When the mercury rises, and the sun beats down relentlessly, only one thing can truly beat the heat – the best alcoholic drink for hot weather!
I know that nothing compares to the sheer delight of sipping on expertly crafted summer cocktails during the scorching days of the season.
So, raise your glass to the ultimate selection of delicious, refreshing drinks that will quench your thirst and make hot days feel like a breeze.
Top 12 Best Alcoholic Summer Cocktails
12. Pina Colada
One of the best-tasting alcoholic drinks, Pina Colada is a creamy, delightful tropical cocktail with a refreshing flavor that embodies a paradise in a glass.
“But when you’re making a cocktail that is so simple to mix up, you always want to use the best ingredients.” -Christine Wiseman, Beverage Director
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum (or dark rum)
- 2 oz cream of coconut (or coconut milk)
- 4 oz pineapple juice
- ½ oz fresh lime juice (optional)
- Garnish: Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry
Instructions: Bring all the ingredients, including the ice, into the blender and pulse until smooth. Take out your prepared chilled glass and pour the blend into it. Cheers to a delicious summer cocktail!
Serving: 1
11. Bay Breeze
Bay Breeze (Hawaiian Sea Breeze), a vibrant and colorful cocktail, is best to sip by the poolside during a relaxing evening, leaving you craving more.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- Garnish: Lime wedge or pineapple slice
Instructions: Fill a highball glass with some ice. Pour in vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice, then stir. Garnish, sip, and savor this tropical drink.
Serving: 1
10. Vodka Margarita
Whether hosting a gathering or simply unwinding after a long day, the Vodka Margarita is the ultimate choice for a zesty and refreshing experience. This is also a good sweet alcoholic drink for beginners.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Salt for rimming (optional)
- Garnish: Lime wheel
Instructions: Rim the glass with salt. Combine vodka, fruit juice, and simple syrup with ice in a shaker. Mix it well, garnish, and serve.
Serving: 1
9. Blue Hawaii
Blue Hawaii is a refreshing summer drink, bringing a tropical, vibrant, and creamy delight to a glass.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz light rum
- ¾ oz blue curaçao
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz coconut cream
- Garnish: Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry
Instructions: Combine light rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice in a blender. Blend for a while until smooth, and pour into a chilled glass. Enjoy the sweet-tart flavor and tropical vibes!
Serving: 1
8. Aperol Spritz
Cheers to delightful moments this summer with Aperol Spritz, a bubbly Italian classic cocktail capturing aperitivo culture with vibrant colors.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Aperol
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz soda water
- Garnish: Orange slice
Instructions: Fill a wine glass with ice, pour Aperol and Prosecco over it, and top it with soda water. Stir gently, then garnish. Enjoy!
Serving: 1
7. Key Lime Martini
Key Lime Martini is a refreshing drink with the perfect mix of elegance and citrusy charm you can savor during summer picnics and barbecues.
But do you know what’s the best liquor for shots?
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz key lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Garnish: Lime wheel
Instructions: Combine vanilla vodka, key lime juice, and simple syrup with ice in a shaker. Shake well. Then strain it into a chilled glass. Garnish and cheers!
Serving: 1
6. Southside Fizz
Elevate your spirits with the Southside Fizz, one of the best summer cocktails with refreshing flavors. It is a sophisticated and refreshing summer cocktail that sparkles flawlessly on summertime patio nights.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- ¾ oz lime juice
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- Club soda
- Garnish: Lime wheel and fresh basil
Instructions: Muddle the mint leaves, simple syrup, and juice in a shaker. Add gin and ice, mix well, and strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
Fill the rest with club soda and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!
Serving: 1
5. Mind Eraser
Embrace an electrifying experience with the Mind Eraser — a delicious classic drink with a captivating blend that tingles your taste buds.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- 1 ½ oz coffee liqueur
- Club soda
- Garnish: Lemon zest or coffee beans
Instructions: Fill the cocktail glass with ice, then follow it with coffee liqueur and vodka. Top the mix with club soda, garnish, and serve.
Serving: 1
4. Berry Vodka Smash
Experience pure bliss with the Berry Vodka Smash, a quintessential summer drink where fresh fruit ingredients, vodka, and minty flavors collide harmoniously.
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 4-5 fresh berries (fresh strawberries/blueberries/raspberries)
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 tsp berry jam or preserves
- Garnish: Mint sprig and berry
Instructions: Muddle the berries with lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka and ice, then shake well.
Strain the mix into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and a berry—best-served cold.
