August is a month of celebration, marking the end of summer and the beginning of fall. The weather is warm, the sun is shining, and people are in high spirits.
It's the perfect time to gather with friends and family, relax, and enjoy a refreshing drink. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a pool party, or a rooftop soirée, you need the perfect cocktail to complement the occasion.
But what makes a good August cocktail? It's all about fresh, seasonal ingredients that capture the essence of summer. Think juicy fruits, fragrant herbs, and crisp vegetables.
It's about finding the right balance between sweet and sour, strong and subtle, and creating a drink that's not only delicious but also visually stunning.
As a bartender, I've had the pleasure of experimenting with a variety of August cocktails over the years. From classic favorites to innovative new creations, there's no shortage of options to choose from.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing my top picks for the best August cocktail recipes that are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. So, let's raise a glass to summer and get mixing!
1. Cruel Summer Cocktail
Looking for a refreshing cocktail to beat the August heat? Look no further than the Cruel Summer Cocktail. This low-alcohol drink is perfect for sipping in the sun, with just four simple ingredients: white rum, coconut sparkling water, lemon juice, and strawberry syrup.
The result is a light, bubbly, and fruity drink that's not too sweet, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a cocktail without feeling overwhelmed. The coconut adds a tropical vibe to the drink, transporting you to a beach paradise. Whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard BBQ, the Cruel Summer Cocktail is sure to be a hit. So grab a glass and beat the heat with this refreshing drink.
2. Blackberry Thyme Margarita
The Blackberry Thyme Margarita is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for hot August nights. Made with fresh blackberries, sweet plums, and savory thyme, this drink is bursting with flavor. The tequila adds a nice kick, while the orange zest and fresh thyme give it a unique twist.
What's great about this cocktail is that it's easy to make and can be adapted to your own personal taste. Plus, it's low in sugar, making it a healthier option. Overall, the Blackberry Thyme Margarita is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a delicious and refreshing drink to enjoy this August.
3. Watermelon Mojitos
Watermelon Mojitos are a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that requires only 5 simple ingredients. The drink is a perfect blend of mint, lime, white rum, and fresh watermelon puree, making it a deliciously fruity and minty drink that will transport you to a tropical paradise.
The sweetness of the watermelon is balanced with the tartness of the lime and the freshness of the mint, making it a perfect drink for any occasion.
4. Muddled Strawberry Basil Cocktail
If you're looking for a refreshing and light cocktail to enjoy during the hot August evenings, the Muddled Strawberry Basil Cocktail is a perfect choice. This paleo-friendly cocktail combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the aromatic and herbaceous notes of basil, creating a delightful and balanced flavor profile.
The addition of lime and vodka adds a tangy and boozy kick to the mix, making it a perfect drink to sip on while relaxing with friends or family. The use of honey as a natural sweetener adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors. Overall, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy summer drink.
5. Peach Moscow Mule
Looking for a refreshing and delicious cocktail to enjoy during the hot August days? Look no further than the Peach Moscow Mule. This summertime twist on the classic Moscow Mule is sweet, but not too sweet, and tastes like a slice of peach pie in a glass.
Made with fresh peaches or peach nectar, ginger beer, vodka, lime juice, and a cinnamon-infused simple syrup, this cocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot day. Whether you're looking for a boozy drink or a mocktail, this Peach Moscow Mule is sure to be a hit. So why not mix one up and enjoy the taste of summer?
6. Heavenly Lemonade
If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail for August, look no further than the Heavenly Lemonade. This cocktail is essentially a mimosa made with lemonade instead of orange juice, and it's two-thirds sparkling water and one-third lemonade.
The recipe calls for cheap champagne, which is a dry and unrefined version of champagne, and any kind of lemonade can be used. The cocktail can be garnished with berries for an extra burst of flavor. This cocktail is perfect for a summer brunch or a lazy afternoon on the patio. Try it out and see for yourself why it's called "heavenly"!
