Big Batch Summer Cocktails to Help You Keep Your Cool

By Grace Haynes
August 20, 2018
Credit: Jennifer Davick
Scorching summer temperatures call for batch of refreshing drinks. Whether enjoyed poolside, lakeside, or on the front porch, fresh and flavorful cocktails can help you cool off and beat the heat. Incorporate the season’s freshest produce into your beverages, like Peach Mojitos and Honeysuckle-Watermelon Cocktails. Throwing a backyard barbecue? These recipes can easily be doubled or tripled for hosting a crowd. Make a batch or two of these crowd-pleasing drink recipes along with these party-perfect appetizers, which will carry you from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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Watermelon Bellini

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Watermelon Bellini

Try this twist on a usual Bellini by incorporating seedless watermelon. You could also make this refreshing beverage with another summer melon.

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Papaya-Strawberry Cocktail

Credit: Photo: Wynn Myers; Prop Styling: Lauren Smith Ford

Recipe: Papaya-Strawberry Cocktail

Serve a cocktail filled with bright summer flavor at an outdoor fiesta. A favorite of San Antonio chef Johnny Hernandaz, this drink is best served over ice and garnished with orange slices and mint leaves.

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Fig-and-Bourbon Fizz

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fig-and-Bourbon Fizz

Make the most of fig season by muddling the seasonal fruit and combining it with bourbon, brown sugar, and ginger ale.

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Big Batch Mint Tea Juleps

Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Big Batch Mint Tea Juleps

Save on party prep time by stirring up a large pitcher of Big Batch Mint Tea Juleps. Serve it at your next Derby party or outdoor summer get-together.

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Peach Mojitos

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Peach Mojitos

Visit the farmers’ market for a basket of ripe peaches. This combination of sweet peaches and fresh mint will be your go-to summer drink.

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Pink Cadillac Margaritas

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Pink Cadillac Margaritas

Make a batch of festive, bright pink margaritas for your next taco party. Watch our how-to video for easy, step-by-step instructions.

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Strawberry Margarita Spritzers

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Strawberry Margarita Spritzers

Beat the heat with this colorful cocktail. Daiquiri mix adds takes its fruity flavor to the next level.

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Tequila Mojitos

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Tequila Mojitos

Guests will love this riff on a summer classic. Make the simply syrup the night before, and quickly whip up this crowd-pleasing cocktail before company arrives. Follow our how-to for perfecting the recipe.

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Sweet Tea Spritzer

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Sweet Tea Spritzer

An addition of cranberry juice adds more fruity flavor to this spiked Arnold Palmer.

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Frozen Sangría

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Frozen Sangría

Cool off with this cost-efficient, four-ingredient drink. Make it kid friendly by swapping the sangría for cranberry juice.

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Cajun Lemonade

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Cajun Lemonade

Liven up traditional lemonade with rum and a teaspoon of Tabasco.

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Honeysuckle-Watermelon Cocktails

Credit: Chris M. Rogers

Recipe: Honeysuckle-Watermelon Cocktails

What says summer more than fresh watermelon juice? Top it off with honeysuckle vodka, lemon-lime soda, and mint for a thirst-quenching cocktail.

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By Grace Haynes