Summer is the season of relaxation and fun in the sun. It's a time when the days are longer, the weather is warmer, and the drinks are colder. As a bartender, you know that the key to a successful summer party is having refreshing drinks on hand.
But with so many guests to entertain, it can be challenging to keep up with the demand for cocktails. That's where make-ahead summer cocktail recipes come in.
Make-ahead cocktails are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to enjoy a cold drink without the hassle of mixing it on the spot.
These recipes are easy to prepare, and they can be made in large batches, which means you can spend more time enjoying the party and less time behind the bar. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or a pool party, make-ahead cocktails are sure to be a hit with your guests.
But what makes a good make-ahead cocktail? First and foremost, it should be refreshing and light. After all, no one wants to drink a heavy, boozy cocktail on a hot summer day. Secondly, it should be easy to make and store.
You don't want to spend hours in the kitchen preparing a drink that will only last a few hours. Lastly, it should be versatile. A good make-ahead cocktail recipe can be adapted to fit a variety of tastes and preferences.
In this blog post, we'll be taking a closer look at some of the best make-ahead summer cocktail recipes.
From fruity punches to classic margaritas, we'll show you how to prepare delicious drinks that are sure to impress your guests. So put on your sunscreen, grab a glass, and let's get started!
1. Summer Shandy
Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail for your next summer gathering? Look no further than the Summer Shandy! This light and citrusy drink is perfect for hot summer days and can be made with any beer of your choice.
The recipe calls for homemade lemonade, but store-bought can be used as well. The Summer Shandy is a great option for those who want a small kick without the heavy alcohol content. Give it a try and see why it's a fan favorite during the summer months.
2. Blackberry Tequila Cooler
Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail that can be made ahead of time? Look no further than the Blackberry Tequila Cooler. This cocktail combines the sweetness of blackberries with the tartness of lime and the fizz of sparkling wine for a light and refreshing drink that's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
The best part? You can make it ahead of time and stash it in the fridge until your guests arrive. Adapted from Rachel Ray Every Day, June 2019, this cocktail is sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering.
3. Blackberry Smash Cocktail
The Blackberry Smash Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity summer drink that is perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh blackberries, sweet mint, and ginger beer, this cocktail can be customized with your choice of liquor, such as rum, vodka, or gin. The addition of lime juice gives it a tangy twist, while the ginger beer adds a fizzy kick.
The cocktail can be made ahead of time by mixing everything together in a pitcher, except for the ginger beer, which should be added just before serving to maintain its carbonation. Overall, the Blackberry Smash Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make summer cocktail.
4. Coconut Lemon Sour
The Coconut Lemon Sour is a refreshing summer cocktail with light coconut water and lemonade flavors, mixed with vodka. It's perfect for entertaining as it can be made in a large batch and served in pitchers.
With only four ingredients, it's simple and easy to prepare. This cocktail is a great choice for any summer gathering, whether it's a backyard BBQ or a pool party.
5. Mojito Limeades
If you're looking for a refreshing and not-too-sweet cocktail to enjoy this summer, you'll definitely want to try the Mojito Limeade. This cocktail is full of lime and mint flavors, making it the perfect drink to cool down with on a hot day. The recipe is based on Bobby Flay's original recipe, but with a few modifications to make it less sweet and with the option to use vodka instead of rum.
The mint-lime simple syrup is the perfect addition to this cocktail, adding just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the lime and mint flavors. Be careful though, because these drinks go down easily! Overall, the Mojito Limeade is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a refreshing and delicious summer drink.
6. Summer Sangria
Summer Sangria is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for any summer gathering. This Spanish drink is a combination of wine, brandy, and a variety of fruits such as grapefruit, peaches, mixed berries, and strawberries. The fruit provides a natural sweetness, making it a perfect balance for the wine and brandy.
This cocktail needs to be chilled for a few hours or overnight before serving, so it's a great make-ahead option for any party. You can also make a non-alcoholic version by substituting the wine with grape juice and orange juice. Summer Sangria is a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail that will transport you to a sunny and warm day, no matter the weather.
7. Fruity White Wine Slushies
Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail that's easy to make ahead of time? Look no further than the Fruity White Wine Slushies! This delicious cocktail combines frozen fruit, white wine, and a splash of rum for a sweet and tangy drink that's perfect for sipping on a hot day. The best part?
You can use any kind of frozen fruit you like, so you can customize the recipe to your taste. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a tasty way to cool off, the Fruity White Wine Slushies are sure to be a hit. So why not give them a try and see for yourself?
8. Blackberry Sangria
Blackberry Sangria is a refreshing and fruity summer cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Made with a good dry table wine, brandy, fresh fruit, and ginger ale, this cocktail is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience. The addition of blackberry simple syrup enhances the blackberry flavor, making it a delightful drink to sip on a hot summer day.
