Summer is finally here! And what better way to enjoy the warm weather than lounging by the pool with a refreshing drink in hand?
Whether you're hosting a pool party or just looking to cool off after a long day, a delicious cocktail can elevate your poolside experience to the next level.
But with so many cocktail recipes out there, which ones are truly perfect for sipping poolside?
We've scoured the internet and tested various concoctions to bring you a list of the best summer pool cocktails.
From fruity and tropical to light and refreshing, our list has something for every taste preference.
And don't worry, we haven't forgotten about those who prefer a non-alcoholic option. We've included some mocktail recipes that are just as delicious as their boozy counterparts.
So sit back, grab your favorite pool float, and get ready to dive into the world of summer pool cocktails.
These recipes are sure to impress your guests and keep you cool all summer long.
1. The Skinny Beach Cocktail
The Skinny Beach Cocktail is a refreshing and hydrating drink that is perfect for sipping by the pool on a hot summer day. Made with only five simple ingredients, including vodka, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and sparkling water, this cocktail is light and satisfying without leaving you feeling bloated or dehydrated.
The combination of citrus flavors and bubbly water create a deliciously refreshing taste that is sure to quench your thirst and leave you feeling refreshed. Whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying a day at the beach, the Skinny Beach Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make summer drink.
2. Beach Water Cocktail
The Beach Water Cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for sipping by the pool on a hot summer day. Made with just three ingredients, this cocktail is a breeze to prepare and features a delicious blend of coconut and sweet flavors.
The blue color of the drink is reminiscent of the ocean, making it a great choice for those who want to feel like they're at the beach even if they're just lounging in their backyard. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a good summer drink that is both tasty and simple to make.
3. Swimming Pool Cocktail
The Swimming Pool Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity drink that is perfect for sipping by the pool on a hot summer day. This cocktail, invented in the 1970s by mixologist Karl Georg Schumann, combines the flavors of pineapple, coconut, and blue curaçao for a tropical taste that will transport you to a beachside paradise.
Served over crushed ice, this cocktail is both sweet and tart, with a creamy texture thanks to the addition of sweetened condensed milk. If you're looking for a drink that will quench your thirst and satisfy your sweet tooth, the Swimming Pool Cocktail is the perfect choice. So grab a glass, kick back, and enjoy the summer sun with this delicious drink in hand.
4. Honey Strawberry Basil Smash
The Honey Strawberry Basil Smash is a perfect summer pool cocktail that is both refreshing and delicious. It's a light cocktail that packs a big punch of flavor, thanks to the combination of fresh strawberries, vodka, and basil. The addition of honey adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the tartness of the strawberries.
The cocktail is easy to make and is perfect for sipping on while lounging by the pool. The Honey Strawberry Basil Smash is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and refreshing summer cocktail that's perfect for poolside sipping.
5. Sea Breeze
The Sea Breeze is a classic summer cocktail that is perfect for sipping by the pool or at the beach. Made with just three simple ingredients – vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice – this cocktail is both sweet and sour, making it a refreshing option for a hot summer day.
Dating back to the 1950s, the Sea Breeze has stood the test of time and is still a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts today. If you're looking for a quick and easy cocktail to enjoy this summer, the Sea Breeze is definitely worth a try. So, grab your favorite glass, fill it with ice, and pour yourself a Sea Breeze – you won't be disappointed!
6. Beach Bucket Cocktail
The Beach Bucket Cocktail is a viral TikTok sensation that comes in a sand bucket filled with a refreshing and fruity combination of Malibu Rum, vodka, orange juice, pineapple juice, cherry juice, Hawaiian Punch, Sprite, and Smirnoff Ice Red, White & Berry.
It's perfect for day drinking, lounging by the pool, or a girls' night out. Try it for a taste of summer and beachy vibes.
7. Chi Chi Cocktail
The Chi Chi Cocktail is a refreshing and tropical frozen drink that is perfect for sipping by the pool or beach during the summer. Made with vodka, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, frozen pineapple, and grenadine, this cocktail is a fun twist on the classic Pina Colada.
The grenadine adds a unique touch to the drink, giving it a beautiful pink color and a subtle sweetness. Whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting a summer party, the Chi Chi Cocktail is a must-try for any cocktail lover. So, grab your blender and get ready to enjoy this delicious and refreshing drink!
8. Swimming Pool
The Swimming Pool cocktail is a refreshing and tropical drink perfect for summer days by the pool. Created by renowned bartender Charles Schumann, it features a mix of rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and blue curaçao, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavor.
Its unique history and vibrant colors make it a popular choice in bars around the world. Give it a try for a fun and fruity sip!
9. Sparkling Cucumber Cooler With Gin
If you're looking for a refreshing and light cocktail to enjoy by the pool this summer, then the Sparkling Cucumber Cooler with Gin is a must-try. This cocktail features top-shelf gin, club soda, mint, sugar, lime, and of course, cucumber slices.
