Summer Cocktails

Vodka Sour 

A showstopper cocktail with a unique taste, this drink is smooth, citrusy and delightfully tart. A modern take on a traditional Whiskey Sour, the Vodka Sour is simple to make and delicious to sip. Made with vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, aromatic bitters and egg white for that all-important silky, frothy finish. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and you’ve got yourself a tasty treat. 

Fancy a fruity twist? Try making a Mango Vodka Sour or a Raspberry Vodka Sour by dialing up the fruit, adding some flavored syrup or throwing in a flavored vodka like Absolut Mango or Absolut Rasberri. 

 You could even spice things up by infusing your syrup with some fiery chili peppers or bring some aromatic depth to the cocktail with herbal hints like rosemary or basil.    

Learn how to make a Vodka Sour 

Vodka Lemonade 

 A simple and satisfying vodka cocktail, you can’t beat a classic Absolut Vodka Lemonade. Crisp, cool and citrusy, this beverage is perfect for summer get-togethers or laid-back leisure days.  

Serve this delicious drink over ice with a lemon wheel or grab a handful of fresh berries for an extra splash of fun. You could even increase the zest factor by using Absolut Citron as a base. 

Make your own Absolut Vodka Lemonade

Tequila-based summer favorites   

And now: tequila. This versatile spirit is great for more than just shots—it’s the perfect base for a wide range of glorious summer cocktails, especially with the variety of tequila types to choose from. Go for the smokiness of Reposado, the fresh zing of Blanco, or the smooth depth of Añejo—each option brings something different to your glass.

Tequila Sunrise

If its layers of color don’t catch your eye, its taste most certainly will. The Tequila Sunrise is easy on the eye and irresistibly delicious to sip. 

Mixing Tequila Blanco, fresh pressed orange juice, a dash of grenadine, then garnished with both an orange wedge and a fresh cherry, the Tequila Sunrise is a fruity, summery delight. 

Best of all, it’s an easy to make cocktail that’s built in the glass, which means there’s no shaking or fancy bartending tools required.  

Why not create a twilight twist on the classic by making a Tequila Sunset? Simply swap the orange juice for grapefruit juice and use Chambord or blackberry brandy instead of grenadine for a deeper, duskier flavor. 

Learn more with our Tequila Sunrise recipe 

Long Island Iced Tea

A summer party essential, few people will pass up on a Long Island Iced Tea. This iconic, slow-savoring summer cocktail brings a beautiful blend of five different spirits — vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec — finished with a drop of sour mix and a splash of cola for that classic iced tea hue.  

Serve over ice with a wedge of lemon to add to the summer thrills or switch out the cola for lemon-lime soda and a splash of blue curaçao for a boost of freshness and an extra pop of color. 

Check out our Long Island Iced Tea recipe. 

Frozen Margarita

What’s better than sipping a classic Margarita in the summer? Sipping a Frozen Margarita in the summer! 

The Frozen Margarita mixes the same three ingredients as the non-frozen version – Tequila Blanco, triple sec, and lime juice – but it’s made in a blender with lots and lots of Ice. So frozen, so tasty, so good. 

There are plenty of variations for you to try, from fruity twists like peach, pineapple, and strawberry, to a spicy edge with jalapeños for those feeling extra bold. 

Learn how to make a Frozen Margarita

Summer Party Cocktails

Hosting a summer party? This calls for yummy cocktails that give all the flavors of summer. Shaken or stirred, sweet or spicy, these summertime cocktails will have everyone raising their glasses while they enjoy the sunny season.

French 75

If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated to sip while sitting under a parasol, the French 75 is your drink. 

This classic cocktail is made with gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Bubbles in the sun? Oh yeah. Served in a Collins glass or a champagne flute, who knew summer could be so elegant?  

If you fancy a twist, add a splash of rosé champagne or sparkling rosé for a pink treat or swap out the gin for French vodka to make a light, luscious French 76. 

Take a look at our French 75 recipe 

Mojito

Is any summer party cocktail list complete without a rum-based classic? Add Mojitos to your summer cocktail menu to make it a classic list. If you’re organizing a summer hang, cocktails with mint are always a winner. And when it comes to mint cocktails, nothing – absolutely nothing – beats a Mojito. 

One of the most popular cocktails in the world, when you’re sipping a Mojito, you can’t help but feel like you’re walking through the streets of Havana.  

Mixed with light rum, fresh lime juice, mint leaves and simple syrup, topped up with bubbly soda water, the mojito really is the perfect summer cocktail. 

Shake up your summer party cocktail menu with some fruity variations – from strawberry mojitos to a coconut concoction for a decidedly tropical vibe. 

Find out how to make a Mojito 

5. Pisco Sour
Pisco, an unaged brandy distilled from Peruvian Grape Musts and Juices, is a perfect base for a sour. 

Pisco is sweet with the taste of Grapes with hints of citrus and when combined with Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, a dash of Simple Syrup, Egg Whites, and Bitters, it makes for a perfectly sweet, sour and fresh summery drink with more than a dash of elegance. 

Check out our recipe for a Pisco Sour.

Bonus recommendation. To take your summer cocktail list to the next level, why not try our Absolut Punch? Bursting with the citrusy goodness of Absolut Mandrin and blended with classic summer flavors like pineapple and cranberry juice, it’s a bona fide warm weather choice. 

So, there you have it, our definitive run-down of the best summer cocktails, featuring some of your favorite summertime spirits from vodka to tequila, rum and gin. Why not give some of our recipes a try, whether you’re hosting a BBQ, sunbathing at a local park, or simply soaking up the sun with friends. 

Enjoy every sip of summer and remember to always drink responsibly.