Serving: 1
3. Long Island Iced Tea
Long Island Iced Tea, the perfect summer cocktail, is a mix of spirits that packs a punch!
“Sip the sunshine with sensational summer cocktails.” – Liquor Laboratory
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- ½ oz vodka
- ½ oz white rum
- ½ oz gin
- ½ oz silver tequila
- ½ oz triple sec (orange liqueur)
- ¾ oz sour mix
- Cola
- Garnish: Lemon wedge or cherry
Instructions: Fill the cocktail shaker with all four liquors, triple sec, and sour mix. Shake well and strain the mix into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with cola and garnish. Cheers!
Serving: 1
2. Moscow Mule
Created by John Morgan and John Martin in the 1940s, Moscow Mule is a fiery delight that has become a classic simple drink that never goes out of style [2].
You may also want to check out the best alcohol for cough and sore throat here.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- ½ oz lime juice (or orange juice)
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Garnish: Lime wheel or wedge
Instructions: Fill a copper mug with ice. Add vodka and juice, then top it with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish and enjoy!
Serving: 1
1. Classic Mojito
A lively and refreshing summer cocktail, Classic Mojito is the epitome of a crisp, cool, and captivating Cuban classic, perfect for sipping under the sun.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz lemon juice (or orange juice)
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- Club soda
- Garnish: Mint sprig and lime wedge
Instructions: Muddle lemon juice, mint leaves, and simple syrup in a glass, then pour it into a tall glass filled with ice. Add rum, top with club soda, and stir gently. Garnish and serve!
Serving: 1
FAQs Related to Best Alcoholic Drink For Hot Weather
Which alcohol keeps you cool?
There is no specific alcohol to keep you cool during extremely hot summer weather. But you can choose products with a low alcohol content or a frozen drink like frozen pineapple to minimize their dehydrating effects.
Does alcohol reduce body heat?
No, alcohol does not reduce body heat. Drinking just a hint of alcohol increases urine production, leading to dehydration [3]. If you’re dehydrated, your body won’t be able to function properly to keep you cool.
Is vodka good for summer?
Yes, vodka in small amounts is good for summer. It usually contains 40% ABV, so ensure that you drink moderately.
And to counter its dehydrating effects, keep a reusable water bottle nearby and alternate between water and alcoholic drinks [4].
What drinks should you avoid in scorching weather?
High-level alcohol, caffeinated and sugary drinks should be avoided or consumed in moderation on extremely hot summer days. Drinking plenty of water (especially with ice cubes) is still the best option.
Is alcohol okay to drink in extremely hot weather?
Yes, drinking alcohol with a refreshing taste in extremely scorching weather is okay, but only in small portions. Follow the standard alcohol intake and avoid over-consumption.
What makes Mojitos ideal for hot weather?
Mojitos are known for their refreshing combination of mint, lime, rum, sugar, and soda water, making them a perfect choice to cool down on a hot day.
Why are Piña Coladas recommended for hot weather?
Piña Coladas, with their blend of coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum, offer a tropical escape and are particularly enjoyable in warm climates.
What makes Margaritas suitable for hot days?
Margaritas, made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, are both tangy and refreshing, making them a popular choice to beat the heat.
Why are sangrias often enjoyed in hot weather?
Sangrias, a blend of wine, fruit, and sometimes brandy, served chilled over ice, provide a fruity and refreshing option to cool off during hot weather.
Why are Gin and Tonics recommended for warm weather?
Gin and Tonics, featuring gin, tonic water, and a slice of lime, are effervescent and crisp, making them a classic choice for hot weather refreshment.
What makes Aperol Spritzes ideal for hot days?
Aperol Spritzes, made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, offer a light and bittersweet taste, perfect for sipping on a hot summer afternoon.
Final Verdict
For the best summer alcoholic drinks, various refreshing beverages and festive drink/cocktail recipes are available that you can enjoy on any occasion.
Among our favorite alcoholic cocktails is the Classic Mojito, a perfect hot-weather drink offering a refreshing blend of mint, lime, and rum.
But remember, moderation is key for these summer alcoholic drinks, especially during summer.
So whether you’re lounging by the pool, having a barbecue, or simply enjoying the sun, choose your favorite summer drinks wisely and savor every moment of the season.
References:
- https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/transfusion-drink
- https://www.newsweek.com/great-hulu-how-was-moscow-mule-really-invented-1504825
- https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/what-cools-you-down-and-what-heats-you-up/
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dangers-of-too-much-alcohol-summer-heat/
