Some say that this year’s drink of the summer is a mezcal cocktail, while others argue that the Hugo spritz is the real heavy hitter of the season. But why should we limit ourselves to a single trendy cocktail? While we’re here for trends, sometimes we’re simply in the mood for a good, weather-appropriate drink.
There are so many from which to choose: A refreshing mojito, perfect for poolside sipping, or a citrusy margarita to perk up heat-stunned hangouts. Or the tropical piña colada, which conjures white-sand beaches at first sip, or the floral gin daisy, which feels like a garden in full bloom. Not to mention the so-pink-it-hurts Barbie cocktail (to be enjoyed while “beaching,” obviously) or the cool-you-down-from-the-inside-out sangria slushie.
Make one for yourself, or batch a bunch for a crowd. Go for boozy summer selections or low-ABV concoctions. But no matter what direction you choose, you can rest assured any of these drinks will cool you down.
Note: If you’re staying sober this summer, swap the alcohol in any of these drinks with non-alcoholic spirits or opt for one of our summer-ready non-alcoholic cocktail recipes.
Piña Colada
![Pina Colada](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05_23_Pina_Colada_HERO_GettyImages-1455335977_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
Popularized in the 1960s and 70s, the piña colada remains the perfect cocktail for any summer day.
Mai Tai
![Glass of Mai Tai](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/05_23_Mai_Tai_HERO_Alamy_2EANWTD_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
A tiki mainstay, the mai tai combines two types of rum with citrus-forward ingredients, conjuring images of palm trees and white-sand beaches.
Long Island Iced Tea
![Two Long Island Iced Teas on wood table next to lemon wedges and spoon](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Long_Island_Iced_Tea_GettyImages-547425658_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
Equally famous and infamous, the Long Island Iced Tea evokes strong responses, but it’s indisputably refreshing.
French Press Sangria
![French Press Sangria](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/02_23_French_Press_Sangria_HERO_Ali_Redmond_1920x1280-1024x682.jpg)
The French press is for more than just coffee. March this tool over to the bar cart with this French press sangria recipe.
Sangria Slushie
![Sangria Slushie](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/08_22_Sangria_Slushie_HERO_Caitlin_Bensel_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
This slushie recipe gives sangria a summer makeover with infinite possibilities for customization.
White Wine Spritzer
![White Wine Spritz](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/08_22_White_Wine_Spritz_HERO_Caitlin_Bensel_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
This fizzy wine and soda cocktail has been an iconic summertime symbol since the '70s.
Mojito
![Mojito](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/04_23_Mojito_HERO_Stocksy_1711304_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
Tainted by years of overly muddled sugar bombs, this simple, elegant cocktail is one of the oldest in existence.
Watermelon Mojito
![watermelon mojito](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05_22_Watermelon_Mohito_Photo_Tom_Arena_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
This watermelon mojito features fresh fruit juice and vibrant ginger beer. Need we say more?
Ranch Water
![Highball with Ranch Water surrounded by limes](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ranch_Water_Drink_GettyImages-1248289935_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
This Texas summertime staple uses three ingredients for a refreshing, easy cocktail.
Salty Dog
![Salty Dog](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_23_Salty_Dog_HERO_Stocksy_3276592_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
A mix of grapefruit juice, gin or vodka served over ice with a salted rim, the Salty Dog is the perfect highball variation to beat the summer heat.
USS Bomber
![USS Bomber](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/06_23_USS_Bomber_HERO_Eric_Medsker_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
Tall, glistening with crushed ice and draped in patriotic colors, this unique cocktail from New York City's Maison Premiere is all about America.
Barbie Cocktail
![Barbie Cocktail in a barbie themed environment](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/06_23_Barbie-Cocktail-HERO_Ali_Redmond_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
Barbie has everything: the clothes, mansion, career, shoes and a new feature-length film. Now, she has her very own cocktail, too.
Hugo Spritz
![Hugo Spritz Cocktail](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_23_Hugo_Spritz_HERO_Tom_Bell_Images_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
The Hugo spritz is a refreshing, low-alcohol sparkling wine cocktail with a gentle, floral flavor and a hint of herbaceous mint.
Gin Daisy
![Gin Daisy Cocktail](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/03_23_Gin_Daisy_Cocktail_HERO_AntonisAchilleos_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
A member of the daisy cocktail family, this gin-spiked sipper is reminiscent of a margarita, minus the tequila.
Paloma
![Paloma](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/04_23_Paloma_HERO_Stocksy_4620231_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
The Paloma, a combination of tequila and grapefruit, is all about simplicity.
Classic Margarita
![Margarita](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/04_23_Margarita_HERO_Stocksy_3167121_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
The origin of the iconic margarita is hotly debated. Get the story behind this classic tequila-based cocktail and learn how to make one properly.
Non-Alcoholic Margarita
![Virgin Margarita recipe](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/06_22_Virgin_margarita_recipe_HERO_Stocksy_2778197_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
Fresh citrus and non-alcoholic tequila keep this virgin margarita recipe balanced.
Tequila Sunrise
![animation of a cherry being added to a tequila sunrise](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/08_22_Tequila_Sunrise_HERO_GIF_Credit_Caitlin_Bensel_699x466.gif)
Orange juice, grenadine, and blanco tequila are the stars in this sweet, refreshing, ombre-effect cocktail.
Sex on the Beach
![Sex on the Beach Cocktail](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/04_23_Sex_on_the_Beach_HERO_GettyImages_1218257406_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
Don’t let the cheeky name deter you from ordering one. This sweet tropical drink turns any locale into a beach vacation, at least in spirit.
Bellini
![Bellini](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/04_23_Peach_Bellini_HERO_Heidis_Bridge_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
Forget those watered-down cocktails from bottomless brunch. The traditional Bellini recipe leans on fresh peaches for a sensational sparkler.
Mimosa
![Mimosa](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/04_23_Mimosas_HERO_GettyImages_1480163489_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
One of the world's most popular cocktails, the mimosa has a murky history. No one argues it's perfect for a summer brunch, though.
Greyhound
![Greyhound Cocktail](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05_23_Greyhound_Drink_HERO_GettyImages-923901274_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
Nothing against Greyhound buses, but we think we'll take the Greyhound cocktail instead. Here's how to make it right.
Hurricane Cocktail
![Three Hurricane cocktails on tray with orange and cherry garnish](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hurricane_Cocktail_GettyImages-685770632_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
A New Orleans classic, the Hurricane cocktail dates to World War II and was created in response to a whiskey shortage.
The Guavabonga
![Crush COM The Guavabonga](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/042022_Crush_COM_Photo_Tom_Arena_1920x1280-1024x683.jpg)
This zesty mezcal cocktail is packed with tropical citrus fruit and sure to delight.
The Detox
![The Detox Mocktail](https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Detox_Mocktail_Kenji_Toma_1920x1280.jpg)
An intriguing combination of pineapple and celery, this non-alcoholic cocktail comes together with a savory dash of sea salt.
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Published: July 31, 2023