Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with one of these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Food and Recipes
  3. Drinks
  4. Cool and Refreshing Drink Recipes To Make All Summer Long

Cool and Refreshing Drink Recipes To Make All Summer Long

Southern Living May 2021 Cover
By Southern Living Editors Updated June 22, 2022
Skip gallery slides
FB
Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Kay E. Clarke; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin

Fruit-filled, kid-friendly punches and adult-pleasing cocktails are ideal treats for hot days. Of course, staying hydrated in the summer takes precedence but sometimes a Frozen Lemonade or a glass of Peach Sweet Tea just hit the spot. There's just nothing like kicking back in a lawn chair, or on the porch swing, with a cool, refreshing summer drink in hand.

We've included a wide range of summer drink recipes in this roundup, from Peach Margaritas to Strawberry Piña Coladas to Lemonade Iced Tea and more, there's a drink to match every flavor moment you may be craving this summer. With kid-friendly lemonades and punches, there's a drink option for everyone. Worry less this summer about finding that go-to sipper because we've got you covered with these refreshing summer drinks.

Start Slideshow

1 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Watermelon Sangria

Watermelon Sangria
Credit: Katie Jacobs

Recipe: Watermelon Sangria

This festive pink drink has a crisp finish from fresh mint and lime garnishes. It's made for summer sipping by the pool.

1 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ranch Water

Texas Ranch Water
Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

Recipe: Ranch Water

Ranch Water is so simple to make we'd say it's practically impossible to mess up. However, the Topo Chico is a nonnegotiable. 

2 of 32

3 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Berry Patch Cocktail

Berry Patch Cocktail
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Recipe: Berry Patch Cocktail

This brightly colored cocktail is not only pretty but is also refreshing and easy to pull together. 

3 of 32

Advertisement

4 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Blackberry Bramble Pisco Sours

Blackberry Bramble Pisco Sours
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Stylist: Tina Stamos

Recipe: Blackberry Bramble Pisco Sours

Pisco is a South American grape brandy popular in Peru and Chile. If you can't find it in your area, feel free to substitute white tequila, grappa, or vodka. Don't be alarmed by the strength of this new classic; it's a cocktail that's meant to be sipped and savored.

4 of 32

5 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Peach Margaritas

Peach Margaritas
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Peach Margaritas

This margarita recipe is here to prove that peaches aren't just for cobblers.

5 of 32

6 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cucumber-Mint Mojitos

Cucumber-Mint Mojitos
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Cucumber-Mint Mojitos

Homemade simple syrup is the key to this refreshing drink. Every good bartender should know how to make it, and once you've mastered the recipe you'll never buy simple syrup from the store again.  

6 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sweet Tea Mint Julep

Mint Julep Sweet Tea
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen

Recipe: Sweet Tea Mint Julep

The tea will need to steep for about an hour, so make sure to complete that step in advance of when you want to make your juleps. 

7 of 32

8 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Salty Dog Cocktail

Salty Dog Cocktail
Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Salty Dog Cocktail

This refreshing recipe is a great option for those who prefer their cocktails to be on the tart side. 

8 of 32

9 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Vodka Cherry Limeade

vodka cherry limeade
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Vodka Cherry Limeade

We consider this cocktail a stir-and-serve drink. 

9 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pineapple-Sweet Tea Punch

Pineapple-Sweet Tea Punch
Credit: Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Pineapple-Sweet Tea Punch

This punch will make you feel like you're relaxing on a tropical island. Refreshing and easy-to-make!

10 of 32

11 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Grapefruit Margarita

Grapefruit Margarita by Tiffanie Barriere
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn

Recipe: Grapefruit Margarita

Give your classic margarita recipe the night off and give this grapefruit spin a try.

11 of 32

12 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Strawberry Piña Coladas

Strawberry Pina Colada
Credit: Photographer and props: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Strawberry Piña Coladas

This sweet treat can be served with or without the alcohol. 

12 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Strawberry-Basil Sweet Tea

Strawberry-Basil Sweet Tea
Credit: Johnny Autry; Food and Prop Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Strawberry-Basil Sweet Tea

Now this is a fun seasonal drink, if we've ever heard of one. It gives traditional sweet tea a run for its money!

13 of 32

14 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sparkling Cherry Limeade

Sparkling Cherry Limeade
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Prop Styling: Annette Joseph; Food Styling: Cynthia Groseclose

Recipe: Sparkling Cherry Limeade

This limeade recipe makes enough to serve 8. While the recipe is non-alcoholic as is, you can add tequila if desired.

14 of 32

15 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Strawberry Margarita Spritzers

Beer 'Garitas
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Strawberry Margarita Spritzers

Club soda, fresh whole strawberries, and frozen daiquiri mix set these margarita spritzers apart. Serve on sultry summer days and enjoy the fizzy sweetness of these colorful cocktails.

15 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea

Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Kay E. Clarke; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin

Recipe: Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea

This tea is sure to add a little pep in your step.

16 of 32

17 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Berry Splash

Berry Splash
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Berry Splash

Mix up a colorful drink for the whole family with cherry drink mix and white cranberry juice. Serve Berry Splash with blueberry-filled ice cubes.

