How To Make Refreshing Summer Cocktails For Fun Beachside Sipping
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Are you looking for some refreshing summer cocktails to enjoy on the water this summer? Check out these easy drink recipes along with some great tips for a delightful time with your friends.
When You Have A Lake House You Must Get A Boat!
For many of us, summers in Michigan revolve around lots of lake time. Some fish, some surf or ski, and some just like to float.
In our family, we like to do it all. But what I love the most is going out on the pontoon with friends and family to just relax and enjoy each other’s company.
On our lake, we have lots of places to anchor and enjoy swimming, sun, and socializing. We usually have a plan for weekend meet-ups where we anchor together, eat, drink, and have fun.
Occasionally I will bring a jug of one of my fun cocktails for everyone to enjoy. I will jump from boat to boat, filling people’s cups with my tasty concoctions. We have even done this in the Caribbean on our favorite island.
Choosing The Right Cocktails For Your Day
Whether you’re fishing, swimming, or just lounging on a boat, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of the sun on your face and the wind in your hair – and a drink in hand.
There are countless mouthwatering summer cocktail recipes, but not all of them are suitable for a day on the lake. I have learned this the hard way- like if you are surfing, it’s probably not the right time for Margaritas!
When choosing cocktails to enjoy on the water, it’s important to consider factors such as what you will be doing on the water, ease of preparation, portability, and how well it holds up in the heat.
So please sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of summer cocktails on the lake.
Start With The Right Supplies
When planning for drinks at the beach or on the boat you will need good preparation. First off, having the right items to keep your drinks cool and your ice frozen is a must.
Also, be sure to have lots of snacks to enjoy with your drinks.
Buy Now → Here are some items I highly recommend having on hand to make your day go more smoothly:
- A 2-liter pitcher that has a tight lid with a good seal
- Yeti Rambler or other cups with lids that are insulated (they will help keep your drinks cold longer).
- RTIC Insulated Ice Bucket with Lid or similar (Extra helpful for those hot days).
- A large enough cooler to hold all of your snacks, drinks, and mixers.
- Plastic cups (for last-minute guests to be able to taste your refreshing summer cocktails)
- Plastic shot glasses for samples
- Plenty of bottled water
Buy Now → The Most Refreshing Summer Cocktails In A Pitcher
The Cadillac Margarita
Here are the ingredients and instructions for making a jug of my Cadillac Margarita that serves six: If you would like my individual Margarita Recipe click here!
Cadillac Margarita for 6
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 oz Jose Cuervo Reposado Tequila
- 6 oz Grand Marnier
- 6 oz Lime Juice
- 3 oz Simple Syrup
- 15 oz Margarita Mix Optional in place of lime juice and simple syrup
- 3 Tbsp Margarita Salt For rimming the glass
- 1 slice Lime wedge For each glass
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a 1 gallon jug that seals.
- Shake well and refrigerate
- At the time of serving rim glasses with salt
Notes
Mojito
The Mojito is another classic cocktail perfect for a day on the lake. I find it a refreshing summer cocktail that you can enjoy all year long.
Mojito
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Muddler
Ingredients
(Mojito) Mint Simple Syrup
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 12 leaves Mint
- 1 whole Lime Cut into wedges
Mojito Recipe (6 Servings)
- 12 oz White Rum
- 6 oz Lime Juice
- 6 Tbsp (Mojito) Mint Simple Syrup From recipe above
- 1 Bunch Fresh Mint Leaves Approximately 80
- 10-12 oz Soda Water
Instructions
Mint Simple Syrup Instructions
- Place ingredients into a saucepan.
- Muddle mint and lime.
- Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Let cool, then strain out mint and lime
- Place liquid into a sealed container (can save for 10 days).
Mojito Jug Instructions
- Place Rum, lime juice, Mint Simple Syrup (from above), and approximately 60 mint leaves into a 1 gallon jug (that seals)
- Muddle the mint leaves gently to release the flavor
- Chill
- When serving, pour the mixture into cups filled with ice.
- Top with approximately 3 oz Soda Water
- Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Notes
Buy Now → 
Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a tropical cocktail that you can mix up in larger quantities for a fun boozy day on the lake. This is one of my favorite cocktails for the beach. Made with two kinds of rum it packs a nice kick for you and 5 of your closest friends.
Here are the ingredients and instructions for making a Rum Punch:
Rum Punch
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup White Rum
- 1/2 cup Dark Rum
- 3/4 cup Grenadine
- 1 1/2 cup Orange Juice
- 1 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 cup Lime Juice
- 1 handful Cherries For garnish
- 1 whole Orange Sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients into a 1 gallon jug with a small amount of ice.
