60 Refreshing Drinks You'll Want to Sip All Summer Long

Beat the heat with one of these cool beverages.

Southern Living Hibiscus Margarita with Sumac Salt in a glass to serve with a lime wedge
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

We know it's scorching outside, so stay hydrated while you lounge by the pool or entertain guests this summer. These summer drinks and cocktails made with fresh fruits like strawberry, watermelon, berries, cherries, and homemade simple syrups will make you look like a trained mixologist.

Our most refreshing summer drinks are perfect to make in batches and bring down to the beach (with plastic cups, not glass, and bring a trash bag) or stand as the signature cocktail at an outdoor summer party. These chilled drinks with short ingredient lists and easy instructions will keep summer nights cool after hot days in the sun. Tip: You can make these fresh drinks with or without alcohol, so the kids' table can have a fancy and fun drink, too.

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Texas Ranch Water

Texas Ranch Water - Southern Living

Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

There's good reason why this easy-breezy drink is the most searched for summer recipe. It's sure to keep you nice and cool.

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Watermelon Agua Fresca

Southern Living Watermelon Agua Fresca in glasses to serve garnished with salt and a lime wheel

Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

This summer fruit mocktail is a favorite among kids and adults alike and comes together in just 10 minutes.

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Peach Lemonade

Southern Living Peach Lemonade in a glass to serve with ice and a peach slice

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Fruity but not sweet, this peach drink is a must. Use fresh peaches to infuse homemade lemonade for an extra summery lemonade.

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Blackberry Mojito

Southern Living Blackberry Mojito in glasses to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

We love any excuse to enjoy juicy summer fruit from desserts to salads, but a naturally-sweetened berry cocktail is the perfect way to let the seasonal produce really shine.

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Rum Swizzles

rum swizzles in glasses with mint and orange garnishes

Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Thom Driver; Food Stylist: Tina Stamos

Often noted as Bermuda's national drink, this rum recipe has tropical vibes written all over it.

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French 76

Southern living French 76 in a coupe glass to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This fizzy, champagne vodka cocktail is the perfect drink for a hot summer afternoon by the pool. It's simple, refreshing, and the freshly squeezed lemons gives the bubbly beverage a citrusy taste.

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Tennessee Fruit Tea

tennessee fruit tea

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Swap your usual pitcher of iced tea with our Tennessee Fruit Tea this summer. All you have to do is mix together sweet tea and pineapple-orange juice for the easiest ever refreshment. For a spiked version, add a splash of vodka.

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Blackberry-Lime Porch Punch

Southern Living Blackberry-Lime Porch Punch in glasses to serve

Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

This fresh fruit packed, non-alcoholic punch is one that everyone can enjoy all summer long. To turn it into a cocktail, we recommend punching it up with a little bourbon.

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Hugo Spritz

Southern Living Hugo Spritz on a platter to serve with extra lemons and mint

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Akin to a Aperol Spritz, this extra refreshing, sparkling cocktail uses elderflower liqueur, lemon, and mint in lieu of the orange flavors. Garnish with more mint leaves and lemon peel twists or wheels for flair.

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Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

Southern Living Frozen Strawberry Lemonade in glasses to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Tart from the fresh lemon juice and sweet from the strawberries, this drink is exactly the kind of cold and refreshing thing you'll reach for on the hottest of summer days.

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Mint Margaritas

Mint Margaritas
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

An herby spin on your favorite margarita is a perfect summertime drink. Gently muddling the herb helps infuse the cocktail with the fresh mint flavor and aroma.

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Watermelon Sangria

Southern Living Watermelon Sangria in glasses to serve garnished with watermelon wedges, mint leaves, and lime wheels

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Fresh watermelon juice, rosé, rosé Champagne, and St. Germain elderflower liquor all meet to make this sweet sangria.

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Long Island Iced Tea

Long Island Iced Tea

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Don't be fooled in thinking this spiked tea came from New York—this fan-favorite version hails from Tennessee.

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Alabama Slammer

Southern Living Alabama Slammer in glasses ready to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Good news— you don't have to live in Alabama to enjoy this party punch. Boozy, bright, and balanced, this cocktail is often described as a spiked iced sweet tea and gets its vibrant color from amaretto and orange juice.

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Cucumber Cooler

Southern Living Cucumber Cooler in the glass to serve

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell 

This light and bright combination is a great way to get those fruits and veggies in on hot summer days.

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Watermelon Margaritas

Southern Living Watermelon Margaritas in two glasses ready to serve

Dotdash Meredith

Tart lime juice and fresh watermelon simple syrup are balanced out by more sweet, fresh watermelon juice for a well balanced, melon-infused cocktail.

