Summer Cocktail Recipes to Try Today

There’s nothing like a good cocktail to provide some refreshment during your beach day or lounge session. Summertime cocktail recipes are tropical, sweet, and sometimes a little sour. Here’s a few simple cocktails that will help you celebrate the warmer weather that has just arrived:

The Hula Dancer combines some of the best flavors of summer. The pineapple, vanilla, lychee, and lemon will transport you to a tropical island and the first sip will feel like stepping into paradise.

• 2/3 oz. SKYY Infusions Pineapple Vodka
• 1/2 oz. vanilla rum
• 1 oz. lychee puree
• Splash of fresh lemon juice
• 3 oz. pineapple juice
• Grenadine

Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass, then add a little Grenadine for that gorgeous pink color. Garnish with floating orchid or a drink umbrella.

If you’re a fan of blackberries and you enjoy a good mule, then you should whip up this recipe for a Blackberry Moscow Mule. It’s crisp and fresh, and perfect for brunch or a night cap.

• 1/4 C fresh blackberries, plus more for serving
• 1 oz. vodka*
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• 6 oz. Canada Dry® Blackberry Ginger Ale
• ice
• Limes for serving

Add the fresh blackberries to a mule mug and muddle with a spoon to crush them. Add the vodka, lime juice, and ginger ale. Stir to combine and top with ice (as much as you want), lime wedges, and fresh blackberries.

Sangria is another drink that is indicative of summer. If wine and brandy are your thing, this recipe won’t disappoint. This recipe features summer produce: pineapple, watermelon, and lime.

• 1 bottle Moscato wine (750 ml)
• 1/2 C brandy
• 1 lime, thinly sliced
• 2 C watermelon, cubed and cold
• 2 C sweet pineapple, cubed and cold
• lemon lime soda, for serving
• ice cubes

Pour the wine and brandy into a pitcher and stir to combine. Add the sliced lime, watermelon, and pineapple. To serve, place some of the fruit in a glass with ice. Pour the sangria over the ice and top with lemon lime soda.

Summer is here, and that means that peaches are finally in season. What better way to enjoy the juicy fruit than in a fresh cocktail? This recipe for a Peach Bourbon Thyme Smash is simple but it has a mature flavor profile.

• 2 oz. Bourbon
• 1 oz. Lemon juice
• 1 oz. Jalapeno Simple syrup or plain simple syrup
• 1 Ripe peach
• Fresh Ice
• 2 Sprigs fresh thyme, one stripped of leaves

For the jalapeño simple syrup:

• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• ½ of a fresh jalapeno, sliced in half

In a martini shaker add bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup. Cut peach in half, remove pit, and squeeze smashing the peach in your hand over the martini shaker. Any peach pieces that fall in is fine. Add leaves from fresh thyme. Shake vigorously to infuse ingredients. Fill a low ball glass with fresh ice and pour in bourbon mix.

For the Jalapeño Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan combine the sugar, water and jalapeño. Bring to a simmer while smashing the jalapeño with a wooden spoon to extract the flavor. Once it boils, remove from heat and let cool completely. Remove jalapeño and transfer to a container and chill in the fridge until ready to use. For regular simple syrup omit jalapeño.

Cheers to a much anticipated summer!

Want more cocktail recipes? Check out SDEntertainer’s #ThirstyThursday series for videos of local mixologists preparing their favorite drinks.