As we enter the final month of summer break, we’re all ready to soak up the final rays of the summer sun spending our days at the pool, beach, and backyard barbecues with our family and friends. If you’re looking for some great cocktail and mocktail drink ideas to serve at your end of summer poolside or beachside events, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite seasonal drink recipes – including some kid friendly, non-alcoholic options.
Classic Mojito
At the top of our list is a classic summer staple – the mojito. Minty, refreshing, and slightly sweet, this recipe by A Couple Cooks is perfect for a hot, summer day.
Blueberry Bliss
The delicious trend of mixing fruit and herbs continues with this simple recipe featured on Yard Bird. The combination of vodka, blueberry syrup, lemon juice, soda water, and rosemary makes for a perfect summer spritzer. To turn this into a mocktail, omit the vodka and add an extra splash of soda water.
Salted Strawberry Daiquiri
Want to level up your daiquiri? Look no further than this salted daiquiri by Bon Appetit. While still sweet, the addition of fresh lime juice and salt balances this summery drink out perfectly.
Virgin Banana Piña Colada
Nothing tastes like summer vacation quite like a refreshing pina colada, and this creamy non-alcoholic version by Eating Well, made with fresh pineapple and banana, is the perfect beverage to kick off any pool party or holiday barbeque.
Beach House Cosmos
This “pitcher perfect” cocktail featured on Recipe Girl is perfect for a girl’s beach getaway or poolside brunch and includes easy to find ingredients like vodka, limeade, and cranberry juice.
Grapefruit Fennel Fizz
Looking for a seasonal drink that’s sweet, savory, and tart? This creative cocktail by Jojotastic is a triple threat that combines ingredients like tequila, grapefruit, rosemary, and lime bitters to create a drink that’s sure to wow at your next get together.
Summer Fruit Spritzer
We can’t make a list of summer cocktails and mocktails without leaving out juicy, summer-y watermelon! These non-alcoholic fruit spritzers by Miss in the Kitchen pair homemade watermelon and strawberry syrup with the fizz of ginger ale. To take this one from mocktail to cocktail, add a splash of tequila.
Enjoyed these poolside cocktail and mocktail drink recipes? Check out our previous food and drink related blog posts!