This cocktail is perfect for serving at intimate gatherings or for a larger crowd, as it only requires a few ingredients and can be easily doubled or tripled. If you're looking for a tasty and refreshing summer cocktail, Blackberry Sangria is definitely worth trying out.
9. Champagne Slushies
Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail that's easy to make and perfect for entertaining? Look no further than Champagne Slushies! Made with just two ingredients – champagne and strawberries – this frozen cocktail is a light and refreshing way to cool down on a hot summer day.
Whether you're sipping it poolside, enjoying it at a summer barbecue, or serving it up at a brunch, Champagne Slushies are sure to be a hit with your guests. So why not give this easy and delicious cocktail a try this summer?
10. Fruity Fuzzy Navel Cocktail
The Fruity Fuzzy Navel Cocktail is a refreshing and customizable summer drink made with fruit punch, pineapple juice, and peach schnapps. It's perfect for lazy days by the pool or beach and is a great option for those who want an adult beverage without the taste of liquor.
The peach schnapps provides a subtle kick, while the fruit punch and pineapple juice add a fruity sweetness. Try it for a taste of summer in a glass!
11. Sweet Moscato Sangria
Looking for a refreshing and sweet cocktail to serve at your next summer gathering? Look no further than the Sweet Moscato Sangria! This twist on the classic sangria recipe uses crisp and sweet moscato wines instead of the traditional deep red, and is lightened up with Chambord raspberry liqueur.
The result is a light, sweet, and crisp cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. Plus, it's a great make ahead recipe, so you can prep it ahead of time and have it ready to go when your guests arrive. Trust us, this cocktail is sure to be a hit at your next summer party!
12. Watermelon Gin Punch
If you're looking for a refreshing and fruity cocktail to serve at your next summer gathering, the Watermelon Gin Punch is a must-try. This batch cocktail is made with fresh watermelon juice, tangy lemon juice, fragrant mint, and your favorite gin, and is ready in less than 20 minutes.
The combination of sweet watermelon and tangy lemon, along with the herbal notes of fresh mint and the kick of gin, makes for a perfectly balanced and delicious summer sipper. Plus, the vibrant pink color of the punch is sure to impress your guests. So, if you're tired of the same old wine and beer at your summer parties, give the Watermelon Gin Punch a try and elevate your cocktail game.
13. Margarita Float
If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make summer cocktail, the Margarita Float is definitely worth trying. This frozen concoction is made with sorbet, tequila, water, and lime, and is perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any warm summer day.
The best part is that you can choose your favorite sorbet flavor to customize the cocktail to your liking. The Margarita Float is a great option for those who want to impress their guests with a unique and delicious cocktail that requires minimal effort. So, why not give it a try and cool off with this creamy and frothy cocktail all summer long?
14. Strawberry Peach Sangria
If you're looking for a refreshing and fruity cocktail to serve at your next summer gathering, look no further than the Strawberry Peach Sangria. This cocktail is the epitome of summer in a pitcher, with fragrant and sweet strawberries and peaches perfectly paired with white wine, club soda, and ginger beer.
The addition of basil adds a unique twist to the classic sangria recipe, making it a standout among other summer cocktails. Plus, the fact that it can be made ahead of time means less stress for you on the day of your event. Trust us, your guests will be raving about this delicious and refreshing cocktail all summer long.
15. Blackberry Mojito
The Blackberry Mojito is a refreshing summer cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot day. This twist on the classic mint mojito features fresh blackberries, mint leaves, and white rum, all topped off with soda water. The combination of sweet blackberries and tangy lime juice creates a deliciously fruity flavor that is sure to please.
What's more, this cocktail can be made ahead of time in a pitcher, making it the perfect drink for entertaining guests. So why not try out this delicious cocktail recipe and impress your friends with your bartending skills this summer?
16. Kahlua Mudslides
The Kahlua Mudslide is a classic summer cocktail made with Kahlúa, vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and ice cream. It's a perfect blend of coffee, cream, and booze that makes for a deliciously indulgent treat.
The frozen mudslide is like a boozy milkshake, which is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. It's an easy-to-make, versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
17. Red White and Blue Daiquiri
The Red White and Blue Daiquiri is a perfect cocktail for any summer party or celebration. This frozen cocktail is made up of layers of strawberry and lime daiquiri, topped with blueberries for a festive touch. The best part about this cocktail is that it can be made ahead of time by pouring the daiquiris into mason jars and freezing them until ready to serve.
