5 Sip-Worthy Easy Summer Cocktails That Are SO Easy To Make
Hey there, fellow summer sippers! If you’re anything like me, the hotter the day, the stronger the urge to grab a refreshing cocktail that’s simple to whip up at home.
Whether it’s a balmy summer day, a spontaneous happy hour, or a planned backyard bash, having a few easy summer cocktails ready to go can be a total game changer.
I’ve gathered my five absolute favorite summer drinks — all so delicious, they might just become your go-to recipes for pool parties, beach days, or a chill night on your porch. Plus, these drinks strike that perfect balance between fruity cocktails and refreshing twists, with simple ingredients that make at-home bar nights a breeze. If you want more inspiration or step-by-step guides, I’ve linked the original recipes throughout, they’re truly some of my favorite cocktails and will keep your summer sipping stylish and simple.
Ready to shake up your summer? Let’s dive in!
1. Piña Coco Margarita — Sweet, Citrusy & Minty Fresh
If you’ve ever dreamed of a frozen margarita that transports you straight to the beach, this Piña Coco Margarita might just be the perfect summer drink for you. Sweet, citrusy, and with a little bit of fresh mint to brighten things up, this cocktail has everything you want on a hot summer day.
Why I Love It
I’ve always been a margarita girl, but recreating that perfect balance of sweet and citrus at home was no small task. This original recipe hits that sweet spot: the tang of fresh lime juice, the tropical punch of pineapple juice, and a creamy finish from coconut milk. The secret? Fresh mint muddled right in the cocktail shaker — it gives this classic drink a delightful herbal pop that feels totally fresh.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz tequila (your favorite blanco works great)
- ½ oz Grand Marnier or triple sec (orange liqueur)
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz coconut milk
- Juice from ½ lime
- Fresh mint leaves
You can watch a step-by-step video of this recipe on The Savvy Spoon Instagram here!
How to Make It:
- Muddle fresh mint leaves in your cocktail shaker.
- Add tequila, Grand Marnier, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
- Fill the shaker with fresh ice and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- Pour into a cocktail glass filled with ice cubes.
- Top with coconut milk for that creamy, dreamy finish.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice
This one is a good use of your at-home bar staples and comes together so quickly, it’s perfect for any summer party or taco night.
2. The Elder Sage Cocktail — Botanical and Spritzy Perfection
This Elder Sage Cocktail is a more elegant, slightly unexpected option for those who appreciate a classic drink with a botanical flair. It’s light, floral, and packed with fresh sage leaves that bring a fragrant freshness perfect for sunny days.
What Makes It Special
I’m a gin fan, and this cocktail leverages the rose and cucumber hints of Hendrick’s or Wonderbird gin, paired with St. Germain elderflower liqueur. The grapefruit juice adds a subtle tartness, balanced out by soda water or grapefruit soda for a sparkling finish.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin (Hendrick’s or Wonderbird recommended)
- 1 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 3 fresh sage leaves
- Grapefruit soda or Topo Chico mineral water
Instructions:
- Place gin, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, and fresh sage leaves into a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Pour over ice and top with Topo Chico mineral water.
The herbal notes combined with the spritz make this one of the best refreshing summer cocktails you can sip all afternoon long.
3. Skinny Shaken Piña Colada — The Low-Calorie Vacation in a Glass
Let’s talk about piña coladas — those creamy, tropical cocktails that scream beach days and summer parties. The classic can be pretty heavy on calories, but this skinny shaken piña colada keeps the flavor while cutting down on the sugar and fat.
Why It’s a Great Idea
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this drink is a delightful drink that’s easy to make and satisfies the craving for that creamy coconut pineapple combo. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing cocktail that feels indulgent but is actually pretty light (bye extra calories!) yet tastes so creamy and citrusy!