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Non-Alcoholic Margarita Mocktails

Cucumber-Lime-Lavender Spritzer
Jennifer Causey

This non-alcoholic take on classic is sure to cool you down on even the hottest summer day—and it's a refreshment everyone can enjoy.

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Classic Sweet Tea

Southern Living Classic Sweet Tea in glasses to serve

Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

It's hard to beat a glass of classic sweet tea. Our secret for the clearest, best cup of the refreshment? A pinch of baking soda.

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Strawberry Agua Fresca

Southern Living Strawberry Agua Fresca in glasses to serve

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

Cool off with this three-ingredient refreshment that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for picnics and porch parties alike.

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The Chilton Cocktail

Southern Living The Chilton Cocktail in glasses ready to serve

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This light and lemony cocktail is as pretty as it is refreshing, and comes together quickly with just three ingredients. Bonus: You can easily turn it into a big-batch version.

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Frozen Blueberry Lemonade

three glasses of frozen blueberry lemonade
Alison Miksch

Part smoothie, part scoopable sweet, this frozen lemonade is a serious treat. We call for frozen blueberries because they create an extra-thick texture when blended, but you can use fresh ones if that's what you have from the farmers' market.

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Peach Margarita

peach margaritas in margarita glasses with lime wheels and a seasoned rim

Stacy K. Allen; Props: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

A frozen margarita flavored with summer peaches makes for a nice sunset drink.

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Pineapple-Coconut Fizz

Pineapple-Coconut Fizz
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Whip fresh pineapple and then add rum and coconut-flavored seltzer to complete this fizz.

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French Blonde Cocktail

Southern Living French Blonde Cocktail in glasses to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This citrus forward drink has been around for over a hundred years and is now back in the spotlight thanks to Taylor Swift. It only requires five ingredients, yet tastes far more complex thanks to the combination of Lillet Blanc, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, gin, and lemon bitters.

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Frozen Raspberry Lemonade

raspberry lemonade
Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist:Christine Keely Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Tangy and bright, raspberries are the perfect fruit to blend with the sweet-tart flavors of lemonade.

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Big-Batch Cajun Lemonade

Big-Batch Cajun Lemonade
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

You might read the ingredient list for this drink and do a double take, but don't worry you're reading it right. We add a splash of hot sauce to this spiked lemonade, and trust us, it works.

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Hibiscus Margarita With Sumac Salt

Southern Living Hibiscus Margarita with Sumac Salt in a glass to serve with a lime wedge

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

These fancy margs taste even better than they look! Hibiscus takes a go-to cocktail into a just-right tart and sweet, not to mention vibrant colored, cocktail with subtle floral notes.

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French 75

French 75 cocktail

 Stacy K. Allen; Props: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup are all it takes to make this summer favorite.

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Black-Eyed Susan

Southern Living Black Eyed Susan cocktail in glasses to serve

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

While the Black-Eyed Susan is the official cocktail of the Preakness Stakes horse race in May—it's a refreshing drink worth enjoying all summer long.

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Spicy Watermelon Refresher

Spicy Watermelon Refresher
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Serrano peppers add a punch of spice, while tequila reposado adds a smoky flavor to this drink.

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Watermelon Daiquiri

Watermelon Daiquiris in glasses with watermelon wedge and lime wheel

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Move over strawberries! Daiquiri lovers will adore this tropical twist of rum, citrus and melon juice, and fresh watermelon.

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Kentucky Oaks Lily Drink

Southern Living Kentucky Derby Oaks Lily cocktail

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Cranberry juice, lime juice, and Triple Sec make this drink colorful, flavorful, and fun.

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Aperol and Blood Orange-Mint Spritz

Aperol and Blood Orange-Mint Spritz
Peter Frank Edwards

This tart drink has bold color thanks to the blood oranges, but you can easily substitute regular oranges as desired.

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Paloma

Southern Living Paloma three drinks ready to serve

Dotdash Meredith

Master the art of the perfect paloma with our easy recipe.

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Watermelon-Basil Sweet Tea

Southern Living Watermelon-Basil Sweet Tea in a pitcher to serve with other drinks beside

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

You could sip on plain and simple sweet tea, but we think a splash of watermelon flavor is a nice way to make the drink more exciting for the summer.

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Tequila Sunrise

Southern Living Tequila Sunrise two cocktails next to each other ready to serve

Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Adding grenadine to this orange juice and tequila mixture gives it the pop of bright red color.

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Strawberry Ranch Water

Southern Living Strawberry Ranch Water in glasses to serve

Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl

Ranch waters are a summer staple, but that doesn't mean you can't mix it up. We infuse the tequila with fresh strawberries for a pretty pink hue, and tart berry flavor.

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Pitcher Mojitos

Pitcher Mojitos
Caitlin Bensel

Plenty of fresh squeezed lime juice and mint ensure this beach-side sipper isn't too sweet.