17 of 32

18 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Raspberry Beer Cocktail

Raspberry Beer Cocktail
Credit: Charles Walton IV

Recipe: Raspberry Beer Cocktail

Guests will love the raspberries that sit atop this festive beverage. Garnish the mixture of beer, raspberry lemonade, and vodka with lemon and lime slices.

18 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Paloma

Paloma Cocktail
Credit: Getty Images/bhofack2

Recipe: Paloma

If you're looking for sweet, sour, and fruity all in one glass, a Paloma is the cocktail for you.

19 of 32

20 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Frozen Lemonade

Frozen Lemonade
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Melissa Gray; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Recipe: Frozen Lemonade

Craving a Chick-fil-A frozen lemonade on a Sunday? Don't worry, we think this recipe comes darn pretty close. 

20 of 32

21 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ginger-and-Honey Sweet Tea

Ginger-and-Honey Sweet Tea
Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Ginger-and-Honey Sweet Tea

Ginger and honey add a sweet zing to this classic brew of tea.

21 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Lemonade Iced Tea

Lemonade Iced Tea
Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemonade Iced Tea

Lemonade and fresh mint leaves provide a flavorful fruit twist to this classic summer drink. One reader suggested adding a tablespoon of orange-flavored vodka to a glass of the drink to add a grown-up kick.

22 of 32

23 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Carolina Peach Sangria

Southern Sangria Recipes
Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Carolina Peach Sangria

Add fresh summer peaches and raspberries to this Southern version of the classic wine punch. Make the sangria the day before to allow the flavors to blend.

23 of 32

24 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pineapple-Basil Tea

Pineapple-Basil Tea
Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Pineapple-Basil Tea

Use up the leftover basil in your garden in this refreshing, fruity tea. You may even convert the kids to tea enthusiasts with this recipe.

24 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher

Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher

Think of this drink as the extra spunky Arnold Palmer. Homemade honey-infused simple syrup and orange wedges make a totally Southern and delicious cocktail.

25 of 32

26 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Blueberry-Lemon Iced Tea

Fresh Blueberry Recipes: Blueberry-Lemon Iced Tea
Credit: Photo: Van Chaplin

Recipe: Blueberry-Lemon Iced Tea

The sweet, crisp taste of lemonade and blueberries meet the bold, strong taste of iced tea. If you need us, we'll be somewhere sitting on a porch swing with a glass of this tea in our hand.

26 of 32

27 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mint Julep Sweet Tea

Mint Julep Sweet Tea
Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

Recipe: Mint Julep Sweet Tea

You'll be off to the races after taking a sip of this fun mashup drink. Two Southern classics come together for a pairing that just makes sense.

27 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Classic Transfusion Cocktail

Transfusion Cocktail
Credit: Getty Images/JB325

Recipe: Classic Transfusion Cocktail

Even if you're not an avid golfer, this is a drink recipe that you should have in your cocktail book. 

28 of 32

29 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Strawberry Fields Cocktail

Strawberry Fields Cocktail
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Strawberry Fields Cocktail

This cocktail is dangerously refreshing. You could even leave out the gin for a kid-friendly sipper.

29 of 32

30 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

French 75 Cocktail

French 75
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: French 75 Cocktail

If you can, we suggest making your French 75 with Hendrick's gin for the cucumber infusion. 

30 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bee's Knee's Honey Cocktail

bees knees honey cocktail
Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Bee's Knee's Honey Cocktail

This recipe dates back to prohibition era, and we like what they were thinking. This summery cocktail will make you the star hostess of your next garden party.

31 of 32

32 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Watermelon-Mint Margaritas

Punch and Cocktail Summer Drink Recipes: Watermelon-Mint Margaritas
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Watermelon-Mint Margaritas

Use leftover watermelon to make this slushy summer drink. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

32 of 32

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Southern Living Editors

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 32 Watermelon Sangria
    2 of 32 Ranch Water
    3 of 32 Berry Patch Cocktail
    4 of 32 Blackberry Bramble Pisco Sours
    5 of 32 Peach Margaritas
    6 of 32 Cucumber-Mint Mojitos
    7 of 32 Sweet Tea Mint Julep
    8 of 32 Salty Dog Cocktail
    9 of 32 Vodka Cherry Limeade
    10 of 32 Pineapple-Sweet Tea Punch
    11 of 32 Grapefruit Margarita
    12 of 32 Strawberry Piña Coladas
    13 of 32 Strawberry-Basil Sweet Tea
    14 of 32 Sparkling Cherry Limeade
    15 of 32 Strawberry Margarita Spritzers
    16 of 32 Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea
    17 of 32 Berry Splash
    18 of 32 Raspberry Beer Cocktail
    19 of 32 Paloma
    20 of 32 Frozen Lemonade
    21 of 32 Ginger-and-Honey Sweet Tea
    22 of 32 Lemonade Iced Tea
    23 of 32 Carolina Peach Sangria
    24 of 32 Pineapple-Basil Tea
    25 of 32 Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher
    26 of 32 Blueberry-Lemon Iced Tea
    27 of 32 Mint Julep Sweet Tea
    28 of 32 Classic Transfusion Cocktail
    29 of 32 Strawberry Fields Cocktail
    30 of 32 French 75 Cocktail
    31 of 32 Bee's Knee's Honey Cocktail
    32 of 32 Watermelon-Mint Margaritas

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Cool and Refreshing Drink Recipes To Make All Summer Long
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.