Ingredients:
- 3 oz light rum (2 shots)
- 3 oz fresh pineapple juice (2 shots)
- 2 oz canned light coconut milk (1½ shots)
- 1 squeeze fresh lime juice
- 1-2 dashes aromatic bitters + ground cinnamon each
- Lime wheels for garnish
Watch a step-by-step video of how to make The Savvy Spoon Skinny Shaken Piña Colada Here!
Instructions:
- Place 1 scoop of ice into a cocktail mixer. Combine rum, pineapple juice, coconut milk and squeeze of lime into mixer. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice, then pour drink into glass. Top with a dash or two of bitters and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Garnish with lime wheel and enjoy!
The dash of bitters and cinnamon add a secret ingredient feel that makes this classic piña colada an easy recipe to impress guests.
4. Refreshing Aperol Tequila Spritz — A Sunset in a Glass
I’m fairly new to Aperol, but I’m officially hooked! This Aperol tequila spritz is a fresh take on the beloved Italian aperitivo, with a bit of a southwestern twist. It’s light, sparkling, and just a little bit bitter — perfect for long summer evenings.
What Makes It a Favorite
The combination of tequila, Aperol, fresh citrus juices, and sparkling wine or Topo Chico mineral water means it’s bubbly and refreshing without being too sweet. It’s a perfect cocktail to make ahead for summer parties or an easy happy hour.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz blanco or reposado tequila (I love Casamigos)
- 1 oz Aperol liqueur
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh lemon or lime juice
- Topo Chico mineral water or sparkling wine
- Orange slice and twist for garnish
How to Make It:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add blanco or reposado tequila, Aperol liqueur, grapefruit juice, and fresh lemon or lime juice to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously until well combined and chilled.
- Prepare a cocktail or wine glass by filling it with ice.
- Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glass.
- Top with Topo Chico mineral water, sparkling wine, or Champagne for a refreshing fizz.
- Give it a gentle stir to incorporate the ingredients. Serve in a short or tall glass.
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or a twist of lemon for an extra burst of flavor.
This one is a classic drink with a refreshing twist, and it’s super easy recipes like this that make me want to keep a bottle of Aperol in my bar all summer long.
5. Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita — Sweet, Spicy, and So Fun
If you like your cocktails with a little kick, this strawberry jalapeño margarita will be your new best friend. It’s a perfect summer party drink — sweet, tart, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.
Why It’s a Must-Try
Blending fresh strawberries with jalapeño and tequila makes this margarita a whole lot more exciting than the classic. The agave nectar adds just the right subtle sweetness, while Tajín seasoning on the rim brings a salty, spicy zing.
Ingredients (makes 2 cocktails):
- 10 strawberries destemmed
- 2 limes
- ¼ jalapeño with seeds or without for less heat
- 2 tsp. agave nectar
- 2 oz. Socorro Blanco tequila can sub Reposado
- 2 oz. orange liqueur like Jalisco Orange or Grand Marnier
- tajín seasoning salt, for rims
- Topo Chico mineral water optional
How to Make It:
- Slice the strawberries in half and place them in a blender or food processor. Add in the juices of your two limes, along with the jalapeño, with or without seeds. Pulse to blend.
- Add in your tequila and orange liqueur shots, along with your agave to taste (similar to honey, a little goes a long way) and blend up again.
- Grab two cocktail glasses and squeeze a lime wedge around each rim. Dip each glass rim into the tajín if using. Fill glasses with ice, then pour strawberry drink over top. I love to top my margs with a little Topo Chico for bubbles & fizz!
This cocktail glass-worthy drink brings the fun of a summer party right to your kitchen — great use of fresh fruits and perfect for anyone who loves a classic margarita with a spicy upgrade.
Summer is all about those moments where the heat melts away with a perfect cocktail in hand. These five recipes offer a range of flavors — from creamy coconut and pineapple to herbal sage, and from the bubbly Aperol spritz to spicy strawberry jalapeño — all easy recipes that don’t require a full bar or complicated techniques.
Cheers to sunny days, fresh lime juice, and a whole lot of great sips!
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