6 Refreshing Summer Drinks

Drinks International ranked the Old Fashioned as No. 1 on its list of the world's best selling classic cocktails for 2020, and while this drink made with bourbon can be enjoyed year-round, we think there are others that are more ideal for the summer season. 

Summertime cocktails are meant to make you feel cool and refreshed - the next time you're in need, head to a liquor store near you with one or more of these recipes in mind.

Negroni

Everything about the Negroni says summer, from the pinkish, fruit punch color to the orange peel garnish.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce London dry gin
• 1 ounce vermouth rosso
• 1 ounce Campari
• Cracked ice
• Orange peel (garnish)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add cracked, stir well, shake and then strain into a glass over cubed ice. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Long Island Iced Tea

This classic summer cocktail is bright and citrusy with just a hint of caramel cola.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounce vodka
• 1/2 ounce gin
• 1/2 ounce white rum
• 1/2 ounce silver tequila
• 1/2 ounce Cointreau
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 2 tsp  simple syrup
• 3/4 ounce Mexican Coke (or coke that uses real cane sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup)
• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, other than the Mexican Coke. Strain into a Collins glass over crushed ice and then top with Mexican coke and garnish with a lemon twist.

Strawberry Lemonade Mojito

This easy summer cocktail is the perfect mix of lemons, strawberries and mint, guaranteeing that a refreshing "cool" feeling. 

Ingredients:

• Lemon wedges
• 8 medium-sized strawberries (4 for garnish)
• 24 mint leaves
• 4 mint sprigs (garnish)
• 8 ounces rum
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 4 tbsp agave nectar
• 1 cup club soda
• Ice cubes

Instructions: 

Muddle the lemon wedges, strawberries and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker, or use a mason jar and a spoon. Add the rum, lemon juice, agave nectar and ice cubes; shake well. Fill our glasses with ice, then pour one-quarter cup of club soda in each. Strain the mix into each glass and then garnish with mint sprigs and strawberries.

Strawberry Watermelon Sangria

Sangria is perfect for summer picnics and other outdoor events, as the ultimate refreshing, sparkly drink of the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 small seedless watermelon, flesh cut into large chunks after rind removed
• 1 pound strawberries, sliced and hulled (reserve one cup for a garnish)
• 1 bottle chilled rose wine
• 1 cup vodka
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• ½ cup orange liqueur
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced

Instructions:

Add the watermelon and strawberries to a blender and blend until smooth. If necessary to get the fruit pureed, add just a splash of vodka. Strain the mix into a large pitcher until you have about four cups of juice. Add the rose wine, vodka, orange juice and liquor; stir to combine. Add the lime and orange slices, then cover and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes and up to 24 hours. Just before serving, add the cup of strawberries that was reserved for a garnish. Serve over ice.

Pina Colada

The classic tropical cocktail, pina coladas can make it feel like you're at the beach even when you aren't.

Ingredients: 

• 2 1/2 ounce rum
• 3 ounce pineapple juice
• 1 ounce coconut cream
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

Add the rum to a blender followed by the pineapple juice and coconut cream. Add about a cup of crushed ice, or 5-6 ice cubes, and then blend on high. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with your favorite fruit garnishes, like a slice of pineapple or an orange. 

Margarita

Margaritas also feel like a day at the beach, a Mexican beach in particular.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces silver tequila
• 1 ounce Cointreau
• 1 ounce lime juicey
• Sea salt or another type of coarse salt

Instructions:

Using a chilled cocktail glass, rub the rim with lime juice and then dip it into the salt. Add cubed ice. Place the tequila, Cointreau and lime juice along with some crushed ice into a cocktail shaker. Shake well and then strain into the glass over ice