5 Quick and Refreshing Summer Cocktail Recipes

Summer is here, and with it comes the heat. What better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing summer cocktail? Whether you’re lounging on the beach, hanging out by the pool, or just enjoying some time with friends and family, these quick and easy summer cocktail recipes are perfect for any occasion.

1. The Colbert Bump

Named after political satirist extraordinaire Stephen Colbert, The Colbert Bump is a refreshing summer cocktail that is bound to please everyone’s palate. Created by Esquire’s David Wondrich, this cocktail is not only quick to make but also easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

– 1 oz. Cherry Heering
– 1 1/2 oz. Gin
– 2 splashes Carbonated Water/Club Soda
– 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice

Mixing Instructions:

Put four ice cubes in a highball glass. Pour 1 oz. of cherry brandy, followed by 1.5 oz. Gin, then 0.5 oz. lemon juice. Add soda water and stir.

2. Canadian Summer Vacation

A refreshing summer cocktail that is perfect for those hot summer days, the Canadian Summer Vacation is another cocktail recipe courtesy of Drinknation. While not everyone will be able to get their hands on one of the primary ingredients (Yukon Jack), if you can find some then having it at the ready for this drink is well worth it.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps
– 1 1/2 oz. Yukon Jack
– 1 1/2 oz. Pineapple Juice

Mixing Instructions:

Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.

3. Merry’s Midsummer Night Lemonade

This gin-based cocktail, another recipe from Drinknation, is easy to make and requires very little. It is recommended that you serve it in a mason jar, which is another great reason to indulge!

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz. Gin
– 1 splash Lime Cordial (Rose’s)
– 5 oz. Sprite
– 1 wedge Lemon
– 1 wedge Lime

Mixing Instructions:

Add the gin over ice in a mason jar. Then add the sprite. Top off with the splash of lime juice. Garnish with the lemon and lime wedges. Stir.

4. Snakebite

Also known as a “shandy,” this potent cocktail should be enjoyed very slowly and in moderation as it can knock you back on your hammock for the long haul if you down it too fast or down too many. But there’s not too many cocktails that are easier to make than this one.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 pint of lager
– 1/2 pint of dry cider

Mixing Instructions:

Pour ingredients into a pint glass. Drink away. (But in moderation, remember?)

5. Bourbon Smash

This bourbon-based cocktail is a favorite of Huffington Post contributor Tom Macy. It’s basically a mint julep with a little citrus added, and the oils from the muddled lemon wedges add a tart, bright citrus note that goes beautifully with the fragrant mint.

Ingredients:

– 2 ounces Bourbon
– .75 ounce Simple Syrup
– .25 ounce Lemon Juice
– 3 Lemon Wedges
– Pinch of Mint (10–12 leaves)

Mixing Instructions:

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lemon wedges and mint in simple syrup. Add remaining ingredients. Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Conclusion

These quick and refreshing summer cocktail recipes are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat or just enjoy some leisure time with friends and family, these cocktails are sure to please. So gather your ingredients, mix up a batch, and enjoy!