Warmer weather and longer days are finally here, and that means a social calendar full of kickbacks, cookouts, park days, and many other parties and gatherings. Of course, a summer function needs beverages, and preferably, those that really amp up and underscore the vibes of the season. Enter: summer cocktails.
A summer cocktail usually incorporates fresh seasonal produce, like peaches, strawberries, raspberries, and herbs, and is typically lighter and more refreshing. “A summer cocktail really needs to have balance,” said Camille Wilson, author and cocktail creator known on Instagram as The Cocktail Snob. “With the warm weather, I’m usually looking for something that’s sippable and not going to feel too heavy.”
For serving cocktails at parties this summer, Wilson recommends batching them, so you’re not stuck behind the bar the entire time instead of with your guests. “This is where canned and ready-to-drink cocktails are your best friend,” she told EBONY.
If the thought of at-home cocktail making feels intimidating, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why Wilson started her Instagram account, she said, “to help make happy hour at home more accessible.” To do this, she suggested starting with the right tools, like a jigger —the two-sided cone used to measure liquid ingredients —and a cocktail shaker with a strainer—the latter is key, said Wilson. “Just those two tools can take you so far when it comes to drink-making at home,” she revealed.
From simple drinks with limited ingredients to budget bevies to batched and ready-to-drink cocktails, this list of summer cocktails to serve at your parties this season will undeniably have your guests thinking you took a mixology course.
Bumbu Banger
Ingredients:
Rum inherently feels like a vacation to me, and Bumbu is one of my favorites that makes me feel like I’m on an island. It has decadent notes of caramel, so it’s a bit sweeter than others, and doesn’t have that chest burning aftermath when going down. These make it the perfect base for summertime cocktails that feel like an escape. Like this Bumbu Banger, for example. The rum, paired with the strawberry puree, lime juice, and ginger ale, makes this a refreshing poolside sip.
Directions: Toss ice in your cocktail shaker, then pour the Bumbu over it. Add the remaining ingredients and shake until the shaker is frosty. Strain into a lowball glass (similar to what’s pictured) with ice and finish it off with a splash or two.
Luc Belaire Ginger Rosé Cooler
Every function should have a non-alcoholic option for guests. I love this one because it still feels celebratory and summer-y versus guests just having a sad-looking can of seltzer water. The best part is it’s so easy to combine too. It’s simply ginger beer and 4 oz of Luc Belaire Alcohol-Removed Rare Rosé. Just combine them in a glass and top off with a sprig of mint for a touch of razzle-dazzle.
Blackberry Summer Smash Ingredients:
“For summer, I love cocktails with fruit and fresh herbs,” said Wilson, so it’s no surprise that this suggestion, with both fresh blackberries and mint, was high on her list. For good reason, too. This cocktail is basically a blackberry whiskey sour, so it’s simple to put together and really easy on the taste buds. The sweetness and tartness can be adjusted easily, too, depending on how you and your guests like it.
Directions
In a cocktail shaker, muddle together blackberries, mint, and simple syrup. Then, add lemon juice, whiskey, and ice, and shake until the outside is frosty. Strain into a lowball glass filled with fresh ice and enjoy!
Spicy Peach Margarita
Peaches and the summer go together real bad, and this recipe from 21Seeds hits all the summer staples: stone fruit, hot honey, jalapenos. This one is sure to be a crowd pleaser and is also super easy to batch if you’re serving a big crowd. If you’re having a small get-together, though, it’s great to sip on the patio with your loved ones.
Directions: To get started, line your glass with the hot honey and Tajín. Fill with ice, then set it to the side. Next, throw all the ingredients in your cocktail shaker, then shake for about 30 seconds. Strain into your glass and garnish with sliced peaches and jalapeños.
Hugo Spritz
“Summer is spritz season, so I love cocktails that are topped with bubbly,” said Wilson. Plus, since spritzes are so simple to make, this is a go-to for Wilson when she’s hosting. “You just need prosecco, club soda, a flavorful liqueur—like St-Germain, Aperol, limoncello, etc.—and voila!” When they look this pretty, your guests are sure to be impressed and think you really did something extravagant.
Ingredients:
Directions: In a large wine glass, muddle mint leaves and St-Germain (or the liqueur of your choosing). Fill the glass about halfway with ice. Add the club soda and prosecco, then stir. Garnish with mint to your liking.
ALB’s Matchatini
It seems like everyone is obsessed with martinis and matcha these days, so why not combine them into the perfect little summer sip? The addition of white chocolate liqueur makes this twist on the classic cocktail a little richer and more indulgent. And how else should you and your friends be living this summer?
Ingredients:
Directions: Put ice in your shaker, then pour in the ALB Vodka, white chocolate liqueur, dry vermouth, and matcha powder. Shake vigorously until chilled, then strain into a martini glass.
Crown Royal Canned Cocktails
I mean, is it really a Black function if there isn’t any Crown Royal? Between the brand’s many flavors, buying individual bottles to satisfy a crowd’s tastes can add up quickly. Instead, I love snagging a few of their ready-to-drink canned cocktails, like this whiskey lemonade variety pack. All the crowd-favorite flavors are there—lemon, blackberry, peach, and mango—and they’re so easy to just throw in a cooler with ice and let your guests pick and choose as they see fit.
On The Rocks
If your party is a bit more elevated than a grab-and-go cooler situation, anything from On The Rocks is an excellent option. Their ready-to-drink cocktails taste like they were made at a fancy speakeasy and require very little mixology skills or bar equipment. They have all the classic cocktails, from old fashioneds to Mai Tais, Cosmopolitans, Daiquiris, Lemon Drops, and more. This limited-release Passion Fruit Margarita is such a fun, tasty option. I can vouch for many of these; they are strong, well-balanced, and delicious. These are great for when you need to have batch cocktails but don’t want to actually make them yourself. At most, all you need is a shaker, strainer, ice, and a sexy little glass to pour them in.
Centerline Punch
Ingredients (6-8 servings):
“This kind of punch is great for any party, really,” Wilson said. “But if I had to choose, I’d say a pool party, BBQ, or outdoor kickback.” And she’s right. A punch has been an essential for nearly any kind of gathering, and this one, which has some Caribbean vibes, will undoubtedly have your guests coming back for more and more.
Directions: In a large pitcher, punch bowl, or dispenser, add all liquid ingredients, then stir to combine. If you’re serving in individual glasses, divide the liquid evenly among 6-8 lowball glasses with ice. If not, leave in the vessel you made it in. Let guests add their own ice so it doesn’t water down the batch.
