Cocktail hour is calling and we've got all the recipes you need for easy and elegant summer drinks

Discover garden-fresh mixes, breezy spritzes, and statement serves made for long afternoons and golden evenings

Summer cocktails
(Image credit: Future)

Summer is the season for slowing down, savoring the moment, and sipping something special, and these summer cocktail recipes are everything you need for hosting a classic summer gathering or simply elevating your aperitivo hour.

From herb-infused syrups to floral spritzes and fruit-forward coolers, each cocktail recipe is a celebration of summer’s freshest flavors.

These beautiful and easy-to-make drinks are designed to impress with minimal effort and maximum seasonal style.

White wine sangria

A jug and glasses of sangria with fruit and ice in

(Image credit: Future)

Served over ice with slices of lemon and nectarine, this citrussy white wine sangria is a twist on the classic, usually made with red wine, and is ideal for a summer garden party, poolside brunch, or simply sipping in the shade.

Gin fizz

gin fizz in a glass with sprigs of rosemary

(Image credit: Emma Lee)

Rosemary’s fragrant, piney notes pair beautifully with the botanicals in gin, and when combined with lemon in a syrup it makes for a wonderfully refreshing gin fizz recipe. It's time to re-think that classic combo.

Rhubarb liqueur

Rhubarb drink in a bottle and served into three glasses with lemon and ice

(Image credit: Future)

This easy, fruity rhubarb liqueur is a versatile addition to summer cocktails and soft drinks, which can be adapted in many ways to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed neat, sweetened, or mixed into refreshing long drinks, it’s perfect for experimenting with a variety of spices and seasonal fruits.

Apple and elderflower martini

Apple and Elderflower Martini

(Image credit: Future)

Easy to prepare and served chilled, this apple and elderflower martini is a beautiful summer cocktail for stylish entertaining or a relaxed evening. Garnish with apple slices and fresh mint.

Sherry cosmopolitan

Image of a sherry cosmopolitan cocktail on a kitchen worktop

(Image credit: Future)

This sherry cosmopolitan recipe offers a refreshing take on the iconic cocktail. Incorporating dry fino sherry introduces a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness of cranberry and orange liqueur, while fresh lime adds a zesty vibrancy..

Lilac flower vodka sodas

Rhubarb drink

(Image credit: Future)

A simple syrup made from fresh lilac blossoms and juicy blueberries gives this lilac flower vodka soda its dreamy pale-purple hue and delicate floral flavor. Simply add alcohol for an opulent, statement summer cocktail.

Maltito cocktail

Maltito cocktail

(Image credit: Laura Edwards)

A sophisticated twist on the mojito, the maltito is summer's smoky aperitivo star. Ideal for sunset toasts, BBQ evenings, or garden gatherings, the maltito offers a drink that's both refreshing and intriguingly complex.

Food Writer

Alice Hart is a food writer and recipe developer, working across a wide variety of media, from magazines to books. Alice’s recipe books are based on wholesome produce and seasonal eating, and while she takes a balanced approach, using wholefoods and vegetables wherever possible, she also finds joy in an excellent cake. Alice is also invested in sports nutrition and is a Level 3 personal trainer, a seasoned endurance sports competitor and a trained chef.

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