Tea recipe.
Clinton Kelly
36
Snow Cones
Skip the white rum and blue Curaçao and have yourself a traditional snow cone that will excite the kids and make you feel like a teenager again. Of course, you can always stick to the original recipe for boozy snow cones after the kids go to bed.
Get the Snow Cones recipe.
RELATED: Patriotic Dessert Recipes for a 4th of July Celebration
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Michael Partenio
37
Red Strawberry Tea
The blueberry skewers really add a layer of sophistication to this otherwise simple summer drink that will impress the crowd at your July 4th party.
Get the Red Strawberry Tea recipe.
38
Orange-Cranberry Mimosa
Instead of pouring sparkling wine into this mimosa, opt for seltzer or sparkling cider for a booze-free version.
Get the Orange-Cranberry Mimosa recipe.
39
Toasted Marshmallow Campfire Cocktail
If weekly campfires are part of your summertime routine then you and the family have to try this iconic marshmallow cocktail — made sans vodka.
Get the Toasted Marshmallow Campfire Cocktail recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
40
Apple-Cinnamon Cider Cups
Although cider is more of a fall drink, sipping from a fruit is definitely a summer practice.
Get the Apple-Cinnamon Cider Cups recipe.
Arlene Mobley
41
Mango Iced Tea
Looking for a way to mix up your iced tea recipe? Incorporate ripe mango, and your taste buds will thank you.
Get the Mango Iced Tea recipe at Flour On My Face.
Arlene Mobley
42
Fruity Pink Lemonade
One of summer’s greatest drink debates is between regular and pink lemonade. Take a stance with this recipe.
Get the Fruity Pink Lemonade recipe at Flour On My Face.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Arlene Mobley
43
Peach Iced Tea
If you and the family went peach-picking over the weekend, use the fruit in this delicious peach iced tea recipe.
Get the Peach Iced Tea recipe at Flour On My Face.
Love & Lemons, Jeanine and Jack Donofrio
44
Watermelon Juice
If watermelon is your favorite summer fruit to snack on, buy a melon, and make a batch of juice for a refreshing cup in the morning.
Get the Watermelon Juice recipe at Love & Lemons.
Holly Erickson & Natalie Mortimer
45
Moscow Mule
Hold the vodka, and you’ll have a summer mocktail that’s just as flavorful.
Get the Moscow Mule recipe at The Modern Proper.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Matt Ivan
46
Cucumber Melon Cocktail Slushie
You can easily make this drink booze-free, as well as vegan, if you swap honey for agave!
Get the Cucumber Melon Cocktail Slushie recipe at Plating Pixels.
Dini Kodippili
47
Blushing Ginger Rose Fizz
The beauty of this drink, besides the fact that it is, well, beautiful, is that it can easily be made into a mocktail or cocktail depending on the crowd.
Get the Blushing Ginger Rose Fizz recipe at The Flavor Bender.
Dini Kodippili
48
Refreshing Mango Lassi
A lassi is a creamy, tangy drink that originates from India. This recipe is super easy to create and will make good use of your ripe mangoes.
Get the Refreshing Mango Lassi recipe at The Flavor Bender.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Dini Kodippili
49
Ginger Limeade
If you have an upcoming cookout on your calendar, prepare this refreshing drink that uses limes instead of lemons for a less traditional citrus experience.
Get the Ginger Limeade recipe at The Flavor Bender.