- Chill
- When ready to serve, pour into cups filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
Sea Breeze
This cocktail is perfect for a hot summer day on the lake. The tartness of this delicious concoction will jazz up your waterside afternoon. Here is a simple recipe to try:
Sea Breeze
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz Ketel One Vodka
- 16 oz Cranberry Juice 100% is best
- 8 oz Grapefruit Juice
- 2 whole Limes Cut into wedges
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in your 1 gallon jug
- Add lime wedges and chill
- Serve over ice with an additional lime wedge in each glass.
Blueberry Lemonade Vodka Fizz
I find this drink perfect for summer! This cocktail is a delicious combination of sweet and tart flavors that must be shared! The blueberries add a burst of fresh flavor and color, while the lemonade and vodka provide a refreshing kick.
Here is my easy recipe to try:
Blueberry Lemonade Vodka Fizz
Equipment
- 1 Muddler
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Smirnoff Blueberry Vodka
- 3 cups Lemonade
- 3 cups Fresh Blueberries
- 1 cup Club Soda Can substitute Sprite or 7-Up
- 1 whole Lemon Sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Place blueberries into a 1 gallon jug and gently muddle them.
- Add the lemonade and vodka and stir and half of the lemon slices.
- Place in refrigerator to chill.
- When ready to serve, pour into Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top each glass with 2 ounces of Club soda and garnish with a lemon slice.
Strawberry Basil Gin and Tonic (Renee’s Favorite)
Refreshing summer gin cocktails are a big hit these days. This cocktail has a fruity and herbaceous twist on the classic gin and tonic. The strawberries add a sweet flavor, while the basil provides a fresh and aromatic element.
Strawberry Basil Gin and Tonic
Equipment
- 1 Muddler
Ingredients
- 12 whole Strawberries Fresh are best
- 12 leaves Basil
- 1 1/2 cups Tanqueray Gin
- 1 cup Tonic Water
- 2 whole Limes Cut into wedges for garnish.
Instructions
- Place your strawberries and basil into your 1 gallon jug and muddle gently.
- Add the Gin, stir, and place in the refrigerator to chill.
- When you are ready to serve, pour into glasses filled with ice, and top with 2 ounces of tonic water each.
- Stir then top with a slice of lime and a leaf of Basil.
Peach Bourbon Iced Tea
This cocktail is a Southern classic with a twist. The peach and bourbon flavors combine perfectly with the black tea to create a refreshing and flavorful beverage.
Peach Bourbon Iced Tea
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups Black Tea Brewed and cooled
- 1 1/2 cups Peach Nectar
- 1 1/2 cups Bourbon
- 1 whole Lemon Sliced for garnish
- 6 sprigs Mint For Garnish
Instructions
- Combine the cooled black tea, peach nectar and bourbon in the 1 gallon jug
- Stir and refrigerate.
- When serving, pour over ice and garnish with a lemon slice and mint leaf
Mocktail Options for Non-Alcoholic Beverages on the Lake
Here are a few cocktails that will light up your taste buds without the alcohol. But don’t be fooled they taste wonderful!
Cucumber Limeade Mocktail
Cucumber limeade is a light and refreshing mocktail that is perfect for staying hydrated on the lake. It takes a bit of prep but you will be so happy you put in the extra effort. It tastes just like summer in a glass!
Cucumber Limeade Mocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh Lime Juice 7-8 limes worth
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Lime Zest 3 limes worth
- 2 cups Water
- 1/4 cup Mint leaves
- 4 cup Lemon-Lime Seltzer
- 1 whole Cucumber Sliced thin
Instructions
- In a saucepan place juice, sugar, lime zest, and water.
- Simmer and stir until the sugar is dissolved (about 5 minutes)
- Remove from heat, add the mint leaves, and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Strain into your pitcher and stir in cucumber slices.
- Chill for at least one hour
- When you are ready to serve, pour over a glass of ice and top with seltzer.
Ginger Beer and Lime Mocktail
Ginger beer and lime is a simple mocktail that packs a flavorful punch and is so refreshing in the hot sun.
Mix a can of ginger beer and a small squeeze of lime juice in your favorite boat cup. Add ice and garnish with a slice of lime for a refreshing, thirst-quenching drink.
Enjoy Your Summer Sipping All The Way To Sunset
These summer cocktails are the perfect way to beat the heat and relax on the lake. With a wide variety of options available, there is a cocktail for almost everyone.
Be sure to check out Mixology Moments Cocktail Recipe Journal. This is a great place to keep all of your favorite recipes.
Mixology Moments Cocktail Recipe Journal
Buy Now →Do you have a favorite go-to summer cocktail? Do you make it for just yourself or share it with your group? We would love for you to share it with Next Cocktails. Cheers!
