Summer is the season of casual, snacking and sipping. Sure, movement sounds good, but there’s a lot of content to back it up. With reasonable meal and day by day lots of cool drinks, fruit and refreshments to accompany all the best warm weather moments (meetingdinner, and BBQs in the backyard consists of).
In the winter, I’m often in pursuit of a cozy drink. The coffee in the morning, teas to warm up my afternoon and full body reds go perfectly with anything comfort-oriented meals I will do it that evening. But as someone who is close to changing weather – and the corresponding change of seasons – when things start to heat up in spring and summer, my color palette changes as well.
Featured image of Sara Prince.
With longer days come cravings for all things light, fruity and fresh – both in the drinks I enjoy and the meals I devour. And while I can’t be cold enough Rose, when I want something more creative, these are the refreshing drinks that I turn to. Needless to say, I’ve rounded up all of the summer’s most popular poolside drinks. Trust me: hydrating, soothing, and tinted options abound. Because while country all good and good, it’s time to spice up the taste.
12 types of refreshing drinks to increase the excitement for summer Sippin fun
Cocchi Americano Spritz
Why we love it: I like a classic cocktail with a modern twist. The Italian drink has a way of being the “it” of summer, and I’m predicting it right now: Cocchi Spritzes are about to spark the next Aperol craze. Vermouth, bitter orange and a slice of citrus for garnish. What’s not to love (or absolutely love?).
Hero Ingredients: Slices of orange and lemon zest add visual interest and a refreshing feeling.
Elderberry Spring Cocktail
Why we love it: While the Elderberry Cocktail is likened to a springtime drink, I think it should be enjoyed during the warmer months. It strikes the perfect balance of being a simple performer – elegant, yet sophisticated – and it offers a delightful nod to the refreshing floral discoveries that summer brings.
Hero Ingredients: St-Germain has to be my favorite liqueur. If you’re looking for something that makes you known without being overpowered, I can’t recommend it perfectly enough.
Margarita Garden
Why we love it: As this article will demonstrate (keep scrolling), there are countless ways to make margarine. And while the celery juice craze may have come and gone, this recipe is giving it a whole new life. It takes the concept and category of refreshing beverages to the next level of citrus seasoning.
Hero Ingredients: I love the savory rim over my margarine — it perfectly complements the intense flavor that lemon juice and mezcal bring out.
Blood orange margaritas
Why we love it: Like I said: countless ways to mix margarine. Although I’ve seen more and more blood orange margaritas all over menus, the combination still feels special and refreshing. Maybe it’s the color or maybe it’s that wonderful piece of cake and sweetness. Either way, this is definitely a winner.
Hero Ingredients: Although the taste of blood orange is not too different from the traditional sweet taste of citrus, it is still special. Get ready for a sip that’s not too sour, with balanced sweetness and nuances.
Classic Aperol Spritz
Why we love it: The Aperol Spritz has been on our must-drink list for years, and while I’d rather call myself a creative than follow whatever is trending, I have to admit: This is a summer staple for a reason.
Hero Ingredients: Aperol is fruity but bitter, citrusy but smooth. In other words, its addition gives us one of the best refreshments in the game thanks to its perfectly balanced taste, which can be craving.
Seagull
Why we love it: The name of this drink alone evokes pleasant summer memories. Sea Bird is fresh and light, evoking the energy of a bright yet comfortable summer day. As the drink’s creator Jennifer Fiedler notes, Sea Bird “is a standout on tiki, Jungle Bird.” A pink drink for the summer? Yes, please.
Hero Ingredients: Pineapple juice provides the ideal summer feel.
Frose
Why we love it: I have a confession of things I did. I didn’t have my first frosé until the summer of 2021. Even though I was late to the party, I’m grateful I got there. Frosé may taste as dangerous as a strawberry smoothie, but as long as you know it can pack a punch, you can sip as enthusiastically as you like.
Hero Ingredients: The internet will provide you with hundreds (thousands?) of frosé recipes. And while many are similar, tossing in a few fresh mint leaves will help make it your own.
Hibiscus Spritzers
Why we love it: This is exactly what I want to drink on a warm summer Saturday. As the name suggests, these granules are bubbly thanks to a small amount of Prosecco and zesty from lime. Plus, there’s no harm in adding some mint simple syrup to the mix.
Hero Ingredients: Hibiscus petals have a beautiful characteristic flavor. They taste fruity while boasting a slightly sweet earthy finish. And that color? Brilliant.
Lychee Martini
Why we love it: This is the interior designer, Joyce Downing Pickens‘go for a drink when she has friends over or back with family. According to Joyce, “This Lychee Martini is so simple to make at home, with ingredients that are readily available at home for random encounters.” Sounds like the perfect drink.
Hero Ingredients: Oddly enough, it took me a while to get to the lychee – but when I found the sweet, fruity flower, I fell a lot. With strawberry and earthy pear flavors (not to mention a hint of rose florals), lychee will flavor my martinis from here on out.
Patillazo: Watermelon & Lemon
Why we love it: The patillazo comes from the creative mind of a food stylist and cookbook author Mariana Velásquezwho says that while there’s nothing “extraordinary” about the recipe, it’s her idea of the perfect midsummer drink.
Hero Ingredients: When summer comes, expect to see me enjoying watermelon in abundance. Of course, while slicing is the classic choice, I just want to mix it up and sip.
Strawberry Rose Sangria
Why we love it: Whenever a Producer runs Camille Styles, Michelle Nash, given a recipe, I always knew that I was wanting to enjoy a dish. This spin on light and bubbly sangria—and a combination of rose, fruit, fresh herbs, and bubbles? Perfect.
Hero Ingredients: I love when sangria recipes choose Grand Marnier as the liqueur. It’s powerful and bold, delivering a citrus kick to your pitcher.
4 Ingredients Watermelon Mint Margaritas
Why we love it: From June to July, I will look for every possible excuse to celebrate the days longer. Hike in the morning, swim in the afternoon, and sip a margarita to start the evening with glorious sunsets. When watermelon combines with mint, the essence of the season passes. You’re only four ingredients away from achieving this simple, peak summer fun.
Hero Ingredients: 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice for sweet watermelon.
