It’s summer, which means lots and lots of ice-cold drinks. Try any one of these delicious summer drinks to keep cool—we’ve got cocktails, mocktails, caffeinated drinks, and non-alcoholic sips for you here.
We love plain water here at Wholefully, but sometimes you want something a little more fancy and flavorful—especially when the summer heat hits! We’ve pulled together all of our favorite cocktails, mocktails, and other refreshing beverages to help you quench your thirst this summer. Let’s get sipping!
What drink hydrates you the most?
You’re going to get the most hydration from…water. Did sad trombones just sound? We know it doesn’t sound all that exciting, but it’s the truth! Many days, we stick with glasses of icy water for our hydration, but when we want to mix it up, we make infused water with whatever fruits and herbs strike our fancy. Watermelon and fresh basil? Delicious. Berries and mint? You betcha. We’ve tried countless variations, but these are our eight favorite flavor combinations.
Wholefully Protip
After a hard workout, you may need a boost of electrolytes with your hydration. In that situation, we recommend this homemade electrolyte drink.
What is a good drink for a hot day?
Our number one requirement for being considered a good drink for a hot day is that it must be cold. Hot coffee and tea can wait their turn until the weather shifts again.
We also look for ingredients that taste and feel cooling. We love warm, cozy spices like cinnamon and ginger…in the fall. In the depths of summer, give us all the citrus, berries, and sparkling flavors. For cocktails, light-colored alcohols like tequila, white rum, and vodka tend to feel cooler and brighter, too.
What are good drinks for summer parties?
When you’re serving a crowd, look for drinks that can serve lots of people at once, rather than individual cocktails. Pitcher drinks are particularly great for parties. And always make sure you have some solid non-alcoholic options on hand too. A big batch of the easiest from-scratch strawberry lemonade will keep guests of all ages happy, as will carafes of various infused waters.
Whatever you choose, make sure that you keep the beverages on ice—nobody wants a lukewarm drink at a summer party! You can stash drinks in coolers, or fill big galvanized tubs with ice to nestle the drinks in.
What if I don’t drink alcohol?
No worries—we’ve got you covered, too. In addition to the recipes in the non-alcoholic section below (strawberry lemonade, infused waters, and sun tea, oh my!), here’s how to turn some of our favorite summer cocktail recipes into tasty non-alcoholic drinks:
- Frozen Cucumber Strawberry Slushie. Leave out the tequila and triple sec from our frozen margarita for a fruity, refreshing slushie.
- Blueberry Basil Refresher. Skip the vodka in this vodka tonic and just combine the blueberry basil simple syrup with tonic water over ice. Garnish with some blueberries and fresh basil to make it feel every fancier.
- No-Booze Cucumber Mojito. The first time we made these “mojitos” was without the alcohol—and it was just as enjoyable as one made with white rum.
18+ Summer Drinks
It's summer, which means lots and lots of ice-cold drinks. Try any one of these delicious summer drinks to keep cool—we've got cocktails, mocktails, caffeinated drinks, and non-alcoholic sips for you here.
Best Summer Cocktails
Kentucky Mule
Unleash your inner cowboy with a refreshing Kentucky Mule. This twist on the Moscow Mule is made with bourbon, ginger beer and a splash of lime juice.
Blueberry Margarita
Shake up your next summer party with a blueberry margarita. Blueberries and lime add a bit of sweet-tart flavor to this cocktail.
Cantaloupe Frosé (Frozen Rosé)
The peak of summer heat calls for cold refreshing cocktails. Enter Cantaloupe Frosé (Frozen Rosé)—so perfectly balanced, you may not even need to add sweetener.
Frozen Cucumber Strawberry Margarita Recipe
Cool off with some fruity, frozen cocktails! These Frozen Cucumber Strawberry Margaritas are super refreshing and crazy tasty. Leave out the tequila and triple sec for a virgin slushie!
From-Scratch Piña Coladas
Only three ingredients stand between you and fruity Piña Coladas. No added sugar is required!
Blueberry-Basil Vodka Tonic
This Blueberry Basil Vodka Tonic is a summer cocktail that uses the best flavors of the season! You can even skip the vodka and still have a tasty mocktail.
Cucumber Mojitos (Boozy or Not!)
Cucumber Mojitos are a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail that tastes great with or without the booze
Margarita Mix Recipe
Homemade Margarita Mix makes whipping up your favorite cocktail a breeze! You only need 6 ingredients, and it comes together in about 4 minutes.
Pitcher Strawberry Mojitos
Serve these Pitcher Strawberry Mojitos at your next summer party and get rave reviews!
Strawberry Mimosa Recipe
This recipe for a strawberry mimosa is super easy to make, and even easier to drink. It is perfect for warm weather brunches, potlucks, and holidays.
Homemade Beverages
Homemade Strawberry Wine Recipe
You're going to be shocked by how easy it is to make fruit wine! Our beginner's tutorial will teach you step-by-step how to make homemade strawberry wine.
Blueberry Wine Recipe
Sweet-tart blueberries can be turned into blueberry wine that will quench your thirst on a hot summer day. Try this beginner's guide for making blueberry wine.
Homemade Peach Wine
Peaches are one of the easiest fruits to use for homemade wine. Follow this peach wine recipe and learn to make peach wine today.
How to Make Limoncello
Limoncello is an easy-to-make Italian lemon liqueur. It's sweet, citrusy, and boozy—and it only takes four ingredients.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
8 Fruit-Infused Water Recipes
Make hydration fun with these recipes for fruit-infused water, either still or sparkling! We offer 8 flavors like Watermelon Basil, Pineapple Coconut, and Cucumber Mint— you are sure to find one you love!
Pineapple Lime Virgin Margarita
This Virgin Margarita recipe is sweet and tart from beautifully ripe pineapple, lime, and agave. For folks who do not consume alcohol, this cocktail is the perfect party drink.
Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber, and Mint Infused Water
Jazz up your daily hydration with this infused water. Strawberries add a little sweetness, while cucumber, mint, and lime make the water taste so refreshing and bright!
Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
Cool off with this simple summertime favorite. Strawberry Lemonade is an easy 4-ingredient recipe that uses fresh strawberries and lemons for a great, refreshing taste. We'll show you how to swap out the lemons for lime juice for a strawberry limeade, too!
Caffeinated
Start your morning off with one of these chilled coffees or teas.
Sun Tea
Let the sun do all the work with our how-to for making sun tea! This classic summer drink is refreshing, easy, and reminds us of a time gone by.
Easy Iced Mocha Recipe with DIY Mocha Syrup
You'll never hit the coffee shop again with this Easy Iced Mocha Recipe in your back pocket! It's a breeze to make at home.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Learn how to make cold brew coffee at home without needing any special equipment. You can brew your first batch right now!
