The Best Summer Cocktails

Summer is meant to be savored, and the heat conquered—ideally, in equal measure. And who doesn’t want to spend a sultry summer evening with a cocktail in hand? Or enjoy a beach day while sipping a delicious drink like a mojito, piña colada, or strawberry daiquiri? There’s no better way to toast to life and taste the season than with these tempting summer alcoholic drinks.

That’s why we here at Bottle Barn have compiled a selection of the best summer cocktails—refreshing and delicious sips you’ll enjoy by the sea, at the pool, or at home. Remember, the best online liquor store with great prices is right here!

1. Mojito

The mojito is the ultimate summer cocktail. This Cuban classic blends rum, lime, sugar, mint, and—plenty of ice! Its global popularity stems not only from its refreshing flavor but also from its literary legacy: Ernest Hemingway drank mojitos daily at the legendary Bodeguita del Medio in Havana. For a cool companion to your summer days and nights, the mojito is an unbeatable choice.

Looking to mix it up? Try a watermelon mojito for a fruity twist. Bottle Barn has a full selection of hand-curated rums for the best summer drinks.

2. Bloody Mary

Veggie lovers can get in on the cocktail fun too. The Bloody Mary—made with tomato juice, salt, pepper, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, and vodka—stands out for its bold red hue. Created in the 1920s, it’s named after “Bloody Mary,” England’s Queen Mary I, infamous for her persecution of Protestants in the 16th century. Today, the Bloody Mary has become a trendy drink worldwide—making it a summer essential.

3. Caipirinha

Lime, ice, sugar, and cachaça—Brazil’s national cocktail is a summertime icon. Perfect for day or night, the caipirinha has spawned many riffs: the caipiroska (with vodka) and caipiríssima (with rum) among them. Want to taste the real deal? Sip it through a straw—that’s the trick to unlocking its true flavor. This is truly a refreshing alcoholic drink. Saúde!

4. Cosmopolitan

Vodka and citrusy fruit notes make the Cosmopolitan one of the most glamorous cocktails ever shaken. Made iconic by Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw (played by Sarah Jessica Parker), the “Cosmo” blends vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Chic, stylish, and easy to make—this one’s irresistibly elegant.

5. Piña Colada

If there’s a cocktail that screams "tropical vacation," it’s the piña colada. Hailing from Puerto Rico, this drink combines rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. Its sweet, refreshing profile has made it a global favorite for summer sipping. This is your cue to kick back and indulge in a piña colada. You won’t regret it.

6. Mai Tai

Craving something ultra-tropical? Enter the Mai Tai—the grandfather of tiki cocktails, inspired by the Polynesian god of life. More than just a cultural icon, the Mai Tai is a vibrant, fruity delight. It blends aged rum, Jamaican rum, amaretto, Cointreau, lime juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Its name comes from the Tahitian phrase mai tai, meaning “delicious.”

All the ingredients are available at the best online liquor store. What are you waiting for?

7. Strawberry Daiquiri

Another Cuban creation, the strawberry daiquiri offers a sweet variation on the classic daiquiri made with white rum and lime. This version adds natural strawberries for a luscious twist. The result: a cool, fruity cocktail perfect for hammock lounging—by the beach or poolside. Caribbean vibes in a glass.

8. Michelada

From Mexican cuisine comes the bold, zesty michelada—a stronger spin on your standard beer. This cocktail retains beer’s crisp refreshment, but kicks it up with lime juice and Tabasco for a spicy tang. Micheladas come in many variations and, according to local wisdom, may even help cure a hangover. For something off the beaten path this summer, the michelada delivers.

Bottle Barn has an astounding selection of beers from around the world, including Mexico of course, so take a look at the online beer store.

9. Agua de Valencia

Did you know Valencia, Spain, has its own signature cocktail? Don’t let the name fool you- “Valencian Water” has nothing to do with H₂O. This potent mix of cava or champagne, orange juice, vodka, and gin is both explosive and refreshing. A few sips go a long way, so enjoy with caution. But don’t skip it—it may become a new favorite.

10. Margarita

We round out this summer cocktail lineup with a Mexican classic: the margarita. Tequila lovers, this one’s for you. Traditionally made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, the margarita is often served with a salt rim for contrast. Strawberry versions abound too. Either way, this drink offers a burst of flavor and a blast of cool. ¡Salud!

We hope you enjoyed these suggestions for top notch summer alcoholic drinks! Please leave us a comment, or a recipe!