Warm weather parties for grown-ups are easy to host with these delicious (and punchy) summer cocktails. This collection has iconic recipes like Long Island Tea and creative twists on familiar flavors and non-alcoholic drinks like Banana Pina Colada, Limoncello Spritz, or Frozen Cosmo!
Perfectly refreshing, quick to make, and sure to lift up the mood. Make these boozy summer cocktails for your BBQ party, brunch, pool party, or 4th of July cookout. Or simply try a new recipe from this list every weekend!
Gina’s Recipe Rundown:
Why I love it: I love these refreshing summer cocktails because they’re the perfect blend of fun, flavor, and chill. They’re easy to whip up in big batches, always a hit with guests, and instantly set the mood for a relaxed, festive vibe—exactly what summer parties are all about!
Rum Punch
Tropical and bold, this fruity mix blends pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, and two types of rum into a crowd-pleasing cocktail. It’s sweet, colorful, and ideal for a summer party pitcher.
Get the recipe: Rum Punch
Blue Hawaiian Jello Shots
These fun, ocean-colored shots bring a burst of pineapple and coconut flavor with every bite, thanks to pineapple juice, coconut rum, and blue Jell-O. They’re super simple to prep ahead and perfect for beach-themed gatherings.
Get the recipe: Blue Hawaiian Jello Shots
Twisted Frozen Cosmo
A grown-up frozen cocktail with cranberry, lime, and orange flavors, all swirled into a pretty pink slush. It’s tart, smooth, and ready in minutes. Perfect for summer parties!
Get the recipe: Twisted Frozen Cosmo
Lemon Drop Shots
Sharp and sweet, these zesty shooters combine vodka, lemon juice, and a touch of sugar for a quick citrus punch. They’re smooth going down and only take a couple of minutes to mix and pour. Easy to upgrade to a full glass of cocktail in place of shots!
Get the recipe: Lemon Drop Shots
Three Wise Men Shots
For those who like their drinks strong and straight to the point, like a true gentleman, this one mixes Johnnie Walker, Jim Beam, and Jack Daniel’s – just these 3 ingredients. It’s intense, bold, and doesn’t mess around.
Get the recipe: Three Wise Men Shots
Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer
Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer, a delightful twist on a classic refreshment. Take an Arnold Palmer & add bourbon & peach liqueur for a perfect summer cocktail.
Get the recipe: Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer
Frozen Brown Cow Cocktail
A dessert in a glass inspired by a Kahlua and cream cocktail! Made with chocolate syrup, ice cream, and Homemade Kahlua, this creamy frozen drink is like a root beer float’s cooler cousin. It’s rich, smooth, and done in under 5 minutes.
Get the recipe: Frozen Brown Cow
4th Of July Sangria Jello Shots
These berry sangria-inspired shots combine raspberry gelatin, red wine, and blackberry brandy for a rich, fruity flavor that’s perfect for patriotic celebrations. Topped with fresh blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries, they’re easy to prepare for any summer party!
Get the recipe: 4th of July Jello Shots
Dirty Shirley
This playful adult twist on the childhood favorite combines grenadine, lemon-lime soda, and a shot of vodka. It’s bubbly, sweet, and a breeze to whip up. Iconic Shirley Temple for grown-ups!
Get the recipe: Dirty Shirley
Orange Oasis Chinese Cocktail
A smooth mix of almond liqueur, orange juice, and grenadine, this one’s sweet, nutty, and lightly citrusy. It’s unique and easy to throw together with just three ingredients.
Get the recipe: Orange Oasis Chinese Cocktail
Kamikaze Shot
Kamikaze Shot combines vodka, triple sec, and lime juice for a refreshing, tangy, and bold flavor. Ideal for parties and celebrations, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the recipe: Kamikaze Shot
Blackberry Lemon Gin & Tonic
This cocktail mixes fresh blackberries and fresh lemon with crisp gin and tonic water for a zesty, fizzy sip. It’s light and refreshing, with just enough berry flavor to stand out at any summer BBQ!
Get the recipe: Blackberry Lemon Gin & Tonic
White Peach Sangria
This fruity sangria blends crisp white wine with white peach slices, strawberries, and a splash of peach schnapps. It’s chilled, lightly sweet, and great for sharing at warm-weather get-togethers.
Get the recipe: White Peach Sangria
Strawberry Pineapple Slush Cocktail
This slush mixes sweet strawberries, grenadine, and juicy pineapple for a bright, tropical flavor. It’s icy, fruity, and quick to make for any summer gathering. Oh, and it is boozy, too! I add rum!
Get the recipe: Strawberry Pineapple Slush
Red, White & Blue Daiquiri
Made in layers, this chilled and set drink uses a mix of strawberries, blueberry syrup, lime juice, and rum. It’s festive, colorful, and a total showstopper on hot summer days and 4th of July gatherings.
Get the recipe: Red White & Blue Daiquiri
Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots
These jiggly shots layer Jell-O, orange juice, and tequila for a fun twist on the classic sunrise cocktail. They’re a breeze to make and even better when chilled and topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherries.
Get the recipe: Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots
Blackberry Cream Mimosa
A splash of prosecco meets blackberry liquor and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a rich, fizzy twist on your usual brunch mimosa. It’s sweet, creamy, and a refreshing treat. And oh-so elegant! Perfect for summer brunches and girls nights.
Get the recipe: Blackberry Cream Mimosa
Pool Party Jello Shots
These playful blue raspberry gelatin shots are topped with gummy bears floating in gummy rings, making them a hit at any summer gathering. Made with blue raspberry gelatin mix, water, and vodka, they’re simple to prepare and can be made kid-friendly by substituting vodka with cold water.
Get the recipe: Pool Party Jello Shots
Watermelon Margarita
Juicy watermelon, silver tequila, lime juice, and sweet honey get blended into a frozen cocktail that screams summer. It’s smooth, super refreshing, and easy to batch for a crowd.
Get the recipe: Watermelon Margarita
Boozy Pomegranate Lemonade
Step up your lemonade game with this alcoholic Pomegranate lemonade. A tangy mix of pomegranate liquor, lemonade, and vodka, this drink is equal parts tart and sweet. It’s easy to stir up with just a few ingredients and ice.
Get the recipe: Boozy Pomegranate Lemonade
Long Island Iced Tea
This powerhouse cocktail brings together vodka, rum, tequila, triple sec, gin, and a splash of cola. It’s surprisingly smooth and dangerously easy to drink. A classic cocktail to make for entertaining guests.
Get the recipe: Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Bloody Mary
This classic savory drink mixes tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s full of flavor and great for brunch with your favorite garnishes.
Get the recipe: Bloody Mary
Limoncello Spritz
Sparkling and citrusy, this summer cocktail blends chilled prosecco, limoncello, and soda water. It’s light, bubbly, and perfect for sipping slowly on a hot afternoon.
Get the recipe: Limoncello Spritz
Banana Piña Colada
Banana joins the usual piña colada crew—pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and rum—for an extra smooth and creamy frozen drink. Just blend and sip for vacation tropical vibes.
Get the recipe: Banana Piña Colada
Raspberry Mint Hard Iced Tea
This cool combo brings fresh raspberries and mint leaves together with iced tea and whiskey (or bourbon). Refreshing, fruity, and super easy to prep for a backyard chill session.
Get the recipe: Raspberry Mint Hard Iced Tea
No matter the occasion, these cool and colorful cocktails are the perfect way to toast to summer fun with friends and family.
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