5 Simple Summer Cocktails

Summer is an excellent time to expand your restaurant's cocktail menu with delicious new drinks. A strong cocktail menu is a huge boost in the summer, giving guests something to sip on while they enjoy the beautiful weather in your outdoor dining area or beer garden. New and unique summer cocktails are a great way to ensure your patrons get the full summer experience.

We’ve created a list of simple cocktails that are sure to be crowd favorites during the summer. These drinks pair a variety of fresh herbs and fruits with popular alcohols like gin, tequila, and vodka, creating amazing summer concoctions. Below we’ll cover these five drink recipes, providing directions on how you can create these delicious beverages and add them to your cocktail menu.

Simple Summer Cocktails Video

To learn how to properly prepare our five simple summer cocktails, check out the video below for step-by-step instructions:


1. Caipirinha Recipe

Caipirinha drink

Introduce your guests to the national drink of Brazil, the caipirinha! A perfect summer cocktail, the caipirinha (pronounced kai-purr-reen-yah) is the South American version of a mojito. The key ingredients to a Caipirinha include fresh, muddled lime and the Brazilian spirit, cachaca. This easy-to-make mixed drink is tart and sweet, a refreshing combination for your summer menu.

Caipirinha Ingredients

Makes 1 cocktail

  • 1/2 quartered lime
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 1/2 ounces Cachaca

How to Make a Caipirinha

  1. Muddle lime quarters in rocks glass.
  2. Add sugar, ice, and Cachaca.
  3. Stir and serve!

2. Apple Mojito Recipe

Apple Mojito Drink sitting next to apples

Mojitos are a popular drink you'll find on almost any summer cocktail list, so try something creative with this twist on the Cuban mixed drink. Our version includes vodka and apple juice in place of the rum and lime juice in a traditional mojito recipe.

Apple Mojito Ingredients

Makes 1 cocktail

  • 1/3 cup vodka
  • 1/4 cup apple juice
  • 1 ounce simple syrup
  • 10 mint leaves
  • Apple slices for garnish

How to Make an Apple Mojito

  1. Muddle mint leaves in cocktail shaker.
  2. Add simple syrup, vodka, and apple juice.
  3. Shake and pour cocktail into highball glass over ice.
  4. Garnish with mint and apple slice.

3. Gin Basil Smash Recipe

Green Gin Basil drink

In this summer cocktail, bright green basil leaves are muddled to release an herbal flavor that blends well with freshly squeezed lemon juice and gin. Using fresh herbs in your cocktails provides a unique, refreshing flavor profile that's perfect for summery mixed drinks.

Gin Basil Smash Ingredients

Makes 1 cocktail

  • 4 ounces gin
  • 2 ounces fresh lemon juice
  • 2 ounces simple syrup
  • 10 basil leaves

How to Make a Gin Basil Smash

  1. Add basil leaves, lemon juice, and simple syrup to cocktail shaker.
  2. Gently muddle ingredients.
  3. Measure gin, add it, and shake.
  4. Pour cocktail into rocks glass over ice.
  5. Garnish with basil leaves and lemon twist.

4. Mexican Mai Tai Recipe

Mexican Mai Tai drink

Just like a classic Mai Tai recipe, this summer cocktail includes an almond-flavored syrup called orgeat (pronounced or-zhaat). We added a Mexican flair by replacing the rum with tequila and adding a salted rim. The result is a perfect summer mixed drink that combines the refreshing tartness of a margarita with the sweetness of a tropical tiki cocktail.

Mexican Mai Tai Ingredients

Makes 1 cocktail

  • 1 1/2 ounces tequila
  • 1/2 ounce orange curacao
  • 1/2 ounce orgeat
  • 3/4 ounce lime juice
  • Rimming salt

How to Make a Mexican Mai Tai

  1. Pour liquid ingredients into cocktail shaker and shake them thoroughly.
  2. Rim margarita glass with salt.
  3. Shake cocktail and pour into a glass over ice.
  4. Garnish with lime slice.

5. Peach Mango Summer Sangria Recipe

Peach Mango Sangria drink

Invite your guests to enjoy warm, summer evenings on your restaurant's patio with pitchers of our peach mango sangria! This sangria recipe is easy to prepare and can be sold by the pitcher for an upselling opportunity. Use ripe summer fruits like peaches and mangos combined with Grand Marnier for a summer cocktail that's perfect for serving a crowd.

