50 Favorite Summertime Cocktails

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Frosty Raspberry-Lime Margarita

Why we like it: It's packed with raspberries and will be sure to keep you cool poolside.

Recipe: Frosty Raspberry-Lime Margarita

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Pink Bikini

Why we like it: The girly pink color and sweet coconut taste will transport you to the Bahamas!

Recipe: Pink Bikini

Photo: Randy Mayor

The Coastal Margarita

Why we like it: It's the essential summer cocktail. This version is 4 out of 5 on our strength meter!

Recipe: The Coastal Margarita

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Ultimate Rum Punch

Why we like it: The combination of ingredients makes it strong but easy to drink. It's definitely the "ultimate" punch recipe. 

Recipe: Ultimate Rum Punch

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Peach Fuzzies

Why we like it: The combination of sweet and tart refreshes on stifling evenings. Plus, you can't go wrong with fresh peaches in any summertime drink!

Recipe: Peach Fuzzies

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Blended Blue Hawaiian

Why we like it: It’s tart and refreshing—not super-sweet like many other brightly colored cocktails.

Recipe: Blended Blue Hawaiian

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Margarita de Sandia

Why we like it: It’s a fun, colorful way to use watermelon, and it goes perfectly with a Fourth of July cookout.

Recipe: Margarita de Sandia

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Frozen White Chocolate

Why we like it: It has a huge yum factor with a decadent blend of rich vanilla ice cream and delicious liqueurs. Really, you should try this.

Recipe: Frozen White Chocolate

Photo: Con Poulos

Fresh Pineapple Mojito

Why we like it: The classic mojito is made even more tropical with fresh pineapple, a sweet pairing with the crisp mint.

Recipe: Fresh Pineapple Mojito

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Peach Sangria

Why we like it: Fresh nectarines and grapes mixed in peach schnapps provide a refreshing alternative on a hot summer day.

Recipe: Peach Sangria

Photo: Jennifer Davick

The Pink Daiquiri

Why we like it: Grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur put a sweet twist on the classic summer cocktail.

Recipe: The Pink Daiquiri

Photo: Blake Pearson

BT’s Ringmaster Lime Martini

Why we like it: The leaves from the Kaffir lime give this sophisticated martini loads of flavor.

Recipe: BT’s Ringmaster Lime Martini

Photo: Randy Mayor

Signature Bloody Mary

Why we like it: Sun-dried tomatoes add deep tomato flavor to make this recipe particularly yummy. Perfect for a seaside brunch.

Recipe: Signature Bloody Mary

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Honeydew Mimosas

Why we like it: It’s really the best way to enjoy a honeydew melon, plus the color is fabulous.

Recipe: Honeydew Mimosas

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Champagne-Limoncello Aperitifs with Candied Lemon Peel

Why we like it: It's so simple! All you need is limoncello liqueur and sparkling wine, and maybe a candied lemon peel if you're feeling inspired.

Recipe: Champagne-Limoncello Aperitifs with Candied Lemon Peel

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Cucumber Margaritas

Why we like it: The combination of cucumber and lime is completely refreshing for a hot Summer day.

Recipe: Cucumber Margaritas

Photo: Sara Gray

Bloody Mary

Why we like it: Fresh lime juice adds zip to this classic brunch cocktail!

Recipe: Bloody Mary

Photo: Jean Allsopp

Kapalua Sunrise

Why we like it: It’s delicious, beautiful, and healthy. Make it anytime you want to re-create that amazing Hawaiian vacation at home.

Recipe: Kapalua Sunrise

Drinking a tropical libation on the sand transports you to your beach bliss.

Photo: Randy Mayor

Voodoo

Why we like it: Drinking this libation on the sand transports you to your beach bliss.

Muddle 8 lime wedges and 12 fresh mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add 8 ounces (1 cup) mango vodka and 8 ounces (1 cup) mango nectar. Shake vigorously, and strain into 4 ice-filled glasses. Top with club soda, and garnish with chopped fresh mint. Makes 4 servings.

Recipe reprinted with permission from It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere: The Global Guide to Fabulous Cocktails (Sixth & Spring Books, 2008) by Colleen Mullaney; barnesandnoble.com.

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Mint Julep Iced Tea

Why we like it: This drink is easy to make for a crowd. Mint Juleps are traditionally served at the Kentucky Derby, but we like them anytime!

Recipe: Mint Julep Iced Tea

Photo: Fran Gealer

Sauvignon Blanc Peach Sangria

Why we like it: It spices up that stuck-in-a-rut bottle of white wine and is effortless to make.

Recipe: Sauvignon Blanc Peach Sangria

Photo: Randy Mayor

Island Girl

Why we like it: This refreshing cocktail will truly make you feel like you're on an island.

Stir together 8 ounces (1 cup) cranberry juice cocktail, 8 ounces (1 cup) vodka, 4 ounces (½ cup) ginger ale, and 2 ounces (¼ cup) fresh lime juice in a large pitcher. Pour into ice-filled glasses, and garnish with lime wedges. Makes 4 servings.

