5 Refreshing Summer Cocktails You Need to Try

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy refreshing cocktails that cool you down and add a burst of flavor to your day. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, lounging by the pool, or simply relaxing on a warm evening, these five popular summer cocktails are sure to delight your taste buds. Here are the recipes to help you create these delightful drinks at home.

1. Classic Mojito

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 1/2 ounces white rum
• 1/2 cup club soda

Instructions:

• Place mint leaves and one lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice.
• Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.
• Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with club soda. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired.
• Garnish with the remaining lime wedge and a sprig of mint.

2. Piña Colada

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces pineapple juice
• 1 ounce coconut cream
• 1 ounce white rum
• 1 cup ice
• Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

• Combine the pineapple juice, coconut cream, white rum, and ice in a blender.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.

3. Aperol Spritz

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces Prosecco
• 2 ounces Aperol
• 1 ounce club soda
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

• Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
• Pour in the Prosecco, followed by the Aperol.
• Add a splash of club soda and stir gently.
• Garnish with an orange slice.

4. Watermelon Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh watermelon juice
• 2 ounces silver tequila
• 1 ounce lime juice
• 1 ounce triple sec
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional)
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wedge and watermelon slice for garnish

Instructions:

• Rim the edge of a glass with a lime wedge and dip in salt.
• Combine the watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup (if using) in a shaker with ice. Shake well.
• Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with a lime wedge and a watermelon slice.

5. Strawberry Basil Smash

Ingredients:

• 4 fresh strawberries, hulled
• 4 fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
• Club soda
• Ice cubes
• Basil sprig and strawberry for garnish

Instructions:

• In a shaker, muddle the strawberries, basil leaves, and simple syrup.
• Add the vodka, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well.
• Strain into a glass filled with ice.
• Top with club soda and stir gently.
• Garnish with a basil sprig and a strawberry.

These five cocktails are not only easy to make but also perfect for any summer occasion. Experiment with these recipes and enjoy the refreshing flavors of summer. Cheers!