What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These summer cocktails are perfect for beating the heat and adding a splash of fun to your gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create revitalizing drinks that everyone will enjoy. You’ll love how quick and easy they are to make, even if you’re not a mixologist. The bright, fruity flavors will instantly transport you to a sunny beach or backyard barbecue. Plus, they’re totally customizable, so you can tweak them to suit your taste or impress your guests.
Recipe
Nothing beats a reviving cocktail on a hot summer day. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue, these easy-to-make summer cocktails will keep you cool and satisfied.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 4 oz club soda
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a shaker, muddle a few mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup.
- Add vodka and ice, then shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, replace simple syrup with a sugar-free alternative.
- Adjust sweetness or tartness to taste.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Serving: 1
Calories: ~180
Cuisine: American
Equipment
Having the right equipment is essential for crafting the perfect summer cocktail. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Muddler
- Strainer
- Bar spoon
- Ice bucket and tongs
- Highball or rocks glasses
- Citrus juicer
- Cutting board and knife for garnishes
Nutrition
Summer cocktails are invigorating and flavorful, but it’s good to know their nutritional content. Here’s a breakdown of common ingredients used in summer cocktails.
| Ingredient (per 1 oz) | Calories | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) | Alcohol (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodka | 64 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Rum | 64 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Tequila | 64 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Simple Syrup | 50 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| Lime Juice | 8 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0 |
| Lemon Juice | 7 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0 |
| Orange Juice | 14 | 3 | 2.5 | 0 |
| Club Soda | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tonic Water | 10 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 0 |
What to Serve With This Recipe
When I’m serving summer cocktails, I love pairing them with light appetizers like caprese skewers or bruschetta—they’re fresh and don’t overpower the drink. For something a bit more filling, I’ll add invigorating side dishes like a citrusy quinoa salad or chilled gazpacho. These combos make the whole experience feel cool and effortless, perfect for warm evenings.
Light Appetizers
To pair with your summer cocktails, I love keeping things fresh and easy with light appetizers that don’t overpower the drinks. Think bruschetta with ripe tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, or prosciutto-wrapped melon for a sweet-salt combo. Herb-infused goat cheese on crackers is another favorite. These bites are simple to make and let the cocktails shine, making your gathering feel effortless and fun.
Refreshing Side Dishes
Since we’re already keeping things light with our summer cocktails and appetizers, I think invigorating side dishes are the perfect way to round out the meal. Try a crisp watermelon-feta salad with mint, or grilled corn with lime and chili. A chilled cucumber-dill yogurt salad also pairs beautifully. These dishes are simple, fresh, and won’t overpower the drinks. They’ll keep your spread feeling bright and balanced.