Recipe reprinted with permission from It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere: The Global Guide to Fabulous Cocktails (Sixth & Spring Books, 2008) by Colleen Mullaney; barnesandnoble.com.

Photo: Charles Walton IV

Hibiscus Tea Punch

Why she likes it: This drink is so refreshing and tropical—perfect for summertime entertaining.

Recipe: Hibiscus Tea Punch

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Best Friends Iced Coffee Frappe

Why we like it: It’s a really, really good grown-up milkshake.

Recipe: Best Friends Iced Coffee Frappe

Photo: Sara Gray

Spiked Lemonade

Why we like it: This citrus-packed beverage takes a slow summer day to new heights.

Recipe: Spiked Lemonade

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Cran-Raspberry Spritzer

Why we like it: Cranberries and raspberries make a great combo in this sparkling concoction.

Recipe: Cran-Raspberry Spritzer

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Stanley’s Mint Julep

Why we like it: This is a quick and delicious way to make juleps for people who really love bourbon.

Recipe: Stanley's Mint Julep

Photo: Randy Mayor

Sangria Bonita

Why we like it: It's bubbly and fruity, making for an ideal summer cocktail.

Combine 1 (750-ml) bottle dry white wine, 4 ounces (½ cup) orange liqueur, and 3 tablespoons sugar in a large pitcher, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add (750-ml) bottle sparkling water. Add 1 sliced orange, 1 sliced lime, 1 sliced star fruit, and 6 sliced strawberries; chill up to 1 hour. Garnish each serving with fresh mint. Makes 6 servings.

Recipe reprinted with permission from It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere: The Global Guide to Fabulous Cocktails (Sixth & Spring Books, 2008) by Colleen Mullaney; barnesandnoble.com.

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Tropical Champagne Punch

Why we like it: This punch will make you feel like you are in the tropics. A touch of sparkling wine makes it crisp and refreshing, perfect for a party or morning brunch.

Recipe: Tropical Champagne Punch

Signature cocktails are the ideal way for you to infuse your personal style into your event.

Photo: Randy Mayor

Beachcomber

Why we like it: The flavor trio of banana, pear, and lemon scores high marks in our book.

Combine 8 ounces (1 cup) vodka, 4 ounces (½ cup) banana liqueur, 4 ounces (½ cup) pear nectar, and ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker or pitcher. Pour into 4 ice-filled glasses, and garnish with fresh edible flowers. Makes 4 servings.

Recipe reprinted with permission from It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere: The Global Guide to Fabulous Cocktails (Sixth & Spring Books, 2008) by Colleen Mullaney; barnesandnoble.com.

Photo: Dave Harp

Pomegranate Margarita

Why we like it: This tangy drink provides a lift at the end of a warm summer day. Sip it while relaxing on the porch or by the water while the sun is setting.

Recipe: Pomegranate Margarita

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Mango Margarita

Why we like it: It's infused with Caribbean flavors and inspired by tropical breezes. Serve it alongside food that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Recipe: Mango Margarita

Photo: Randy Mayor

Lemon Grotto

Why we like it: It's fruity and full of flavor—what's not to love?

Combine 6 ounces (¾ cup) limoncello and 2 ounces (¼ cup) orange liqueur in a small bowl. Stir in 8 sliced strawberries, and soak at least 1 hour. Puree strawberry mixture in a blender; strain, if desired. Pour into 4 tall glasses. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with lemon peel, and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Recipe reprinted with permission from It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere: The Global Guide to Fabulous Cocktails (Sixth & Spring Books, 2008) by Colleen Mullaney; barnesandnoble.com.

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Pomegranate Passion Float

Why we like it: Pomegranate juice adds a sweet tang to this sophisticated Champagne cocktail.

Recipe: Pomegranate Passion Float

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Key Lime Margarita

Why we like it: Tart Key limes make this cocktail delicious and authentic. Of course you can substitute the more common Persian limes you always find in stores, just be sure to use fresh juice.

Recipe: Key Lime Margarita

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Sparkling Sea Breeze

Why we like it: The name says it all—take one sip and you'll feel like you're relaxing by the sea.

Recipe: Sparkling Sea Breeze

Photo: Jean Allsopp

Tara's Killer Bloody Mary

Why we like it: It has just the right amount of heat for a perfect bloody mary.

Recipe: Tara's Killer Bloody Mary

Photo: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

Mango Colada

Why we like it: Mango adds even more tropical flavor to this classic summertime cocktail.

Recipe: Mango Colada

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Patio Daddy-O Planter’s Punch

Why we like it: A skewer of fresh fruit helps you get your daily serving of fruit while relaxing by the pool.

Recipe: Patio Daddy-O Planter's Punch

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Spicy Pear-tini

Why we like it: Dipping the rim of the glass in a cinnamon-and-sugar mixture to give this drink the effect of sand is so clever! The beautiful amber color also reminds us of a sunset on the beach.