Learn more about Chef Renee’s newest cookbook, Sunlight & Breadcrumbs!
Sangria, Slushes and Smashes: Our 12 Favorite Cocktails To Say Goodbye To Summer
Summer is in full swing, and it’s time to mix up your beverage routine with something a bit more vibrant and refreshing. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a vibrant backyard barbecue or simply unwinding after a long day, what better accompaniment than a drink that’s as colorful and inviting as a summer sunset?
This season, we’re turning the spotlight on some lesser known yet incredibly refreshing concoctions: vibrant sangrias, icy slushes and bold smashes that pack a punch of flavor. Ready to elevate your cocktail game beyond the usual suspects?
Here are 12 of the best summer cocktails to try this year.
Hungry for more? From glassware to bar tools, our Bar Collection has everything you need to make happy hour, well, happy!
Aperol Spritz Sangria
Dive into summer with this Aperol Spritz Sangria recipe, a refreshing and fruity twist on the classic spritz.
This vibrant cocktail combines sweet, macerated strawberries with the zesty flavors of sliced oranges and lemons. Mixed with chilled prosecco, Aperol and a splash of sparkling water, it’s a bubbly delight that’s perfect for summer.
Peach Sangria
Peaches are the quintessential fruit of summer and make a delightful base to your sangria—blended with simple syrup and a splash of orange juice.
Sweet and tangy, the mix is then elevated with a crisp white wine and enriched with the depth of triple sec and brandy. Serve in a pitcher or beverage dispenser with thin slices of peaches and oranges for an extra fruity burst and a beautiful visual appeal.
Sparkling Strawberry Basil Sangria
Sweet strawberries and aromatic basil are the stars of this vibrant drink, mingled with a bit of vodka and sparkling wine for a fizzy lift. It’s a great pick for sunny afternoons or lively evenings, offering a fresh twist on a traditional sangria recipe.
Serve over ice and garnish with sliced strawberries and basil for a refreshing and eye-catching drink, ideal for any warm day.
Rosé Strawberry Le Parfait Jar Slush
Simple and fun to make, this slush combines puréed strawberries, chilled rosé wine and simple syrup, all frozen to perfection in a stylish Le Parfait jar. A splash of Grand Marnier adds a sophisticated citrus twist.
Just shake, freeze and enjoy the transformation into a delightfully frosty treat on lazy, hot afternoons or at your next summer bash.
Fro-Groni
Cool down this summer with a Fro-Groni, a frozen twist on the classic Negroni.
This slushy delight blends gin, Campari and sweet vermouth with fresh orange juice, all whipped up into an icy concoction that’s perfect for hot days. Serve it in frosted glasses garnished with orange wheels—and for an extra festive touch, top it off with a splash of prosecco.
Frosé
Embrace the ultimate summer refresher with this Frosé recipe.
Start by freezing a bottle of dry rosé into ice cubes, then toss them in your blender with simple syrup and fresh lemon juice, puréed until smooth. Pour the frosty blend into glasses, add a zesty lemon twist for garnish, and finish with a splash of Vergano Americano Chinato or Campari to round out some of the sweetness.
Blood Orange Whiskey Smash
This lively drink combines the juicy zest of blood orange and the cool hint of mint, muddled together to release their intense flavors.
Bourbon adds a smooth, rich base that perfectly complements the citrus notes. Topped off with a splash of ginger beer for a fizzy kick and served over crushed ice, this cocktail is garnished with mint sprigs for an extra touch of freshness.
It’s the ideal mix of sweet, spicy and herbal notes, great for enjoying on a warm evening or at your next social gathering.
The Summer Plum Smash
Dive into the flavors of the season with this refreshing summer cocktail recipe that beautifully marries fruity and herbal notes.
This drink starts with fresh summer plums and aromatic thyme sprigs, muddled together with cane sugar cubes to release their juicy essence and subtle earthiness. The addition of smooth gin and sweet plum liqueur enhances the plums’ natural sweetness, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
Shaken over ice and strained into chilled coupes, this summer cocktail is garnished with a sprig of thyme for an elegant touch.
Sparkling Blackberry Lavender Smash
Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed afternoon in the garden or a festive outdoor gathering, this summer cocktail recipe is sure to impress with its unique blend of flavors and seasonal charm.
It combines juicy blackberries and vibrant gin with homemade lemon lavender syrup, creating a sweet and floral base with a tangy twist. A splash of sparkling water adds a refreshing effervescence that enhances the drink’s lightness.
Served over ice and garnished with additional lemon wheels, blackberries and fresh herbs, this smash is a fusion of fresh, aromatic flavors, perfect for sipping under the sun.
Pineapple Skin Bourbon Smash
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this summer cocktail, which makes use of pineapple skins and cores.
This unique drink starts with a homemade syrup infused with the bold sweetness of pineapple and a zest of lime. For the cocktail, this syrup is shaken with bourbon and a splash of lemon juice, then poured over crushed ice for a refreshing finish.
For a nonalcoholic twist, simply omit the bourbon and mix the syrup with lemon juice and crushed ice, then top with seltzer water for a bubbly beverage that everyone can enjoy.
Blackberry Tequila Sage Smash
Savor the vibrant and crisp flavors of the Blackberry Tequila Sage Smash, one the best summer cocktails around.
This concoction starts with a homemade syrup infused with fresh blackberries and aromatic sage, setting a sweet and subtly earthy foundation. Mixed with crisp tequila and bright lime juice, then poured over crushed ice and topped with lime-flavored seltzer, it delivers a refreshing fizz.
Garnished with extra lime wedges and blackberries, this cocktail is not only delicious but also a beautiful addition to any summer party.
Blueberry Gin Smash
Sip on the refreshing Blueberry Gin Smash, a summer cocktail recipe that blends the sweet tartness of blueberries with the crispness of gin.
To begin, combine fresh blueberries, muddled with lime juice and mint leaves, to create a base that’s bursting with flavor. A teaspoon of sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, balanced by the botanical notes of gin and a hint of elderflower liqueur for a floral finish.
Shaken over ice and strained into a glass, then garnished with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel, it’s a summery delight that any cocktail connoisseur will love.
Get the Blueberry Gin Smash recipe!
Hungry for more? From glassware to bar tools, our Bar Collection has everything you need to make happy hour, well, happy!
Join The Conversation