10 Delicious Summer Cocktails to Refresh You

It’s the height of summer heat, and there’s nothing better than a cold drink in hand to cool you off. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, relaxing at the lake, or soaking up the sun at the beach, a refreshing summer cocktail is the perfect way to beat the heat.

Fortunately, I have an in-house bartender who loves making drinks for his number one customer – me! Over the years, Sweet Shark has perfected many wonderful cocktails for year-round enjoyment, and I’ve shared quite a few of them here at Bluesky at Home.

I decided to gather five of his best summer cocktails, plus five more refreshing favorites I found, into one easy collection. With these 10 summer cocktails, you’ll have pretty, delicious drinks ready for every poolside afternoon, backyard gathering, or relaxing evening this season.

As I mentioned, five of these summer sippers are Sweet Shark’s own concoctions. I’ve provided links to four of them and the recipe for one here. Five other summer cocktail recipes are culled from a delightful (and thirsty) search on Pinterest.

Refreshing Summer Beverages: 10 Delicious Summer Cocktails

It’s time to share some wonderful summer beverage recipes. Since we are in the deep heat of summer, we all can use a refreshing cocktail to cool us off.

All 10 of these summer cocktails have one thing in common: they are delicious. Maybe two things – they are pretty, too.

Let’s start with a classic margarita.

Number 1 – The Best Margarita Ever

The margarita is the most popular cocktail in America. It even has its own national day – in February!

Sweet Shark makes the best ever. So good, in fact, that I don’t even order one in a restaurant. I have my margaritas at home, made for me by my personal bartender.

Margaritas do require a bit of finesse and the freshest ingredients and really good tequila. Sweet Shark and I take you through making his marvelous margarita from start to finish. Just follow the post and the recipe. Save the recipe for all your future celebrations.

Number 2 – A Drink with Some Heat – The Clementina Cocktail

If you like some heat in your drink – not the temperature kind, but the spice kind – then this cocktail is for you. Sweet Shark found the recipe for this cocktail in our local newspaper – way back in 2015. It’s become one of his and our older daughter’s favorites.

A pretty combination of red pepper and green basil makes the colorful garnish. The pepper adds the heat and the basil provides a pretty green color and a lovely scent.

I can’t take the heat, so I just admire how pretty this cocktail is.

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Number 3 – Let’s Enjoy Summer with the Tropical Piña Colada

I love the sweetness and the tropical flavors of the Piña Colada. This recipe is Sweet Shark’s version – he loves to tweak recipes that he finds.

Tropical cocktails often feature rum. I love the slushy, frosty texture. The combo of coconut and pineapple flavors evokes the breezes of a tropical beach.

Visit the Piña Colada post to get the recipe and all the details, ingredients, and tool information.

Number 4 – Yummy Watermelon Cocktail

If fruity sweetness is more your cocktail style, then this yummy watermelon cocktail is perfect for sipping by the pool. It’s a refreshing and light fruit-forward cocktail perfect for sipping by the pool on a hot summer day.

We had some extra watermelon in the fridge that needed to be used before I left for Atlanta a few weeks ago. Sweet Shark said he would figure out something to make with it.

He came up with this simple recipe that was delicious. After some tweaking and tasting, he came up with this perfect summer cocktail.

I didn’t take any pictures of the process, so this past weekend, we re-created it with fresh watermelon.

Of course, the star of the show is an iconic summer fruit – the watermelon.

Our Central Market has all kinds of fruit pre-chopped and ready to go. He bought a pint (two cups) of cubed watermelon

It’s so simple to make and has just a few ingredients. In addition to the watermelon, you will need:

• 3 ounces vodka
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or Agave Nectar. Begin with just a drop and taste for sweetness.
• Garnish with a slice of watermelon or a few mint leaves for a color contrast.

Gather your equipment.

Step 1 – Chop the watermelon and place it in the blender, about 2/3 full.

For 2 servings, you want 1 cup of watermelon juice.

Step 2 – Strain the watermelon through a fine mesh sieve into a 1 cup liquid measuring cup.

TIP: Use the back of a spoon to press the watermelon and juice through the sieve.

Step 3 – Use a citrus juicer to extract the juice from 1/2 lime.

Step 4 – Place the lime juice in a small Pyrex container.

Step 5 – Place the watermelon juice, the vodka, the freshly squeezed lime juice and a tablespoon of the honey or Agave Nectar in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until blended and cold.

Step 6 – Fill your glass of choice (wine, martini or margarita) with ice.

Step 7 – Using the cocktail strainer, pour the drink into the glass with ice. Garnish with a mint sprig or a thin slice of watermelon.

Isn’t this the prettiest color? And, remember, it’s fruit, so it’s healthy!

Number 5- Best Summer White Wine Sangria

If you like light and wine-based beverages, this white wine sangria is for you.

I remember the first one I had. It was at lunch in Old Town Barcelona. Sweet Shark had a red wine sangria and I had the white wine sangria.

I thought it was one of the best, most refreshing drinks I’d ever had.

A white wine sangria features light fruit, such as peaches, oranges, apples or pears.

I found five more refreshing cocktails that shout SUMMER. I think you’ll enjoy giving them a look and a taste.

Number 6 – Spicy Watermelon Margarita

This version takes its cue from watermelon and spice. Nicolle of Our Tiny Nest says it’s the combination of fresh watermelon, limes, and jalapenos that makes this drink soooo refreshing and the perfect contrast of heat and coolness.

Number 7 – The Pineapple Princess

Isn’t that the cutest name for a summer beverage? Which came first? The drink or the name? In this case, Simone of Zen Belly says it was the drink. You’ll have to read her post to find out how the name came about. As we know, pineapple evokes thoughts of summer, beach, and tropical vibes. This one won’t disappoint.

Number 8 – Tropical Pineapple Crush

Here is another gorgeous cocktail to admire. I won’t apologize that it also has pineapple. In fact, it boasts pineapple, coconut, and guava, oh my! For a flavor trio that definitely won’t disappoint, try out the Lulus Tropical Crush Cocktail! Perfect for sitting back and sipping on all summer long or as the star of a bridal shower, bridesmaid luncheon, or rehearsal dinner.

Number 9 – Raspberry Limoncello Prosecco

I have to be honest: two of my favorite drinks are prosecco and limoncello, and what’s not to like about raspberries? Chungah of Damn Delicious must have a lot in common. Amazingly refreshing, bubbly, and sweet, this is the perfect summer cocktail that you can make in just 5 minutes!

Number 10 – Sweet Tea Sangria with Fresh Fruit

We love our sweet iced tea in the South, but we are open to variations. The question is: is this sweet tea with some sangria or is it sangria with some sweet tea? Just kidding. It sounds easy and breezy either way. Thanks to Kristy of The Wicked Noodle for sharing this cocktail that is perfect for summer barbecues, brunches or showers.

Here is a new collection of recipes for Bang Bang Chicken that would pair nicely with any of these summer cocktails.

Summing Up the Summer Cocktails

Please PIN this post to save these awesome summer cocktails. Check out my Pinterest Board, Beverages and Cocktails.