The cucumber adds a unique twist to the classic gin and tonic, making it the perfect drink for a hot day. This cocktail is not only delicious but also easy to make, so you can whip up a batch for your next pool party. Trust us, one sip of this cocktail and you'll be transported to a cool and refreshing oasis.
10. Green Hawaiian Cocktail
The Green Hawaiian Cocktail is a tropical delight that combines the flavors of pineapple, melon, coconut, and citrus with Midori, Malibu Rum, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for a summer day by the pool or beach.
The addition of sweet and sour mix and soda gives it a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The cocktail is garnished with cherries and pineapple slices, making it visually appealing and perfect for Instagram-worthy pictures. If you're looking for a drink that transports you to a tropical paradise, the Green Hawaiian Cocktail is a must-try.
11. Tropical Rum Punch
The Tropical Rum Punch is a delicious summer cocktail that will transport you to a tropical beach with just one sip. It's a mix of cranberry juice, orange juice, peach schnapps, and coconut rum, layered with oranges, pineapples, limes, and strawberries, making it a showstopper at any party.
The layers of sunset colors make it look fabulous in a large glass pitcher or drink dispenser. It's perfect for a pool party or a luau, and you can even leave out the alcohol for a kid-friendly version. Overall, the Tropical Rum Punch is a refreshing and delicious cocktail that is sure to please your party guests.
12. Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a classic Caribbean cocktail that is perfect for sipping by the pool on a hot summer day. Made with rum, lime juice, and grenadine syrup, this fruity mixed drink is a favorite among beach-goers and island hoppers alike. The heavy use of grenadine syrup gives the cocktail a sweet and tangy flavor that is sure to please any palate.
While there are many variations of this classic cocktail, Jamaica's version is particularly noteworthy for its inclusion of lime juice. If you're looking for a refreshing and tropical drink to enjoy this summer, be sure to give Rum Punch a try.
13. Summer Watermelon Mojito
The Summer Watermelon Mojito is a refreshing and light cocktail that's perfect for those hot summer days by the pool. This twist on the classic mojito combines the sweetness of fresh watermelon with the zing of lime juice, the kick of white rum, and the freshness of mint leaves.
The recipe uses less sugar than traditional mojitos, making it a healthier option for those who want to avoid a sugar overload. The cocktail can be enjoyed with or without alcohol, making it a great option for both adults and kids. Overall, the Summer Watermelon Mojito is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a refreshing and delicious drink to sip on this summer.
14. Aloha Sunset Wine Cocktail
The Aloha Sunset Wine Cocktail is a perfect summer pool cocktail that will transport you to the tropics with its hints of pineapple and orange juice. This refreshing cocktail is made with Sauvignon Blanc and vodka, making it a perfect mix of cool and refreshing.
The acidity of the juices and wine is balanced by the ice and vodka, making it a perfect drink to beat the summer heat. The LEAF Vodka used in the recipe adds a unique taste to the cocktail, making it even more delicious. If you're looking for a summer cocktail that is easy to make and perfect for pool parties, the Aloha Sunset Wine Cocktail is a must-try.
15. The Matador Cocktail
The Matador Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity drink that is perfect for sipping by the pool on a hot summer day. Made with tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup, this cocktail is like a fruity margarita that will transport you to a tropical paradise.
The combination of tequila and fruit juice makes it a favorite during the summertime, but it's delicious and satisfying no matter what time of year you drink it. The cocktail is garnished with pineapple wedges, which add a sweet and tangy flavor to the drink. If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail to enjoy by the pool this summer, The Matador Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
16. Champagne Slushies
Champagne Slushies are a refreshing summer cocktail made with just two ingredients – champagne and strawberries. It's light, fruity, and perfect for sipping on a hot day by the pool.
What's great about this cocktail is that it's easy to make and a little bit fancy. Give it a try and impress your guests with this delicious and refreshing drink.
17. Lava Flow Cocktail
Looking for a fun and refreshing cocktail to enjoy by the pool this summer? Look no further than the Lava Flow Cocktail! Originating in Hawaii, this blended cocktail features a slushie strawberry base and a thick coconut mixture that slowly sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a lava-like effect.
The mix of flavors is both sweet and tropical, making it the perfect drink to sip on a hot summer day. Whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting a summer barbecue, the Lava Flow Cocktail is sure to impress your guests and keep you cool all season long.
18. Stormy Donkey Party Punch
Looking for a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail to serve at your next summer pool party? Look no further than the Stormy Donkey Party Punch. This cocktail is a unique blend of the classic "Dark and Stormy" and "Moscow Mule" cocktails, with a Caribbean twist.
The combination of fresh lime juice, zingy ginger beer, vodka, and aged rum (either spiced or dark) is enhanced with the addition of pineapple juice and freshly grated nutmeg. The result is a deliciously complex and slightly sweet cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. So why not give the Stormy Donkey Party Punch a try at your next summer gathering? Your taste buds will thank you.