7. Cosmo
The Cosmo is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any occasion, especially during the hot summer month of August. This refreshing drink is a perfect mix of sweet, sour, and tart flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any party or gathering.
Made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice, this cocktail is easy to make and can be served individually or in a pitcher for a group. Its cranberry orange citrus flavor is absolutely delicious and is sure to leave you wanting more. If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail to enjoy this August, the Cosmo is definitely worth trying.
8. Pineapple Daiquiri
The Pineapple Daiquiri is the ultimate summer cocktail that will transport you to a tropical island with just one sip. Made with fresh pineapple, lime juice, coconut cream, and coconut rum, this frosty drink is smooth and refreshing. It's perfect for sipping poolside or enjoying with friends at your next cookout or barbecue.
The cocktail is best served in a hurricane glass, but any larger glass will work well. Garnish with fresh pineapple slices, lime slices, and a maraschino cherry for an added touch. If you're looking for a drink that screams summer, then the Pineapple Daiquiri is a must-try.
9. Sparkling Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
The Sparkling Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is a refreshing and tropical drink that is perfect for any summer occasion. This cocktail is a combination of blue curacao, crème of coconut, and pineapple juice, topped off with Prosecco for a bubbly finish. The drink is garnished with pineapple wedges and edible flowers, making it a beautiful and Instagram-worthy addition to any party.
While the recipe calls for a guava rum that can be hard to find, there are plenty of variations that can be made with different types of rum or even orange juice. Whether you're sipping this cocktail on a sandy beach or lounging by the pool, the Sparkling Blue Hawaiian is sure to transport you to a tropical paradise.
10. Aperol Gin Cocktail
The Aperol Gin Cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for August. This cocktail is a beautiful combination of gin, cucumber, lime, and a splash of Aperol, which gives it a gorgeous color. The bitter notes of Aperol pair perfectly with the fresh lime and cucumber, making it a perfect signature cocktail for any gathering.
Although the ingredient list is short, it is important to use high-quality ingredients to make this cocktail stand out. If you are looking for a new way to use Aperol, this cocktail is definitely worth trying. It is a refreshing sipper that will quickly become your new go-to drink.
11. Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan is a modern twist on a classic cocktail that is perfect for the adventurous home bartender. This sophisticated and complex drink swaps out sweet vermouth for an Italian amaro called Averna, which gives it a strong and boozy flavor with caramel and chocolate notes on the finish.
The addition of Luxardo cherry and bitters adds complexity and intrigue to the drink. This cocktail is a must-try for those who love a good Manhattan and are looking for something new and exciting to try. So, why not give the Black Manhattan a try this August and impress your guests with your mixology skills?
12. Watermelon Rosé Wine Slushie
The Watermelon Rosé Wine Slushie is a refreshing and delightful cocktail that is perfect for the hot summer days of August. Made with only two ingredients, Barefoot Rose’ Wine and Frozen Watermelon, this cocktail is easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends. The Barefoot Rosé Wine has notes of cherries, watermelon, and a hint of lime, making it a perfect match for the frozen watermelon.
The sweetness of the wine and the freshness of the watermelon create a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more. This cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a pool party, a play date, or a book club meeting. So, grab a glass and enjoy the Watermelon Rosé Wine Slushie, the perfect August cocktail.
13. Sparkling Black Raspberry Chambord Drink
The Sparkling Black Raspberry Chambord Drink is a refreshing and light cocktail made with black raspberry liqueur, tonic water, and a hint of lime. The sweetness of the liqueur is balanced out by the tonic water, making it a sweet but not overpowering drink.
Chambord, the black raspberry liqueur used in the cocktail, is a French spirit that is infused with fresh blackberries and raspberries, cognac, Madagascar vanilla, and various herbs. The result is a flavorful and sweet liqueur that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other alcohols. The Sparkling Black Raspberry Chambord Drink is a great option for those who want a light and refreshing drink that is perfect for summer.