Peach Mango Summer Sangria Ingredients

Makes 1 pitcher

  • 1 cup Grand Marnier
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 bottle white or blush wine
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 2 peaches, sliced
  • 1 cup seltzer water (optional)

How to Make a Peach Mango Summer Sangria

  1. Pour all ingredients into large pitcher.
  2. Stir and serve in stemless wine glasses over ice.

Our simple cocktail ideas are a fantastic way to introduce fun new beverages to your summer cocktail menu. These drinks are slight twists on popular drinks, allowing you to serve patrons classics while still separating yourself from the competition. These drinks are also easy-to-prepare, meaning they can be integrated into your menu with minimal time and training. Expand your cocktail menu this summer with our simple summer cocktails, boosting your alcohol sales and making your establishment a summer destination.

Posted in: Bars & Breweries|Recipes|Seasonal|By Nora Fulmer
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.
External Link

You are about to leave the security of WebstaurantStore.com.

We are not responsible for the privacy policy or any content, links or software, or any consequences from your access to or use of the technologies, websites, information and programs made available on this new site.

Do you want to proceed?

Related Resources

  • Blue Curacao Explained

    Blue curacao is a versatile, citrus-flavored liqueur found in many tropical cocktails, such as the Blue Hawaii or Blue Lagoon. Its vibrant blue color adds a visually appealing touch to any drink, making it a popular choice for bartenders and mixologists. Originating from an island in the Caribbean, blue curacao has become a beloved cocktail ingredient that adds a unique twist to classic recipes. Whether you want to create a signature cocktail for your menu or add a splash of color to existing drinks, our guide to blue curacao explains its flavors, ingredients, pronunciation, and mixed drinks. What Is Blue Curacao? Blue curacao is a vibrant liqueur renowned for its distinct blue hue and citrus flavor. It is a type of curacao, a liqueur that originated from the island of Curacao in the Caribbean. Blue curacao is made by infusing the peels of the Laraha citrus fruit, which is native to Curacao, in alcohol to give the liqueur its citrusy aroma and taste. Additionally, blue curacao contains various herbs and spices, giving it a complex and refreshing flavor profile. One of the defining features of blue curacao is its vivid blue color, which is achieved by adding food coloring to the liqueur. Though the vibrant blue color is not naturally present in the ingredients, it's a visual attraction when mixed into cocktails or other beverages. It is popular in tropical-themed or blue-colored cocktails, where it brings a touch of exoticism and enhances the overall presentation for summer happy hour events. Some customer-favorite cocktails featuring blue curacao include the Blue Hawaii, Blue Margarita, and Blue Lagoon cocktails. Since the blue color of the liqueur doesn't affect the taste of the cocktail, you can add unique twists to classic beverages. Customers can enjoy blue curacao alone or with simple mixers like club soda or orange juice. Is Blue Curacao Alcoholic? Yes, blue curacao is a liqueur with moderate alcohol content. Though it varies depending on the brand, blue curacao has roughly 25% ABV. However, the ABV can range anywhere from 15% to 40%. Compared to other spirits like whiskey or rum, blue curacao’s alcohol content is relatively mild. For vivid blue mocktails, use blue curacao syrup. This non-alcoholic bar mix is perfect for creating fun summer drinks all customers can enjoy. How to Pronounce Curacao Despite how it appears phonetically, curacao is pronounced: “kyoor-uh-sow.” For many customers, pronouncing the name of their favorite blue liqueur presents a dilemma that results in many hilarious pronunciations ranging from “blue carousel” to “blue cure-a-cow.” What Does Blue Curacao Taste Like? Blue curacao has a dominant orange, citrus flavor with a slightly bitter finish. It offers a tangy and refreshing experience stemming from the infusion of Laraha citrus fruit peels, which creates a vibrant and aromatic liqueur that adds a burst of citrus to any drink. In addition to its citrus flavors, blue curacao brings a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy notes. This sweetness is not overwhelming, allowing the distinctive citrus flavors to shine through for a well-balanced and enjoyable taste. Moreover, blue curacao has a subtle bitterness that adds complexity to its flavor profile. Derived from herbs and spices, this bitterness provides a subtle contrast to the citrus and sweetness. This unique combination