19. Pineapple Ginger Mojitos With Spiced Rum
Looking for a refreshing and unique summer pool cocktail? Look no further than the Pineapple Ginger Mojitos with Spiced Rum. This twist on the classic mojito combines fresh pineapple juice, lime, and spiced rum for a sweet and spicy flavor that is perfect for sipping poolside. The addition of ginger adds a subtle kick to the cocktail, while a wedge of caramelized pineapple adds a beautiful finishing touch.
What's great about this cocktail is that it doesn't require any added sugar, as the pineapple juice is reduced to make it more concentrated and sweet. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or just looking to relax after a long week, the Pineapple Ginger Mojitos with Spiced Rum is sure to impress.
20. Orange Lemon Gin Cooler Cocktail
The Orange Lemon Gin Cooler Cocktail is a perfect summer sipper that will quench your thirst and cool you down during hot summer days. This refreshing cocktail is made with freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice, gin, simple syrup, and sparkling water. The combination of citrus juices and gin creates a well-balanced and bright flavor that is perfect for poolside sipping.
This cocktail is easy to make and can be customized to your liking by adding more or less gin, adjusting the sweetness level, or even making it a mocktail. If you're looking for a refreshing summer cocktail that is easy to make and perfect for pool parties, then the Orange Lemon Gin Cooler Cocktail is a must-try!
21. Orange Crush
"Orange Crush" is a refreshing and delicious summer cocktail that is perfect for poolside sipping. Made with freshly squeezed orange juice, vodka, and Grand Marnier, this cocktail is topped off with lemon-lime soda for a fizzy finish. The orange juice gives it a nostalgic creamsicle-like taste that is sure to transport you back to childhood summers.
Despite the addition of alcohol, the vodka and Grand Marnier are perfectly balanced, making it easy to forget you're even drinking alcohol. The cocktail is garnished with a slice of orange, a sprig of mint, and a big fat straw that makes it easy to suck down. Overall, "Orange Crush" is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a refreshing and easy-to-drink summer cocktail.
22. Ruby Red Chilton
The Ruby Red Chilton is a refreshing and simple cocktail that is perfect for a summer day by the pool. Made with Deep Eddy's Ruby Red vodka, lemon juice, club soda, and ice, this cocktail is a twist on the classic Chilton, a popular lemon cocktail from Lubbock, Texas.
The addition of the grapefruit-flavored vodka gives this cocktail a unique and delicious taste that is sure to impress. This cocktail is perfect for those who want a quick and easy drink that still packs a punch of flavor. So, if you're looking for a new summer cocktail to try, give the Ruby Red Chilton a shot and see why it's quickly becoming a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
23. Tangy and Sweet Watermelon Paloma Cocktail
Looking for a refreshing and tangy summer cocktail to sip by the pool? Look no further than the Watermelon Paloma Cocktail. This Mexican-inspired drink combines the sweetness of watermelon juice with the tanginess of citrus and tequila for a delicious and easy-to-drink cocktail.
The recipe can be made in a pitcher, making it perfect for sharing with friends. While the exact origins of the Paloma are uncertain, this fruity variation is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the sweet and tangy taste of this refreshing cocktail.
24. Sand Bucket Cocktail
The Sand Bucket Cocktail is a tropical blend of coconut rum, tropical fruit rum, fruit juice, pineapple juice, orange Fanta, and mango hard seltzer. It's the perfect drink to enjoy by the pool or at the beach.
This cocktail is not for the faint of heart, as one sand bucket holds the equivalent of three drinks worth of alcohol. So grab your friends and head to the pool, because the Sand Bucket Cocktail is the perfect drink to kick off your summer festivities.
25. Malibu Lemonade Cocktail
The Malibu Lemonade Cocktail is a refreshing and light summer drink that is perfect for sipping by the pool. Made with Malibu Rum, pineapple juice, and lemonade, this cocktail is easy to make and has a tropical taste that will transport you to a beach paradise.
The Malibu Rum adds a coconut flavor to the drink, while the pineapple juice provides a tangy sweetness that balances out the tartness of the lemonade. This cocktail is perfect for those who love the taste of rum but want a lighter drink that won't weigh them down. So, if you're looking for a tasty and refreshing summer cocktail to enjoy by the pool, the Malibu Lemonade Cocktail is definitely worth a try!
26. Malibu Sangria
Looking for a refreshing Summer Pool Cocktail? Look no further than the Malibu Sangria. This tropical drink is perfect for those who love white wine and Malibu rum.
The combination of white wine, Malibu rum, pineapple juice, and frozen tropical fruit creates a delicious and fruity taste that is perfect for a hot summer day by the pool. This cocktail is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests. So why not try the Malibu Sangria at your next pool party and enjoy the taste of summer in a glass.
27. Alcoholic Fruit Punch
"Alcoholic Fruit Punch" is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for summer pool parties. With only four ingredients, this cocktail is quick to prepare and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The cocktail is made with store-bought fruit punch, fresh citrus juices, vodka, and garnished with fresh mint. The pink color of the cocktail is not only pretty but also reminds you of a summer sunset.
