When it comes to summer cocktail recipes, we all know the usual suspects—Aperol spritz, mojitos, classic margaritas. But what if this summer, you shook things up? These easy summer cocktails are anything but boring.
We’re talking surprising ingredients, fresh flavors, and simple twists that bring new energy to happy hour. Whether you’re hosting friends or lounging solo, these drinks are made to impress—with minimal effort.
1. Rosé & Raspberry Shrub Cooler
Flavor profile: Tart, fruity, floral
Why it works: A bright twist on wine-based cocktails with a vinegar kick
- 4 oz dry rosé
- 1 oz raspberry shrub (store-bought or DIY)
- 1 oz sparkling water
- Garnish: fresh raspberries & mint
Serve in a chilled glass to keep things crisp. Bonus points for using VoChill to keep your wine cool without watering it down.
2. Spicy Cucumber Paloma (Blended)
Flavor profile: Cool, citrusy, with a kick
Why it works: Blends cucumber freshness with spicy jalapeño heat
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 3 oz grapefruit juice
- 3 slices jalapeño, 4 slices cucumber
- Ice
Blend until smooth, garnish with a chili salt rim.
3. Green Tea Mojito
Flavor profile: Light, minty, subtly earthy
Why it works: Swaps soda water for green tea for a mellow finish
- 2 oz white rum
- 3 oz chilled green tea
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz honey or simple syrup
- Mint sprig
Muddle mint, shake, strain over ice. Garnish with lime wheel.
4. Herby Aperol-Lavender Spritz
Flavor profile: Bitter-sweet, botanical
Why it works: A garden party in a glass
- 2 oz Aperol
- 3 oz prosecco
- ½ oz lavender syrup
- Soda water to top
- Garnish: lemon slice + thyme
5. Coconut Negroni
Flavor profile: Bitter, creamy, tropical
Why it works: Coconut water rounds out the boldness of Campari
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz coconut water
- Orange twist garnish
6. Frozen Peach Rosé Pops
Flavor profile: Fruity, floral, fun
Why it works: A drink and a snack in one
- 3 oz rosé
- 1 oz peach schnapps or purée
- Freeze in popsicle molds or serve over crushed ice
7. Bourbon & Charred Citrus Smash
Flavor profile: Smoky, citrusy, deep
Why it works: A backyard BBQ in a glass
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Charred orange slice
- Mint
Grill your citrus slices for added flavor depth.
8. Watermelon Basil Slush
Flavor profile: Sweet, herbaceous, frozen
Why it works: Watermelon and basil = a flavor power duo
- 2 cups frozen watermelon
- 1 oz vodka
- ½ oz lemon juice
- Basil syrup or fresh basil
Blend until smooth and serve immediately.
9. Kombucha Gin Spritz
Flavor profile: Fizzy, floral, probiotic
Why it works: Healthy-ish happy hour option
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- 3 oz ginger or hibiscus kombucha
- Cucumber ribbon garnish
10. Cherry Cola Old Fashioned
Flavor profile: Rich, nostalgic, bold
Why it works: A grown-up twist on a childhood favorite
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz cherry syrup or muddled cherries
- Dash bitters
- Splash of cola
- Orange twist
Final Sip: Make It Chill
No matter which recipe you try, here’s one thing they all have in common: they’re best served cold. And nothing keeps your cocktail cooler longer than a VoChill glass chiller. No ice dilution, no watered-down drinks—just pure, sippable bliss.