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Strawberry Spritzers

Southern Living Strawberry Spritzer in glasses to serve

Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl

This non-alcoholic drink is still full of flavor thanks to our homemade strawberry shrub.

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Hurricane Cocktail

Hurricane Cocktail
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

This strong cocktail was made for sipping. Our test kitchen professionals say don't have more than two.

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Vodka Cranberry

Southern Living Vodka Cranberry drinks ready to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Walk up to any bar and you'll overhear someone ordering this simple go-to that you can just as easily make at home.

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Bourbon Slush

bourbon slush - southern living

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This is one of our most searched for cocktail recipes in the summer. Try it yourself and you'll understand why so many people want the recipe.

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Vodka Cherry Limeade

vodka cherry limeade in pitchers and glasses
Photographer: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist:Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This summer drink only requires one simple step: Stir. Once everything is all stirred together, all you have to do is add the final cherry on top, and enjoy.

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Strawberry and Peach Sangria

strawberry and peach sangria in a pitcher and wine glasses
Alison Miksch

Mixing sparkling water with dry white wine and a bit of peach brandy turns this summer sangria into the drink of the summer.

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Grasshopper Cocktail

Southern Living Grasshopper Drink in glasses to serve

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This centuries old cocktail is beloved for its refreshing minty-ness that comes from the crème de menthe. While the liquor comes in a clear version, the green variety is key for the drinks signature color.

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Basil Bourbon Orange Smash

Southern Living Bourbon Basil Smash

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell 

In-season oranges are perfect for this smash that's rounded out with basil-flavored syrup.

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Watermelon Frosé

Southern Living Watermelon-Basil Sweet Tea in a pitcher to serve with other drinks beside

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Frosé is exactly what it sounds like, frozen rosé wine. Our recipe blends fresh watermelon into the mix for an adult version of a summer slushy.

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Hemingway Daiquiri

Hemingway Daiquiri
Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This drink originates with the writer Ernest Hemingway who liked his daiquiris extra strong and sour.

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Seelbach Cocktail

Southern Living Seelbach Cocktail in glasses to serve

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This unique cocktail is perfect if you want something that's refreshing but not too sweet thanks to bourbon, orange liqueur, bitters, and sparkling wine.

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Shirley Temple Drink

Southern Living Shirley Temple finished drink in a glass

Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

You might think this drink is just for kids, but our recipe will delight adults as well (and you can always add a splash of your favorite spirit too).

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Classic Transfusion Cocktail

Southern Living Transfusion Cocktail in glasses to serve

Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

A proper Transfusion cocktail contains four ingredients: vodka, ginger ale, Concord grape juice, and lime juice. And while they are synonymous with the golf course, there's no reason you can't enjoy one on a hot afternoon on your porch.

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Bee's Knees Honey Cocktail

Bee's Knees Honey Cocktail
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Only three ingredients and a cocktail shaker are required for this Prohibition-era drink that's fit for a hip speakeasy.

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Piña Colada

Southern Living Pina Colada drinks in glasses

Emily Laurae

Cream of coconut pairs perfectly with the pineapple juice and rum in this cocktail to immediately transport you to the beach.

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Lucy Buffett's Bama Breeze Cocktail

Lucy Buffett's Bama Breeze Cocktail
Courtesy of Lucy Buffett

This drink features Lucy Buffett's favorite ingredients, and is named after her brother Jimmy's song.

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Azalea Cocktail

Azalea Cocktail

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Don't limit this cocktail to the Masters Tournament each year, it's a delightful drink to sip on all summer long.

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Blackberry Pisco Sours

Blackberry Pisco Sour Recipe

Southern Living

This refreshing recipe is just another reason why we love summer blackberries. If you can't find pisco near you, use tequila or un-aged brandy.

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Honeysuckle-Watermelon Cocktails

Honeysuckle-Watermelon Cocktails
Chris M. Rogers; Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

This batch cocktail makes for a refreshing gathering drink.

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Strawberry Mojito

Southern Living Strawberry Mojito in a glass ready to drink

Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl

The strawberry simple syrup in this cocktail lends a subtle berry flavor and bright red color to this classic drink without overwhelming the flavors of the rum or fresh mint.

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Big-Batch Spiked Arnold Palmers

How to Make Big-Batch Spiked Arnold Palmers

The mix of tea and lemonade is a perfect match that could only be improved upon with a little bourbon.

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Sweet Old Fashioned

Southern Living Old Fashioned Punch Cocktail

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie cox

This drink doesn't skimp on the old fashioned flavor thanks to the traditional ingredients, but rather sweetens it with a homemade citrus syrup for an easy-to-drink warm weather refreshment.

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