Ten refreshing-tasting cocktail recipes perfect for summer sipping

Author: The Bar Team

Three people hold different cocktails at an outdoor table, one with a sprig of mint and cucumber, another with a grapefruit slice. A dessert plate with lime garnish is in the background.

Stay cool this summer with this list of ten refreshing-tasting summer cocktail recipes.

The sun is hot, and you need a drink to cool down. Whether you’re poolside, at the beach, hosting brunch, having a home bar party or just hanging out at home, these refreshing-tasting cocktail recipes are perfect for summer. With a wide variety of flavor profiles and spirits, and even some non-alcoholic options, you’re sure to find something to love in this list of ten top drinks for summer.

Desert Sunset Pomegranate Margarita

No matter where you live, sometimes summer can feel like you’re in the middle of the desert. With the tart punch of lime and pomegranate juice, balanced with agave nectar and orange liqueur, the Desert Sunset Pomegranate Margarita is the perfect way to quench your thirst with vibrant flavor.

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Two glasses of red beverage with ice and lime slices on patterned coasters, placed on a light-colored surface next to a brown wall.

A tall glass filled with an orange-colored iced beverage, garnished with a long twist of orange peel, sits on a wooden surface.

Pa-NO-ma Non-Alcoholic Paloma

Featuring Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits, enjoy the juicy grapefruit and bright citrus flavors of a classic paloma without the booze. This cocktail uses Seedlip Spice 94 to create a bright, refreshing-tasting paloma perfect for summertime.

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Field Goal Gin Spritz

Whether you prefer playing backyard sports or watching games on the big screen, this bubbly and fresh citrus spritz is perfect for a hot summer day. Featuring herbaceous Aviation American Gin, this drink is full of delightful unique flavors like rosemary that add depth to a simple refreshing-tasting drink.

Gin Spritz

A glass of yellow cocktail garnished with rosemary sits on a green coaster beside a bottle of Aviation American Gin, pretzels, and another glass on a green table.

Two glasses of yellow cocktail with ice and pineapple leaf garnish, placed on colorful coasters on a woven surface, with napkins in the background.

Tequila Pineapple

This cocktail is made with cristalino tequila, a unique, relatively new type of tequila created by filtering añejo. Simple, tropical, bubbly and refreshing-tasting, it’s perfect poolside, beachside or just sipping on the porch.

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Watermelon Mint Margarita

This margarita featuring the ultimate summer melon tastes like summertime in a glass. Summer by the pool just got a whole lot more refreshing-tasting with a margarita that pairs the sweet summer taste of watermelon with cooling mint. The Watermelon Mint Margarita is sweet, vibrant and, ultimately, refreshing-tasting.

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A glass of pink cocktail with ice, garnished with watermelon and mint, sits in front of a bottle of Casamigos tequila.

A bottle of Ketel One vodka, a cocktail shaker, three vodka cocktails with fruit, a bowl of chips, a candle, and utensils on a blue plaid tablecloth.

Beerleader Vodka Spritz

Few drinks are as refreshing-tasting as a spritz, and this one is especially perfect for watching your favorite sports. With light beer, Ketel One Vodka, strawberry, lemon and basil, this drink is packed with summery flavors.

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21Seeds Orange Tequila Negroni

Though the classic negroni is made with gin, this tequila variation features 21Seeds Valencia Orange Tequila for a delightful citrus experience. Bursting with bright orange flavor, including fresh orange juice, this cocktail is a delightful apéritif for summer.

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A bottle of 21 Seeds Valencia Orange tequila stands next to a glass of orange cocktail with orange garnishes and dried orange slices on a light surface against a yellow background.

A bottle of Ketel One vodka, a red cocktail with a lemon twist, and lemon slices on a wooden table with a leafy plant in the background.

Ketel One Cosmo

The cosmopolitan is a retro favorite bursting with fruity flavor from cranberry juice, lime juice and orange liqueur. Sweet and tart, this recipe uses Ketel One Vodka for a refreshing drink with a beautiful pink hue. Served in a chilled martini or coupe glass, this iconic drink will keep you cool in summer.

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Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose Spritz

Simple, clear and bubbly with delicate notes of grapefruit and rose, this spritz featuring Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose is delightfully light and refreshing-tasting.

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A bottle of Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose vodka stands next to a glass of cocktail with ice and a grapefruit slice, set on a decorated table with flowers.

Three mason jars with crushed ice and garnishes; one with jalapeño and lime, one with mint and grapefruit, and one with basil and orange. A hand holds the jar with jalapeño and lime.

Tequila Soda

The tequila soda is a simple yet refreshing-tasting drink, combining the crisp agave flavor of tequila and the effervescent fizz of sparkling soda water. This highball cocktail is cool and clear, perfect for summer.

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Still looking for more summer drinks?

If you’re looking for even more ideas with a wide variety of spirits, head over to our recipe selection on The Bar to discover plenty of refreshing-tasting drinks to sip this summer. If you have specific cocktails or spirits in mind, you might want to check out one of our lists, like our Top Margarita Recipes or Best Tequila Cocktails to Make at Home.

You can also browse our barware and spirits for the supplies you need to make the drinks above. We even carry cocktail kits that contain all the ingredients you need to make delicious cocktails at home, hassle free and delivered straight to your door.

Summertime specials

Bulleit

Bulleit Mason Jar Glass Cocktail Shaker

Seven colorful reusable glass straws, each with a bent neck, are arranged side by side against a plain black background.

Our Dining Table

Reusable Colored Glass Straws, Set of 8

A black cocktail shaker set with a jigger, cocktail shaker, bar spoon, and strainer displayed against a plain background.

Viski

Gunmetal Mixologist Barware Set

A clear glass cup with a metallic copper-colored lid featuring a small loop on top, set against a plain light background.

Nude

Hepburn Shaker with Metal Top

The Bar Team

The Bar Team is a group of behind-the-scenes writers, bartenders and drinks lovers who share tips, trends and easy how-tos. We mix real bar experience with a love of great drinks to help you try new ideas, learn and get inspired.