Nothing says summer like a cool drink on the patio or deck. These 15 cocktails spotlight seasonal fruit, herbs, and even a veggie or two and are the ultimate expression of summer.
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RecipeSummer Bourbon-Cherry Fizz
The raisiny flavor of an ancho chile gives a lovely base note to this drink, bringing together the cherries and the bourbon. The addition of the vitamin C tablet keeps the cherry juice brighter in color, but feel free to omit it if you don’t have one on hand. -
RecipeVodka-Berry Lemonade
A good berry lemonade hits all the sweet and sour notes you want in a refreshing afternoon drink and also makes a welcoming cocktail. -
Moveable FeastWhite Rum, Basil, and Orange Spritz
This cocktail is delicious and refreshing on a hot summer day. Substitute regular basil plus 1/2 tsp. lemon juice if you can’t find lemon basil. -
RecipeWatermelon Mojito
Added to a minty mojito, ripe summer watermelon takes refreshing to the next level. -
Moveable FeastMaui Mule
This twist on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail (lime, vodka, and ginger beer) incorporates that Hawaiian staple, pineapple.
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RecipeSummer Peach Cooler
These nonalcoholic cocktails of seltzer and peach purée are a perfect use for great in-season peaches, with their syrupy juice and jasmine-like aroma.
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Moveable FeastCora Sue Collins
Chef McDonagh puts a spin on the classic Collins with elderflower liqueur and fresh mint (experiment with the many mint varieties for different flavors). He’s named the refreshing cocktail after child actress Cora Sue Collins, who appeared in films alongside the likes of Bette Davis and Greta Garbo in the 1930s and ’40s.
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RecipeHeirloom Bloody Mary
To create this seasonal cocktail, the bartenders at Union Square Café pilfer the kitchen’s heirloom tomatoes, sourced from the nearby farmers’ market. At its best in late summer, this brunch mainstay is made truly special by passing the tomatoes through a potato ricer rather than juicing them. Browse our Drinks & Entertaining Guide page for more spicy cocktails.
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RecipeHemingway Daiquiri
They say that the Hemingway Daiquiri was invented for Ernest Hemingway in the La Floradita bar in Cuba. Whether the stories are true or false, no person in history can match Ernest Hemingway as an Olympian cocktail connoisseur. But only this Daiquiri has the honor of bearing his name. He loved it so much that he always had a double serving, which earned the cocktail the moniker Papa Doble, or Double for Daddy.
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RecipeLimoncello-Gin Cocktail with Grilled Thyme
If you’re firing up the grill already, throw some thyme sprigs over the fire to coax out the herb’s floral qualities. -
RecipeGarden Party Cocktail
Ted Kilgore, the beverage manager of Taste by Niche in Missouri, based this cocktail on the natural pairing of agave nectar and tequila, which come from the same plant. -
RecipeStrawberry Mojito
A mojito is traditionally made with white rum, muddled mint and lime juice, and seltzer. Strawberries make this cocktail both sweeter and more tart—a nice match for bold amber rum or more subtle white rum.
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RecipeWatermelon Blush
Made with St-Germain, an elderflower liqueur, this summery drink is sweet, with a light effervescence.
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RecipeHibiscus Cooler (Agua de Jamaica)
The floral and earthy flavor of dried hibiscus flowers may be familiar to you as one of the ingredients in Red Zinger tea. Here the cooler is only lightly sweetened. Add more sugar if you like.
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RecipeRose Spritz Cocktail
Move over, bitter liqueurs. This spritz is sure to become your new favorite warm-weather sipper.
