Summer Drink Recipes are a variety of cold, refreshing drinks that will quench your thirst on a hot, summer day. From classic drinks for all ages like homemade lemonade to adult beverages like a Drunken Mermaid, there is a recipe or two for everyone.  

Summer Drink Recipes
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Summer Drink Recipes

With temperatures already hitting the 90’s this weekend, it definitely feels like summer. Although the official start of the summer season isn’t until June 20th, it feels like the dog days of summer already! With the heatwave and lots of sunshine, a cold drink is definitely in order.

Whether sitting on your patio, on a deck, by a pool or just lounging around the house, I have you covered with this variety of homemade summer drink recipes. There are both nonalcoholic and alcoholic recipes on this list. Click on the drink name to jump to the full recipe.

Lemon Drinks

The first group of drinks is all about lemons. When life gives you lemons (or hot days in the summer), make lemonade, or some sort of lemony drink. The light, bright flavor is what people crave during the hottest months of the year.

Vodka Lemonade

There is something so amazing about a freshly squeezed glass of ice-cold lemonade, especially when it is cocktail hour and you can add a little vodka!

Minnesota Spiked Lemonade

Minnesota is known for its bootleg cocktail, which was made during prohibition to hide the taste of alcohol (which can be dangerous…)! The cocktail consists of vodka, citrus, and fresh mint. I stuck with the basic ingredients of a bootleg cocktail in this Minnesota Spiked Lemonade but added some ginger ale to the mix.

Frosted Strawberry Lemonade

I’m all about beating the heat with this super simple, two-ingredient Frosted Strawberry Lemonade, the ultimate refreshing drink for hot summer days! This tangy 2-ingredient treat comes together in seconds and is perfect for kids and adults alike!

Frozen Raspberry Lemonade

This Frozen Raspberry Lemonade is a refreshing blend of lemon juice, raspberries, sugar, and ice, creating a slushy drink perfect for a hot day! Add lemon slices and frozen raspberries to add an extra touch of color and flavor! It looks as lovely as it tastes!

Creamy Lemonade

For a sweet and creamy drink that screams summer, you must try this Creamy Lemonade. You may have seen a similar drink made with limes called Brazilian Lemonade (yes, still called lemonade even though made with limes). The one thing that stands out in both drinks is using sweetened condensed milk.

Strawberry Lavender Lemonade

Strawberry Lavender Lemonade is going to be your new favorite summer drink. Imagine a refreshing glass of ice-cold lemonade infused with the sweet flavor of strawberries and the natural aroma of lavender.

Strawberry Lavender Vodka Lemonade

Strawberry Lavender Vodka Lemonade might just become your new favorite summer cocktail. It’s a refreshing mix of ice-cold lemonade, sweet strawberries, a hint of floral lavender—and just the right splash of vodka to keep things fun!

Lemon Vodka Prosecco

You will not even realize that you are drinking alcohol (which could be dangerous) when you are sipping on this refreshing drink. It is definitely a drink that is perfect for many occasions. It is a bubbly cocktail for ringing in the new year. It’s also an ice-cold drink to enjoy on a hot summer day.

Lemon Drop Martini

This Lemon Drop Martini is made with your favorite vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a sweet, sugary rim. Each sip is like a little bit of sunshine to your tastebuds🙂.

More Summer Drink Recipes

Yes, there are more drinks for summer than just lemony drinks. So, if you are not a fan of lemons, the next few drinks are for you. There is sure to be at least one on the list you will want to make, from non-alcoholic options for all ages to adult beverages (with alcohol).

Cherry Limeade

If you have ever been to Sonic, a drive-in, fast food restaurant chain, then you have probably seen their selection of Limeade drinks. This Cherry Limeade recipe was inspired by this popular drink but made even sweeter with some added sugar.

Fluffy Coke

This Fluffy Coke starts with coating the inside of a glass with marshmallow fluff. Then, after the ice is added to the glass, Coke is poured over the top of the ice, creating a creamy, rich drink!

Root Beer Float

It makes sense that National Root Beer Float Day is on August 6th, one of the hottest days of the year! But, don’t wait until August to enjoy this sweet dessert. This classic root beer float, also known as a ‘black cow’ or ‘brown cow’, starts with scoops of vanilla ice cream. Then, the ice cream is topped with root beer, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry.

Dirty Root Beer Float

Are you ready for the perfect summertime cocktail?
This “Dirty Root Beer Float” is a regular ole’ root beer float with RumChata added! Let me tell you… it’s heaven! Might be perfect for any July 4th celebrations!

Vodka Gimlet

This Vodka Gimlet is a simple and tasty cocktail that is made even more delicious by using this homemade simple syrup recipe.

Paloma

A Paloma is a light, refreshing grapefruit-flavored cocktail that gets its kick from a shot of tequila. Using freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and lime juice makes it a little extra special.

Summer Sangria

Summer Sangria is a refreshing alcoholic beverage that will make it feel like summer all year round! This is an adult punch that can definitely pack a punch if you’re not careful! It is a great drink for grilling with friends, a lazy afternoon, or for your end-of-the-summer Labor Day celebrations!

Mojito Sangria

Keep the summer vibe going with this Mojito Sangria. This crisp drink is the perfect party drink, but it is also a refreshing drink to have on hand for a relaxing evening on the deck or patio.

Cranberry Lime Mojito

Mojitos are not just a summer drink. Cranberry Lime Mojito is a refreshing cocktail that is perfect for the holidays. The cranberry syrup gives the drink a festive look, and with the mint and touch of lime, it has that red and green coloring that just makes sense around the holiday season!

Cranberry Mimosa

There is something relaxing and refreshing about a mimosa for brunch or a lazy morning. Adding cranberry to this popular drink makes it more festive for the holidays and a lovely drink to serve when you have guests over.

Drunken Mermaid

Drunken Mermaid is a refreshing, blue cocktail made with vodka, Blue Curacao, simple syrup, lime juice, and flavored spiked sparkling water. The colorful drink will make you feel like you are relaxing on an island in the comfort of your own home!

The Grimace Cocktail

The Grimace Cocktail is a purple-colored alcoholic drink made with vodka, blue curacao, grenadine, and grape-flavored Powerade. For another colorful adult beverage, try my Drunken Mermaid! The Grimace Cocktail Just like the McDonald’s Grimace character is purple, so is this drink (hence, the name). I originally had this drink at a local golf course where…

Mug of Homemade Gingerale

Homemade Ginger Ale

Homemade Ginger Ale is a refreshing and healthy drink that is made with fresh ginger root, lemon, and honey, all blended with sparkling water for a flavor that you can’t get out of a can. This is a drink for all ages. 

Glass of Homemade Gingerale with Jameson

Jameson and Ginger Ale

Smooth Jameson whiskey is combined with homemade ginger ale and lime juice for this traditional Jameson and Ginger cocktail. You can find bottles of Jameson in most liquor stores, and the Jameson and Ginger cocktail continues to be a signature Jameson whiskey drink.

I hope you enjoy your summer days and find this list helpful when you are craving an ice-cold beverage. Cheers!

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Meet Amanda Rettke

Amanda Rettke is the creator of I Am Baker, and the bestselling author of Surprise Inside Cakes: Amazing Cakes for Every Occasion – With a Little Something Extra Inside.Over the course of her 15+ year blogging adventure, she has been featured in and collaborated with the Food Network, New York Times, LA Times, Country Living Magazine, People Magazine, Epicurious, Brides, Romantic Homes, life:beautiful, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Mail, Star Tribune, The Globe and Mail, DailyCandy, YumSugar, The Knot, The Kitchn, and Parade, to name a few.

Reader Comments

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