of citrus, sweetness, and bitterness makes blue curacao a versatile and distinct liqueur in various cocktails. Blue Curacao Drinks Adding blue curacao drinks to your cocktail menu appeals to customers looking for a refreshing beverage that reminds them of summer adventures. These blue curacao drinks look stunning and offer a range of flavors to suit any palate. Whether you're hosting a tropical-themed event or want to add a pop of color to your cocktail offerings, these blue curacao cocktails are perfect choices to elevate your drink menu. Blue Lagoon: This tropical cocktail combines blue curacao with vodka and lemonade, creating a refreshing and visually stunning drink reminiscent of crystal-clear waters. Garnish with a slice of lemon, an umbrella, or a maraschino cherry for an extra touch of elegance. Blue Hawaii: Straight from paradise, a Blue Hawaii is a classic tiki cocktail. Blue curacao, rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream combine to create a sweet, tangy drink that reminds customers of sunbathing on a beach. Blue Margarita: Put a colorful twist on the beloved margarita by adding a splash of blue curacao. Mix tequila, lime juice, and blue curacao for a vibrant and zesty cocktail perfect for summer happy hour or beach-themed events. Aqua Velva: The Aqua Velva is a sweet, sophisticated cocktail. Combining gin, blue curacao, lemon juice, and tonic water, this drink is visually appealing and refreshing. Blue Long Island Iced Tea: Take the classic long island iced tea recipe and add a splash of blue curacao for a fresh drink with less alcohol than a traditional cocktail. This potent and flavorful drink combines vodka, rum, tequila, gin, blue curacao, lemon juice, and a splash of ginger ale for a memorable drink. Lake Water: For a non-traditional blue curacao cocktail, you can’t go wrong with a Lake Water drink. This drink combines vodka, gin, tequila, rum, triple sec, melon liqueur, raspberry liqueur, blue curacao, sweet and sour, and an orange slice or peel as garnish for a delicious cocktail. Substitute pineapple juice for the fruit liqueurs for a unique twist. Blue Curacao vs Triple Sec Curacao and triple sec are both orange-flavored, clear liqueurs with moderate alcohol content, making them excellent substitutes for each other. Both spirits can be enjoyed alone or mixed into a cocktail and provide a citrus, slightly bitter flavor to drinks. Adding some blue food dye to triple sec makes it nearly indistinguishable from blue curacao, but the liqueurs have a few key differences. Originating in France, triple sec uses Valencia oranges to infuse the citrus flavor into the liqueur. It is made with a neutral spirit distilled from sugar beets, resulting in a clear color and sharper taste. However, curacao is distilled with Cognac or brandy to form a sweeter, darker drink than triple sec. Overall, curacao is tangy and sweeter than triple sec, but the difference in flavor is hard to notice in mixed drinks. Substitutes for Blue Curacao The best substitute for blue curacao is clear curacao with some blue food coloring. Clear curacao allows you to maintain the same flavor as blue curacao, but the color might be slightly different. You can use orange zest, which is non-alcoholic but still provides the citrus flavor of blue curacao. Several other types of liqueurs are also excellent substitutes for blue curacao if you add blue food dye. Triple Sec: Known for its orange, tangy flavor, triple sec adds a similar citrusy flavor profile to your drinks. Use triple sec in margaritas and cosmopolitans. Grand Marnier: Another premium French liqueur, Grand Marnier combines Cognac with bitter orange flavors to offer a complex taste. Although it won't give you the blue color, Grand Marnier can add a touch of sophistication to your cocktails. Cointreau L’Unique: With a balanced sweetness and intense orange flavor, Cointreau L'Unique is a high-quality orange liqueur that can be a suitable replacement for blue curacao. This French liqueur can add a delightful citrusy twist to your drinks. Clement Creole Shrubb: If you're feeling adventurous, consider using Clement Creole Shrubb as a substitute for blue curacao. This unique liqueur blends aged rum, Creole spices, and bitter orange peels, and it will elevate your cocktails to the next level. Blue curacao is a vibrant and flavorful liqueur that adds a splash of color to cocktails. This bright blue citrus liqueur is a versatile ingredient used in various drinks ranging from classic favorites like the Blue Hawaiian and the Blue Margarita to creative concoctions like the Lake Water and the Blue Lagoon. Whether you’re overhauling your menu or planning a beach-themed event, blue curacao is sure to appeal to a wide variety of customers.

  • What Is a Mocktail?

