Summer Sips

Summer is officially here, which means the sun is shining brighter and temperatures are soaring. It also means that it’s the perfect time to sip on a delicious, ice-cold cocktail to beat the summer heat. And nothing says summer like juicy, refreshing fruit. So why not add a few fruit inspired cocktails to your summer plans? Whether you're lounging by the poolside taking in some sun or hosting a backyard barbecue for friends and family, these six summer cocktails are sure to elevate your summer gatherings with their refreshing fruity flavors and vibrant colors that are perfect for summer. These delightful and super easy to make concoctions will transport you from the everyday to a tropical paradise in no time. So grab some fruit and ice, and pull out the glasses and shakers, and get ready to unwind.

This cocktail reminds me of an agua fresca but with a little pow. A lot of pow if you choose to double the tequila measurement.

Watermelon Wowgarita

Ingredients:

2 oz silver tequila

1 oz fresh lime juice

1 oz triple sec

2 oz fresh watermelon juice

Watermelon slice (for garnish)

Salt (optional)

Ice cubes

Instructions:

Rim the glass with salt (optional) and fill it with ice cubes.

In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and watermelon juice.

Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.

Garnish with a watermelon slice.

Why drink regular lemonade when you can have lemonade with a little fun added?

Sassy Blueberry Lemonade

Ingredients:

2 oz blueberry vodka

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1 oz simple syrup

Handful of fresh blueberries

Sparkling water

Lime circle (for garnish)

Mint (for garnish)

Ice cubes

Instructions:

Muddle the fresh blueberries in a glass.

Add blueberry vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir gently.

Top it off with sparkling water.

Garnish with a lime circle and mint.

If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s sweet with a kick, then this is the one for you.

Strawberry Basil Boom

Ingredients:

2 oz vodka

4-5 fresh strawberries

4-5 fresh basil leaves

1 oz simple syrup

1 oz fresh lemon juice

Soda water

Mint (for garnish)

Strawberry (for garnish)

Ice cubes

Instructions:

Muddle the strawberries, basil leaves, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a glass.

Add vodka and ice cubes, then stir well.

Top it off with soda water.

Garnish with a strawberry and a sprig of mint.

While this recipe calls for a shaken margarita, it can also be made in a blender with ice for a frozen version to heighten the chill factor.

Mighty Mango Margarita

Ingredients:

2 oz silver tequila

1 oz fresh lime juice

1 oz mango puree

1/2 oz agave syrup

Tajin seasoning (for rimming)

Lime wedge (for garnish)

Ice cubes

Instructions:

Rim the glass with Tajin seasoning.

In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, mango puree, agave syrup, and ice cubes.

Shake vigorously and strain into the prepared glass.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

The summer wouldn’t be complete without a classic mojito.

Minty Mojito

Ingredients:

2 oz white rum

1 oz fresh lime juice

2 tsp granulated sugar

6-8 fresh mint leaves

Club soda

Crushed ice

Instructions:

Muddle the mint leaves and sugar in a glass.

Add lime juice and rum, then fill the glass with crushed ice.

Top it off with club soda and stir gently.

Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.

And who doesn’t love the creamy goodness of a piña colada?

Tropical Piña Colada

Ingredients:

2 oz white rum

3 oz pineapple juice

2 oz coconut cream

Pineapple slice (for garnish)

Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Crushed ice

Instructions:

Blend the rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and crushed ice until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a glass.

Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.

Whether you decide to barbecue hop, hang in the backyard, or relax inside under the AC, these refreshing summer cocktails are great for adding to the fun.

Remember to drink responsibly!