Best Summer Cocktails

I know it’s subjective but at least ‘this year’ this is my list of the Best Summer Cocktails. Next year? It will change!

While I really enjoy making cocktails all year round; summer is so much fun. So much fresh fruit, citrus and herbs that you can hardly go wrong with any combination. I thought it might be a good idea to do a refresher today since I have LOVED so many of the cocktails I’ve made; these are what I consider my Best Summer Cocktails.

These are mostly from this season but I’ve slipped a couple of oldy but goody choices in there too.

No list would be complete without my all-time favorite margarita, the cocktail that pretty much started my cocktail making passion so many years ago. I call it the BEST Margarita for a reason.

Reposado tequila is the base and while not an expensive sipping tequila, it has been aged a bit and is so much smoother than a gold variety (which is totally misnamed in my book!). Great orange liqueur, real lemons and real limes and you see why it’s so good.

It’s all about fresh ingredients. I don’t buy mixes or frozen concoctions; it’s really not all that hard to make your own at home. Promise. Now let’s get down to them…you really should not let summer pass you by without trying one of these fantastic drinks!

Watermelon Raspberry Cooler

Isn’t watermelon pretty much the quintessential summer fruit? Light and lovely this cocktail is an easy and delicious combination of watermelon, raspberries and vodka. Perfect!

Blueberry Mint Moscow Mule

Moscow Mules are a favorite but I’ve been remiss. Everything about them lends them to some experimenting with fruits; this was my first and it was amazing!

Cherry Mint Vodka Spritzer

Not interested in pitting a bunch of cherries? This cocktail is a jumping off point for cocktail making with preserves; they are a great way to bring fresh fruit flavor to cocktails any time of year.

Citrus Rum Punch

Why not combine them all together? Orange, lemon and lime makes for a complex, simple and beautiful cocktail that you can drink all year round.

Watermelon Mint Mojito

Mojitos are like Margaritas and Moscow Mules…perfect for experimentation. The 3 M’s never fail to deliver…this one was delicious.

Raspberry Grapefruit Margarita

Combine two tart fruits with a good tequila and some simply syrup and you’ll experience one of my favorites. So pretty too!

Lemon Drop Martini

Had them before? None like this. Combining fresh lemon and lime fruits and zest with vanilla; it’s incomparable.

The BEST Margarita

This is it. The Best. It takes a bit of time to get it perfect but if you’re in a hurry…I’ve also given you a quicker version. Either way; still the best ever!

Bend and Snap

Love ‘Legally Blonde?’ You certainly remember the ‘Bend and Snap’ right? This is my homage to the 15 year anniversary of the movie.

The Caipirinha

Planning an Olympics viewing party? You should probably make a pitcher of these; they are Brazil’s equivalent to the margarita in the states; basically the country’s favorite drink.

Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade

It’s summer and Lemonade is sure a favorite but why not some fruit and bourbon? I’ll be doing another variety in a new cocktail next week and there is a plus; easy to mocktail too!

And that’s just a sampling; almost five years of cocktail each and every week and there is bound to be something for every taste. Take a peek at Friday Cocktails for more!

Have a great rest of your summer and enjoy the Best Summer Cocktails…Cheers!