15 Summer Cocktails

From boozy takes on your favorite non-alcoholic drinks to icy blends of fresh fruit and liquor, these recipes will keep you cool all summer long — and they’re cheaper than replacing your busted old air conditioner.

 

1. Peach julep

 

• 2. The Sweet Escape

  

  This vodka-based cocktail features fresh mango puree, lemon juice, simple syrup and soda water.

  IMAGE: FLICKR, MATTHIAS RHOMBERG

• 3. Berry Rose Sangria

  

  For this recipe, dry rosé wine gets a sweet boost from sugar and fresh berries.

  IMAGE: FLICKR, DIDRIKS

• 4. Meyer Lemon Margarita

  

  If you’re craving a margarita in the summer heat, opt for one made from fresh Meyer lemon juice, tequila and triple sec.

  IMAGE: @HANNAHAIRMAKEUP ON INSTAGRAM

• 5. Tropical Ginger Punch

  

  This vodka-based punch features peeled fresh ginger, pineapple juice, orange juice and ginger ale.

  IMAGE: FLICKR, BASHEERTOME

• 6. Watermelon Punch

  

  This refreshing cocktail recipe requires only watermelon, vermouth, sugar and ice. Simply blend and enjoy.

  IMAGE: FLICKR, DIDRIKS

• 7. Boozy Horchata

  

  This refreshing Mexican drink is made with finely ground rice and flavored with cinnamon. While it’s traditionally a non-alcoholic beverage, it’s delicious spiked with dark rum or Kahlua.

  IMAGE: FLICKR, ELEATICSTRANGER

• 8. Iced Mexican Latte

  

  Classic iced lattes get a boozy punch from Grand Marnier.

  IMAGE: FLICKR, THEVELVETBIRD

• 9. Cucumber Cooler

  

  This cocktail features vodka and simple syrup blended with muddled cucumber, thyme and ice.

  IMAGE: DIDRIKS

• 10. Ginger-Mint Julep with Fresh Pineapple

  

  This cocktail calls for homemade ginger syrup, made with fresh ginger, water, sugar and black peppercorns.

  IMAGE: FLICKR, FLICKR4JAZZ

• 11. Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri

  

  This simple frozen cocktail calls for fresh strawberries and white rum.

  IMAGE: FLICKR, PINK SHERBET PHOTOGRAPHY

• 12. Michelada

  

  This savory Mexican cocktail is prepared with hot pepper sauce, tomato juice, lime juice and pale ale.

  IMAGE: FLICKR, WALTER RODRIGUEZ

• 13. Lemon Lavendar Fizz

  

  This gin-based cocktail features homemade lavender simple syrup made with fried lavender buds.

  IMAGE: FLICKR, ROB.BERTHOLF

• 14. Frozen Margaritas

  

  The frozen version of your favorite summer cocktail features fresh lime and tequila, plus tons of crushed ice.

  IMAGE: FLICKR, LEE EDWIN COURSEY

• 15. Classic Mojito

  

  Mint, lime and simple syrup star in this classic rum-based cocktail.