Happy cooking!
8 Popular Summer Cocktails to Cool You Down in 2023
We’re about to be in the heart of summer, a time for sun, sea, and sizzling barbecues. But what’s a warm day without a cool, refreshing cocktail in your hand? Let’s make some!
To begin, let’s set up our mixology station. Having the right tools on hand makes the magic happen smoothly. Essentials include a good-quality shaker, a jigger for precise measurements, a muddler for crushing herbs and fruits, and a fine strainer for that flawless pour. Make sure there is a blender on hand for those who prefer to have the slushy versions – Blendtec makes a great product for any cocktail. Have glasses of all kinds and sizes to meet the needs of your guests. Your pantry should boast a variety of spirits, fresh fruits, herbs, and mixers.
Now we’re ready to mix!
1. Cucumber Cooler:
Our first summer sipper, the Cucumber Cooler, is a refreshing blend that perfectly captures the crisp essence of summer.
- Ingredients: 2 oz gin, half a fresh cucumber, juice of half a lime, soda water.
- Directions: Muddle cucumber in your shaker until it’s nicely smashed. Add gin, lime juice, and ice, and give it a good shake. Strain into a highball glass over ice, top with soda, garnish with a cucumber slice.
- Food Pairing: This drink pairs well with light seafood dishes, like a prawn and avocado salad.
- Non-Alcoholic Substitution: Replace gin with cucumber-infused water for a non-alcoholic version.
- Additional Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, rim the glass with a mix of sea salt and lime zest.
2. Peachy Sunbeam:
The Peachy Sunbeam is a delightful blend of summer fruits and a hint of sweet honey. A true sunshine in a glass!
- Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon, 2 ripe peaches, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp honey.
- Directions: Muddle the peaches and honey in your shaker. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and ice, then shake well. Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice, garnish with a mint sprig, and serve.
- Food Pairing: This cocktail goes well with tangy barbecue dishes, such as grilled chicken.
- Non-Alcoholic Substitution: Substitute the bourbon with iced peach tea.
- Additional Serving Suggestions: Try adding a few drops of peach bitters for added complexity.
3. Tropical Hibiscus:
The Tropical Hibiscus is a vibrant, exotic concoction that instantly transports you to a beach paradise.
- Ingredients: 2 oz rum, 4 oz fresh pineapple juice, juice of half a lime, 1 tsp hibiscus syrup.
- Directions: Add all the ingredients into your shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled glass, garnish with a pineapple wedge, and serve.
- Food Pairing: Perfect with spicy dishes like jerk chicken or fish tacos.
- Non-Alcoholic Substitution: Swap the rum for coconut water for a tropical, alcohol-free treat.
- Additional Serving Suggestions: Add a paper umbrella for that extra tropical touch!
4. Spicy Watermelon Margarita:
For those who like a kick, the Spicy Watermelon Margarita is a tantalizing mix of sweet and heat.
- Ingredients: 2 oz tequila, 4 oz fresh watermelon juice, juice of 1 lime, 1 slice of jalapeno.
- Directions: Muddle the jalapeno slice in your shaker. Add the rest of the ingredients and shake with ice. Rim your glass with chili salt, strain the cocktail into the glass, and serve.
- Food Pairing: Pairs well with Mexican dishes like tacos or nachos.
- Non-Alcoholic Substitution: Swap the tequila with lime sparkling water for a non-alcoholic twist.
- Additional Serving Suggestions: For a more colourful presentation, garnish with a watermelon slice.
5. Rosemary Grapefruit Spritz:
The Rosemary Grapefruit Spritz is an elegant, fragrant mix with a citrus kick.
- Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 tsp rosemary-infused syrup, juice of 1 grapefruit, soda water.
- Directions: Add vodka, rosemary syrup, and grapefruit juice to your shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a wine glass. Top with soda, garnish with a rosemary sprig, and serve.
- Food Pairing: Enjoy this with a goat cheese salad or seafood pasta.
- Non-Alcoholic Substitution: Replace vodka with rosemary-infused grapefruit juice for a tasty mocktail.
- Additional Serving Suggestions: To heighten the rosemary flavour, flame the rosemary sprig before using it as garnish.
6. Strawberry Basil Mojito:
Give your classic mojito a fruity, aromatic twist with this Strawberry Basil Mojito.
- Ingredients: 2 oz rum, 5 strawberries, 5 fresh basil leaves, juice of 1 lime, 2 tsp sugar, soda water.
- Directions: Muddle strawberries, basil leaves, and sugar in your shaker. Add rum, lime juice, and ice, then shake well. Pour into a glass, top with soda, give it a stir, and serve.
- Food Pairing: This is perfect with light bites, such as a caprese salad or bruschetta.
- Non-Alcoholic Substitution: Substitute rum with lemon-lime soda for a fruity, alcohol-free refresher.
- Additional Serving Suggestions: Use basil-infused ice cubes for added flavour and visual appeal.
7. Lavender Lemon Gin Fizz:
A botanical dream, the Lavender Lemon Gin Fizz is a fragrant and zesty celebration of summer.
- Ingredients: 2 oz gin, 1 tsp homemade lavender syrup, juice of 1 lemon, soda water.
- Directions: Add gin, lavender syrup, and lemon juice to your shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a tall glass. Top with soda, garnish with a lemon wheel, and serve.
- Food Pairing: This cocktail is a delightful match with a grilled salmon or a quiche.
- Non-Alcoholic Substitution: Omit the gin and add more soda water and a dash more of lavender syrup.
- Additional Serving Suggestions: For a visually stunning cocktail, garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender.
8. Coconut Pineapple Daiquiri:
Lastly, the Coconut Pineapple Daiquiri is a creamy and tropical libation that will make you feel like you’re on holiday.
- Ingredients: 2 oz white rum, a slice of fresh pineapple, 2 tbsp coconut cream, a dash of nutmeg.
- Directions: Blend the rum, pineapple, and coconut cream until smooth. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg, and serve.
- Food Pairing: A great partner to any tropical dessert, like a mango cake or coconut cake.
- Non-Alcoholic Substitution: Omit the rum and add a splash of pineapple juice instead for a creamy, tropical mocktail.
- Additional Serving Suggestions: Serve this cocktail in a hollowed-out pineapple for an extra tropical touch!
4 Bonus Cocktails You Must Try
We have covered a few other cocktails throughout the site, and in case you missed them, here are the links so you can find them now (or try again!):
- The Perfect Paloma – a beautiful combination of tequila, fresh lime juice, grapefruit soda, and a pinch of salt.
- Cranberry Purple Haze – a fun mix of vodka, black raspberry liqueur and cranberry juice.
- Pineapple Screwdriver – so easy to prepare with only three main ingredients, pineapple juice, orange juice, and vodka.
- Cherry Limeade – Cherry Limeade is not just a refreshing and delicious drink, it’s also packed with numerous health benefits.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a fabulous collection of eight of the most popular summer cocktails for 2023. But remember, the best part about making these drinks is having a laugh while you’re at it, and sharing them with the ones you love.
As we dive into these delightful summer concoctions, it’s crucial to remind ourselves to have fun responsibly. Summer is a time for enjoyment, relaxation, and making lasting memories, and we want to ensure it stays that way. So always remember to drink in moderation and ensure everyone at your gathering does the same.
Never drink and drive, and if you’re hosting a shindig, be a top-notch mate and make sure everyone has a safe ride home. We want this to be a summer to remember for all the right reasons. So, let’s raise our glasses to a summer full of fun, flavour, and responsibility.