    Mocktails are non-alcoholic mixed drinks meant to replicate the presentation and complexity of craft cocktails, just without the alcohol. To make mocktails, bartenders mix combinations of sodas, juices, herbs, and syrups to create unique flavors. They also use the same mixology methods and tools they would use with regular mixed drinks. The final product is a non-alcoholic beverage that should be enjoyed and savored, just like a well-mixed cocktail. If you haven't jumped on this new bar trend yet, consider adding mocktails to your beverage menu. Shop All Non-Alcoholic Drinks Mocktail Drinks Virgin cocktails aren't a new invention. Drinks like the Shirley Temple, a blend of ginger ale and grenadine, have been around for a long time. While this well-known drink is delicious in its own right, the new mocktail is an elevated version of the standard non-alcoholic drink, often using health-boosting ingredients. A good mocktail not only tastes great, but it's also crafted with as much care as a standard cocktail. Modern mocktails' quality has caused non-alcoholic bars specializing in zero-proof drinks to emerge. These are some attributes of a modern mocktail: Presented in a cocktail glass that complements the drink. Contains garnishes, rimming salt, or rimming sugar Blends multiple unique ingredients to create complex flavors Uses mixology methods for entertaining preparation Mocktail Recipe: Lemongrass-Basil Buss Check out our take on the modern virgin cocktail with a refreshing lemongrass mocktail recipe. When preparing the lemongrass, be sure to peel away the tough outer layers and use the tender heart of the stalk. You’ll need at least 6 stalks to get 1 cup. You can buy lemongrass at Asian markets and sometimes in your local supermarket. If you can’t find lemongrass, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. How to Make a Mocktail Video Use the following video to learn how to make the lemongrass-basil buss mocktail: <iframe itemprop="embedURL" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WeBOrbU3D6Y?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Ingredients 2 cups water 2 cups granulated sugar 2 cups fresh Thai or Genovese basil leaves; more for muddling and garnish 1 cup lemongrass, thinly sliced 1/4 cup kosher salt 1/4 cup sanding sugar 1 tablespoon orange zest 2 ounces fresh orange juice 4 ounces double strength brewed white tea 4 ounces fresh lime juice Orange twists, for garnish Directions In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, basil, and lemongrass or lemon zest and bring to a boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to steep for two hours. Strain and chill. This simple syrup can be made ahead of time and kept chilled under your bar until you need it. Combine the sanding sugar, salt, and orange zest in a shallow bowl or plate. Lightly moisten the rims of two large rocks glasses with a wedge of lemon, lime, or orange. Press each glass rim into the sugar mixture. Add four basil leaves, white tea, 3 ounces of the simple syrup, lime juice, and orange juice to a cocktail shaker and muddle them together. Fill with ice and shake. Fill the prepared glasses with one large ice cube or regular ice. Divide the mixture between the glasses and garnish each with a basil sprig and orange twist. Mocktail FAQ Below we cover some of the most common questions asked about mocktails: Mocktail vs Cocktail The biggest difference between a mocktail and a cocktail is the presence of alcohol. However, there are differences between the two that exist outside of this. Since mocktails contain no alcohol at all, a key part of the mixture is missing, forcing bartenders and mixologists to get creative with their ingredients. Many mixologists utilize a combination of unique herbs and spices in their mocktails to provide a similar sensation to drinking a cocktail. What Is a Virgin Cocktail? You’ll often hear mocktails referred to as a “virgin cocktail” because the two names are used interchangeably. Any type of virgin drink is a drink that has an ABV level between 0 and 0.05%. These types of drinks are becoming increasingly more common, as some customers are looking to cut alcohol out of their life for health reasons. What Is a Mocktail Bar? As mocktails have grown in popularity, specific locations dedicated to virgin cocktails have popped up. These locations are known as mocktail bars and typically have an extensive menu of mocktails to choose from. In a mocktail bar, you can have a great alternative bar experience that allows you to easily order non-alcoholic drinks. Consider creating a mocktail menu to accompany your cocktail list. More consumers are choosing to limit their alcohol consumption or abstain completely, making mocktail recipes more prevalent in the bar scene. An exciting list of craft mocktails ensures that everyone can enjoy a flavorful, refreshing beverage when they visit your bar or restaurant.

