17 Summer Drinks That Stole the Cooler and the Crowd

The cooler wasn’t the only thing working overtime this summer. These 17 drinks delivered serious refreshment and stole the spotlight while the grill did its thing. From mocktails to bold cocktails, each one came packed with flavor, color, and just enough twist to keep guests sipping. They’re the drinks people remember and reach for first.

Delicious Blue Hawaiian Mocktail. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Virgin Moscow Mule

Virgin Moscow Mule takes about 5 minutes and mixes ginger beer, lime juice, and sparkling water for a crisp, citrus-forward sip. The ginger adds a spicy kick while the lime keeps it sharp and clean. It’s fizzy, cold, and easy to pour over ice. Great for anyone who wants the mule flavor without the alcohol.
Get the Recipe: Virgin Moscow Mule

Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail

Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail takes 10 minutes and blends sparkling wine, pomegranate juice, and orange liqueur. The result is bubbly, tart, and just a little sweet with a deep ruby color. It’s light enough to sip all afternoon and pretty enough to leave out on the table. Great for when you want something refreshing with a bit of punch.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail

Raspberry Bellini Mocktail

Raspberry Bellini Mocktail takes 5 minutes and combines raspberry purée with sparkling white grape juice. It’s smooth, sweet, and a little tangy with a soft fizz throughout. The color stays bright and the flavor works for all ages. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser you can keep pouring without thinking twice.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Bellini Mocktail

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Blackberry Bourbon Smash takes 10 minutes and mixes fresh blackberries, mint, lemon juice, and bourbon over ice. It’s juicy, slightly smoky, and layered with flavor that deepens as it sits. The mint keeps it cool while the fruit adds body. It’s a solid pick for anyone who likes their drinks both strong and smooth.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita

Two cadillac margaritas in front of a bowl of citrus fruit. — Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita takes 5 minutes and blends top-shelf tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, and simple syrup. The flavor is bold, slightly sweet, and just tart enough to balance the booze. It’s smoother than most margaritas but still delivers a solid kick. Best poured over ice and garnished with lime.
Get the Recipe: Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita

Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail

Two empress 1908 gin sours next to a bottle of purple gin. — Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail takes about 10 minutes and uses Empress gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup for a color-changing pour. The flavor is herbal, citrusy, and balanced with a slight floral note. It finishes clean and isn’t overly sweet. It’s the kind of cocktail that turns heads when served.
Get the Recipe: Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail

Classic Mint Julep Cocktail

A mint julep in a silver mint julep cup with sprigs of mint and a decanter of bourbon and other ingredients in the background. — Classic Mint Julep Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Classic Mint Julep Cocktail takes 5 minutes and features bourbon, mint, and simple syrup over crushed ice. The bourbon comes through strong, mellowed by the cooling mint and slight sweetness. It’s cold, sharp, and traditionally served in a metal cup. Perfect for sipping slow on a hot afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mint Julep Cocktail

The Best Virgin Bloody Mary Recipe With V8

The Best Virgin Bloody Mary with V8 takes 10 minutes and includes V8 juice, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire. It’s savory, peppery, and bold with enough heat to make it interesting. The texture stays smooth and the flavor holds up over ice. Garnish it heavy or keep it simple—it works both ways.
Get the Recipe: The Best Virgin Bloody Mary Recipe With V8

Raspberry Mocktail (The Vow)

Raspberry Mocktail (The Vow) takes about 5 minutes and stirs together raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water. It’s light, bright, and fruity with just enough tang to stay refreshing. The bubbles carry the flavor without overpowering it. It’s a quick, easy drink that doesn’t get left behind.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Mocktail (The Vow)

Raspberry Mojito Cocktail

Raspberry Mojito Cocktail takes 10 minutes and mixes raspberries, mint, lime juice, rum, and soda water. It’s juicy, cool, and just sweet enough to balance the tart lime and fresh herbs. The fruit gives it body while the bubbles keep it lively. It’s a drink you’ll want to refill more than once.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Mojito Cocktail

Creamy Pina Colada (Without Specialty Ingredients!)

Creamy Pina Colada takes 5 minutes and blends pineapple juice, coconut milk, and ice into a thick tropical mocktail. The texture is smooth with a soft sweetness and natural fruit flavor. It’s rich enough to sip slowly but still refreshing on a hot day. You won’t miss the rum in this version.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pina Colada (Without Specialty Ingredients!)

Mango Mule Mocktail

Mango Mule Mocktail takes about 5 minutes and stirs mango nectar with ginger beer and lime juice. It’s sweet, tart, and has a spicy ginger finish that balances the smooth fruit. The color is bold and the taste sticks with you. Serve it over ice and it holds its chill well.
Get the Recipe: Mango Mule Mocktail

Orange Grapefruit Punch Mocktail

Orange Grapefruit Punch Mocktail takes 10 minutes and combines orange juice, grapefruit juice, and club soda. It’s tart, bright, and fizzy with no added sugar needed. The grapefruit adds bite while the orange keeps it balanced. Serve in a pitcher—it’s the kind of drink people come back for.
Get the Recipe: Orange Grapefruit Punch Mocktail

Spicy Pineapple Margarita Mocktail (With Jalapeño)

Spicy Pineapple Margarita Mocktail takes about 10 minutes and blends pineapple juice, lime juice, and jalapeño slices. It’s tangy with a slow-building heat and a clean finish. The spice doesn’t overpower the sweetness, making it easy to drink. Keep the ice coming—it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pineapple Margarita Mocktail (With Jalapeño)

Aguardiente Sour

A glass of yellow cocktail with a foamy top, garnished with a slice of lemon and a slice of lime. A plate with more lemon and lime slices sits blurred in the background. — Aguardiente Sour. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Aguardiente Sour takes about 5 minutes and uses aguardiente, lime juice, and simple syrup to deliver a Colombian-style cocktail. It’s strong, herbal, and citrus-forward with a slight anise note from the liquor. The texture stays smooth with just the right amount of bite. It’s not your average sour and that’s the point.
Get the Recipe: Aguardiente Sour

Colombian Canelazo Cocktail

A glass filled with a dark beverage, garnished with a lime wedge and cinnamon stick, and rimmed with coarse salt. Another drink and halved limes are on a rustic wooden surface in the background. — Colombian Canelazo Cocktail. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Colombian Canelazo Cocktail takes 15 minutes and warms aguardiente with cinnamon, sugar, and water for a hot drink with a kick. The flavor is spiced and sweet with a licorice finish from the aguardiente. It’s typically served warm but holds its own if poured over ice. Great for cooler nights or late-day gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Canelazo Cocktail

Delicious Blue Hawaiian Mocktail

Delicious Blue Hawaiian Mocktail takes 5 minutes and stirs pineapple juice, coconut milk, and blue curaçao syrup into a vibrant, tropical drink. It’s fruity, smooth, and visually striking with just enough sweetness to feel like a treat. The color alone draws attention, but the flavor keeps people sipping. It’s a fast favorite for both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Blue Hawaiian Mocktail