This makes it perfect for impromptu gatherings or front porch sipping on the weekends. The recipe also includes instructions on how to make simple syrup for cocktails. If you're looking for a refreshing and patriotic cocktail to serve at your next summer get-together, the Red White and Blue Daiquiri is definitely worth a try.
18. Hippie Juice Smash Cocktail
Hippie Juice Smash Cocktail is a fruity and flirty drink that is perfect for summer parties. Made with vodka, Triple Sec, coconut rum, and lemonade, it has a refreshing and delicious taste.
You can make it ahead of time and serve it in a punch bowl or mason jar with fruit as ice cubes. It's a crowd favorite that's sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.
19. Watermelon Mojito
The Watermelon Mojito is a refreshing and easy summer cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh watermelon juice, mint, rum, and simple syrup, this cocktail offers a simple twist that's full of summer flavor. The combination of juice and rum is irresistible, making it the perfect drink for Cinco de Mayo parties, barbecues, poolside, or a day on the water.
Whether you're a fan of mojitos or just looking for a new summer cocktail to try, the Watermelon Mojito is a must-try. So, grab your muddler and get ready to mix up this delicious and refreshing cocktail that's sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering.
20. Peach and Basil Cocktail With Lemon Rum
The Peach and Basil Cocktail with Lemon Rum is a refreshing and light summer drink that combines the iconic flavors of peaches and basil. The grilled peaches bring a subtle smoky flavor to the cocktail, while the lemon rum and lemon lime soda add a citrusy kick.
Muddling the peaches and basil releases their natural juices and oils, creating a well-balanced and flavorful cocktail. This recipe is perfect for a summer party or a relaxing evening at home. If you're looking for a unique and delicious make-ahead cocktail, the Peach and Basil Cocktail with Lemon Rum is definitely worth a try.
21. Mojito
Mojito, the Cuban classic cocktail, is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that's perfect for summer. Made with fresh mint, lime juice, and white rum, this cocktail is a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress your guests. What sets this recipe apart is the addition of a homemade simple syrup, which elevates the flavors and makes it a showstopper.
The Mojito is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, and the mint adds a refreshing note that's perfect for a hot summer day. If you're looking for an easy and delicious cocktail to make ahead of time for your summer gatherings, the Mojito is a must-try.
22. Strawberry Wine Punch
If you're looking for a refreshing and crowd-pleasing cocktail to serve at your next summer gathering, look no further than the Strawberry Wine Punch. This easy-to-make cocktail can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the party and less time mixing drinks.
Made with fresh strawberries and your favorite white wine, this cocktail is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Whether you're hosting a Fourth of July barbecue or a Mother's Day brunch, the Strawberry Wine Punch is the perfect addition to your summer cocktail lineup. So why not give it a try and impress your guests with this delicious and refreshing drink?
23. Lime Popsicle Margaritas
Looking for a refreshing and zesty summer cocktail that you can make ahead of time? Look no further than the Lime Popsicle Margarita. This cocktail is a perfect combination of classic margarita flavors with the added sweetness and chill of a lime popsicle.
It's a fun and easy way to impress your guests and keep cool by the pool. Plus, the popsicles can be easily transported in a cooler for a refreshing drink on-the-go. Don't miss out on trying this fun and unique twist on a classic cocktail.
24. Hawaiian Mai Tai
The Hawaiian Mai Tai is a refreshing and crowd-pleasing cocktail that is perfect for summer parties. This cocktail is a delicious blend of pineapple, lime, and orange flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. What makes this cocktail even better is that it can be made ahead of time and chilled until you are ready to serve it.
Simply pour it into glasses filled with ice, and you are good to go. The melting ice will give you the perfect flavor balance, making this cocktail a must-try. So, if you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make summer cocktail, the Hawaiian Mai Tai is definitely worth a try.
25. Pineapple Sage Mojito
The Pineapple Sage Mojito is a refreshing and fruity cocktail perfect for the summer season. Made with pineapple-infused vodka and muddled pineapple sage, this cocktail has a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. The addition of fresh lime juice adds a zesty kick to the drink, making it a perfect choice for a hot summer day.
The recipe is easy to make ahead of time by infusing the vodka with pineapple, allowing you to enjoy the cocktail without the hassle of preparing it from scratch. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to add to your summer repertoire, the Pineapple Sage Mojito is definitely worth a try.
26. Blueberry Basil Lemonade
Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail for your summer party? Look no further than the Blueberry Basil Lemonade! This cocktail is a perfect blend of fresh blueberries, basil, and lemon juice, with a splash of seltzer to add some fizz.
And if you want to make it boozy, just add your favorite alcohol – bourbon, gin, rum, or vodka all work well. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the party and less time mixing drinks. Trust us, your guests will love this delicious and unique cocktail.
