Skip to content

The Best Summer Cocktails to Cool You Down

By Alec Espiritu · · 2 min read



Summer is in full swing, and many of us have already experienced sweltering days in the sun, leaving us in dire need of some cocktails to cool us down.

Whether you’re day drinking at home or attending a happy hour out, you’ll want these cocktail recipes in your back pocket this summer:

Smashed Watermelon Margarita

Smashed Watermelon Margarita cocktail: pink watermelon drink over ice in a highball glass, with a watermelon and a mint

Made with biting tequila and fresh watermelon, a Smashed Watermelon Margarita will have you feeling refreshed. It’s got fresh, tasty ingredients like grapefruit juice and mint that combine to make one of the tastiest summer drinks possible.

With a lined rim and a watermelon slice and fresh mint leaf as a garnish, you’ll look like a total professional after whipping up this simple cocktail.

Raspberry Julep

Raspberry Julep cocktail: deep raspberry red drink over crushed ice in a frosted heavy glass tumbler, all glass, no metal, with a mint sprig

You’ve heard of a Mint Julep, but this summer, elevate your bartending game with a Raspberry Julep. With just three simple ingredients, this bourbon cocktail gets a fruity spin that is sure to leave you asking for another. 

After mixing the syrup that’s collected at the bottom with the bourbon, you’ll have a lovely pink drink that’s perfect for a day by the pool or a night spent on a rooftop bar.

Gin Basil Smash

Gin Basil Smash cocktail: bright pale green drink over ice in a crystal rocks glass, with a basil sprig

Smash cocktails are just as fun to make as they are to drink. A Gin Basil Smash has a tasty hint of lemon and a striking taste of basil that works perfectly together. Get your muddler ready because if you try this once, you’ll be making it all season long.

Greyhound

Greyhound cocktail: sparkling pale pink grapefruit drink over ice in a highball glass, with a lime wedge

Vodka drinkers, listen up - the Greyhound is about to become your go-to summer cocktail. With just two ingredients, it’s simple enough for a DIY any night of the week, but if you’re craving it when you’re out and about, it’s easy to instruct the bartender if they’re unfamiliar with the drink. 

If you love grapefruit and hate being hot, you’re going to want a Greyhound this summer.

Pure Passion

Pure Passion cocktail: smooth golden-yellow drink over crushed ice in a stemmed sour glass, with clear strained juice with no fruit pieces or seeds in it and a mint

More of a rum fan? The Pure Passion will definitely keep you cool for summer. With a combination of Passoa Liqueur Passion Fruit, Peach Bitters, Passion fruit syrup and lime juice this fruity cocktail is always refreshing.

These are just some of the many refreshing cocktails you could try to beat the heat. You can always find more cocktails using our cocktail search or by ingredients.

Cocktails in this story