As temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like a cool and refreshing cocktail to beat the summer heat. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply unwinding after a long day, these five easy-to-make summer cocktails will be a highlight of your summer.

1. Classic Mojito:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz white rum
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Soda water
  • Ice cubes
  • Mint sprigs and lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle the lime wedges, mint leaves, and sugar together to release their flavours.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes, then pour in the white rum.
3. Top off the glass with soda water.
4. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
5. Garnish with mint sprigs and lime slices.

2. Pineapple-Coconut Daiquiri:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz white rum
  • 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 oz coconut cream
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Ice cubes
  • Pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the white rum, pineapple chunks, coconut cream, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the daiquiri mixture over the top.
4. Garnish with pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries.

3. Watermelon-Basil Cooler:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh watermelon chunks
  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 4-5 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tsp agave syrup (optional for added sweetness)
  • Ice cubes
  • Basil leaves and watermelon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the watermelon chunks, vodka, lime juice, basil leaves, and agave syrup (if using).
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the watermelon mixture over the top.
4. Garnish with basil leaves and watermelon slices.

4. Peach-Berry Sangria:

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle of white wine (750 ml)
  • 2 ripe peaches, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
  • 1/4 cup peach schnapps
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp honey or agave (adjust to taste)
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine the white wine, peach schnapps, orange juice, and honey.
2. Stir until the honey (or sweetener of your choice) is dissolved.
3. Add the sliced peaches and fresh berries to the pitcher.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavours meld.
5. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the sangria over the top.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

5. Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz white rum
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine the white rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and frozen strawberries.
  2. Add ice cubes to the blender and blend until smooth.
  3. Pour the frozen mixture into a chilled glass.
  4. Garnish with a strawberry or a lime wheel.

Cheers to a memorable and refreshing summer!