Just picture it: it’s a nice, hot day, there’s a cloud in the sky casting some shade, and a light breeze in the background. It’s the perfect summer day.
Maybe you’re at beach and you catch the smell of seawater, or maybe you’re barbecuing and the burgers are almost ready.
Regardless, there’s a drink in your hand. You sip it–ahhh– tastes like summer. What is this oh-so-refreshing drink, though?
Let us tell you. Below, you’ll find our favorite cocktails (and their recipes) that’ll make for a downright perfect day.
Table of Contents
Jalapeño Cucumber Moscow Mule
A Moscow mule is all about the experience. It’s a brass cup (chill to the touch), filled to the rim with ice and a tasty concoction. The recipe below offers a spin on the classic drink with a kick and some cucumber to balance it out.
Recipe: Jalapeño Cucumber Moscow Mule
Beer Margarita
If you’re looking to get the party started, a margarita will never let you down (at least not until the day after, that is…). Part classic margarita and part beer, it’s the best of both worlds.
Recipe: Beer Margarita
Gin Shandy
You can’t have summer without lemonade here and there. This is a step up from your corner stand drink, though. It’s simple: when life give you the lemons, just add ginger beer and gin, and you’re good to go.
Recipe: Gin Shandy
Sangria
This drink was made for a lazy summer afternoon spent with good company. Find the biggest pitcher you own, call up your friends, and let the good times roll. Be sure to prepare more than two batches, though. You’ll find that one is never enough.
Recipe: Sangria
Blackberry Mojito
Have you ever tried picturing yourself drinking a mojito without also imagining that you’re somewhere tropical? It looks, tastes, and smells like summer. Not to mention it’s as fun to drink as it is to say.
Recipe: Blackberry Mojito
Cucumber Gin and Tonic
With fresh cucumber and lime, this one is as refreshing as it gets. Mind the presentation, too, as it’s part of the experience. A generous amount of ice and cucumber will make any hot day bearable.
Recipe: Cucumber Gin and Tonic
Cuba Libre
This drink originated in a country with summer weather all year long, so you can trust that they know what they’re doing. Mix yourself a glass and sit back as you’re basically teleported to the land of cigars, rum, and beaches.
Recipe: Cuba Libre
Piña Colada
If you like piña colada and getting caught in the…sun, then this drink is for you. Frozen or shaken, it is one of the most popular (with good reason) tropical drinks out there.
Recipe: Piña Colada
Beer
It’s not a cocktail, but we couldn’t not include it in a summer drinks list. It’s a fail-safe. It’s cold, crisp, and refreshing. A nice pale lager will especially fit the bill.
Pour or mix yourself one or two of these drinks. Then, call on your posey, put on your favorite playlist, and make this a summer for the books. Above all, drink responsibly, folks.