  • Types of Cocktail Glasses

    Using the correct types of glasses for your crafted cocktails isn’t just for presentation, it also improves the drinking experience for your guests. The shape of the cocktail glass dictates how the glass is held in the hand, which affects the temperature of the drink. Some glasses are designed to hold more ice, and some glass shapes enhance the aromatics of the drink. Read on to learn about the different types of cocktail glasses and the drinks they are designed to hold. Shop All Cocktail Glasses <iframe itemprop="embedURL" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w84D9zL7M3k?si=WlkU45ygk5FMrHib" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> 1. Highball Glass This tall straight glass holds about 8 to 12 ounces and is meant to be filled with ice. Best used for cocktails served on the rocks, the glass shape keeps the drink cold and preserves carbonation. Often used interchangeably with a Collins glass, the traditional highball glass is slightly shorter and wider than a Collins glass. The highball glass can be used to serve these cocktails: Rum and Coke Gin and Tonic Dark and Stormy 2. Collins Glass Sometimes referred to as a highball glass, the Collins glass is actually taller, narrower, and has a slightly larger capacity at 10 to 14 ounces. This tall glass keeps your cocktails chilled and is best used for drinks that are diluted with a lot of ice and contain more than one mixer. The Collins glass is named for the Tom Collins cocktail, but can be used for any cocktail over ice. Reach for a Collins glass if you are serving any of these cocktails: Mojito Paloma Tom Collins 3. Zombie Glass This glass was originally designed to hold the Zombie cocktail, a blend of juices, rum, and liqueur. The zombie glass is the tallest and most narrow of all the cocktail glasses, which helps to highlight colorful drinks. Its large capacity is meant to hold cocktails that are made with several mixers. Use a zombie glass to serve any of these eye-catching cocktails: Tequila Sunrise Fuzzy Navel Zombie 4. Rocks Glass Also called an old fashioned or lowball glass, the rocks glass is short and wide with a sturdy bottom. Unlike the glasses above, which are designed to hold large amounts of ice and mixers, the rocks glass holds drinks made with mostly spirits. It's named for the classic cocktail, the Old Fashioned, which contains bourbon whiskey with a couple dashes of Angostura bitters. The shape of the glass allows for muddling ingredients, stirring, and adding a large cube of ice or two. Serve these classic cocktails with a rocks glass: Old Fashioned Negroni Sazerac 5. Coupe Glass The coupe glass was originally designed to serve champagne. However, the broad round shape of this glass isn’t actually well-suited for carbonated drinks. The bubbles dissipate quickly due to the large surface area. Instead, this glass is best used for cocktails that need to be strained and served “up” with no ice, like a Manhattan. The shape of the glass shows off the color of the cocktail and the long stem prevents your hand from warming the glass. The elegant coupe glass is a sophisticated way to serve these cocktails: Manhattan Boulevardier Gimlet 6. Martini Glass Probably the most recognizable cocktail glass, the martini glass looks stylish when held. It features a "v" shaped bowl design that requires the drink to be sipped, making it perfect for drinks with little or no mixers. You'll hear the martini glass often referred to as a cocktail glass, but the traditional cocktail glass is more rounded and slightly smaller. Use a martini glass to serve these strained cocktails: Martini Cosmopolitan Sidecar 7. Copper Mug This iconic mug is great for keeping chilled drinks cool on a hot day, thanks to the conductivity of its copper construction. Historically, the copper mug has been used to serve the Moscow Mule cocktail, a blend of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Copper is said to enhance the flavors of ginger beer and citrus, while also intensifying the carbonation. Most copper mugs are now lined with another material, like stainless steel, to avoid the potential for copper leaching into beverages. Try serving these drinks in a copper mug: Moscow Mule Mint Julep Greyhound 8. Margarita Glass The iconic margarita glass features a large, round bowl with a broad rim that provides plenty of room for garnishes. The wide bowl allows the drinker to enjoy the aromatics of the drink with each sip, while also getting a taste of the salt or sugar-coated rim. A tall stem makes the glass easy to hold, even on larger capacity sizes. The margarita glass is perfect for serving these cocktails: Frozen Margarita Margarita on the Rocks Daiquiri 9. Hurricane Glass This tall glass features a tulip-like shape with a flared rim and short stem. A standard hurricane glass holds 20 ounces which makes it ideal for serving tropical cocktails made with several ingredients and mixers. Originally designed for the Hurricane cocktail, the hurricane glass can be used to serve any tropical drink. The flared lip allows for the fruity aromatics to take center stage and also provides room for garnishes. Keep your bar stocked with hurricane glasses for serving these fruity cocktails: Pina Colada Singapore Sling Hurricane When creating your own signature cocktails, make sure to put thought into the glass you'll use. For drinks that contain a lot of ice and non-alcoholic mixers, a tall highball glass is a great choice. If the drink contains only spirits and is strained, a rocks glass or coupe glass could be just what you need. Ultimately, the cocktail glass you choose can enhance your presentation and improve the drinking experience for your guests.

    • Shop Now

    Archives

    Webstaurant TVProduct demonstrations, how-to's, & descriptions ArticlesIn-depth information and tips for running a successful restaurant Buying GuidesTools to help you find the perfect product for your business