Summer is one of my favorite time to sip on cocktails because the opportunities for something fresh, something light or something fruity are seemingly endless.

Over the last few years I have enjoyed teaching myself how to make cocktails. I thought I knew what I liked but I have learned so much!  I thought it would be fun to roundup some of my go-to drinks that I order and make all summer long. I hope you enjoy watching my spin on each of these drinks and that this post inspires you to try something new!

Summer Cocktails to Try

The French 75

Sweet and bubbly yet tart and unexpected, the French 75 is one of my favorite celebratory drinks. I have to say – I think my recipe is pretty close to perfect!

Sangria

My sangria recipe is loaded with fruit and has a ginger zing to it that makes it memorable.

Boozy Lemonade

A summertime classic but give it a kick!

The Hugo Spritz

What’s not to love about prosecco and basil and elderflower and lime? This may just become your favorite drink.

The Aperol Spritz & The Negroni Spritz

It’s not summer if I’m not having an Aperol Spritz every week. But did you know there are many ways to spritz? Here are two great ways!

The Gin Gimlet

Gimlets are so easy to make and always so nice to sip on a hot day. Commit the recipe to memory and you’ll always make a great hostess.

The Porto Tonico

I spent a week in Portugal in 2018 drinking nothing but water and Porto Tonicos. Sweet port combines with tonic and fresh garnishes for an easy sipping spritz type cocktail.

The Moscow Mule

I first fell in love with Moscow Mules when living in San Francisco as an early 20-something so they always bring a smile to my face. The ginger-y zing of these drinks make them super refreshing.

Pimm’s Cup

One of my all time favorite summer drinks! It always reminds me of happy memories made in London and you can’t beat a drink that doubles as a light snack thanks to it being loaded with fruit!

The Bee’s Knees

Summer in a glass! The Bee’s knees is one of my most popular drinks I’ve ever shared. Lots of fresh lemon juice and a honey syrup make this a winner. This is a classic cocktail you’ll fall in love with if you’ve never had it.

Paloma

My sister in law Annie’s favorite drink has become one of my favorites over the yearss, too! Tart and oh-so refreshing thanks to the inclusion of grapefruit juice.

Looking to mix it up? Make a blended Paloma! Frozen drinks are oh-so-refreshing in the summer and there’s something so wonderful about a frozen Paloma.

The Margarita (Two Ways)

I gotta say – my take on a spicy margarita is pretty to die for. Mango + Jalapeno!? Yes, please! Truly this summer cocktail recipe will become a new favorite – I promise.

This episode also features my take on a skinny marg that’s so easy and so delicious without being overly sweet! You could easily blend it with ice to make a frozen margarita if you prefer to drink your margaritas that way.

Tequila Sunrise

This is such a good drink for backyard hands and summer brunches. The tequila sunrise is a cocktail made of tequila, freshly squeezed orange juice (or bottled if you have to), and grenadine syrup. It’s served unmixed in a tall glass.

And looking for alternatives to cocktails? If you’re not big into hard liquor, here are some other options for you to consider to drink and cool off on a summer afternoon.

Chilled Red Wine

Did you know there are certain varietals of red wine that are recommended to be served chilled? I adore Frappato for exactly this reason! This grape is found on Sicily in Italy and it’s a light, fruity red that when served chilled is absolutely delicious.

Another favorite? Lambrusco! Recommended to always be drunk chilled, this fizzy red wine is divine to serve with pasta salads and other Italian fare in the summer.

Club Soda & Bitters

Looking for something with a next to nothing APV? On nights when I don’t want to drink but feel like I’m ending the day with a refreshing summer cocktail – I add some Grapefruit or Lemon Bitters to a club soda.

White Wine

For summer days when I don’t want to worry about cocktails, I reach for a cold glass of white wine.

Ginger Beer + Basil Simple

For a non alcoholic drink that feels like you’re not sacrificing – I love to make basil simple syrup (just let some fresh basil leaves soak in your simple syrup once the heat has been turned off) and add it to some ginger beer. So delicious, not overly sweet and really refreshing.

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I’d love to know – what’s your favorite summer cocktail?

You May Also Like:

• My Summer Bucket List.
• Demystifying Wine Pairings for Dinner.
• Current Amazon Home Favorites.

[Pret a Provost Photography]