15 Refreshing Cocktails to Keep You Cool This Summer

Beat the heat with 15 summer cocktails that chill, refresh, and taste really good.

June 1, 2014

Image via Complex Original

With the sweltering days of summer creeping up, we're reminded of the best (or at least most fun) way to keep cool this summer: drinking. Beat the heat with 15 cocktails that chill, refresh, and taste really good. How good, you ask? If mint juleps or boozy watermelon lemonade aren't your jam, then maybe a traditional piña colada is just what you need to enjoy the season. Time to chill out.

Mint Julep

The mojito may reign supreme when it comes to mint drinks, but this julep is coming in hot. Get the recipe on Food52.

Persimmon Mojitos

Upon our first sip, our only thought was "Why does this recipe only make a single cocktail?" Thank you, kangarhubarb, for this well-balanced winter sipper. Get the recipe on Food52.

Rum Punch

This is as basic a punch recipe as you can get—the art comes in your choice of what to include. Get the recipe on Food52.

My Favorite Piña Colada

We love how the combination of coconut milk and cream of coconut produces just the right blend of sweetness and creaminess. A spritz of lime juice and a grating of fresh nutmeg top off this quintessential treat. Get the recipe on Food52.

Boozy Watermelon Rosemary Lemonade

This tart, pink cocktail is a burst of summer in a glass. You don't strain the watermelon puree, which gives the drink some texture, and we love that piccantedolce calls for gin instead of a more predictable spirit like vodka. Get the recipe on Food52.

Manhattan

Quite probably the one cocktail we'd choose if we were stuck on a desert island. Get the recipe on Food52.

Paloma

This drink makes you feel like you were born and raised in the tropics. Get the recipe on Food52.

Red Sangria

Sangria is very much a not-recipe kind of drink— just throw things together, let them mingle, drink. But if you need a bit more of a guide, here it is! Get the recipe on Food52.

Blueberry Basil Infused Vodka

Made with simmered blueberries and leafy basil, this infusion captures the essence of summer. Fresh, light and wonderfully fragrant. Get the recipe on Food52.

The Southern Spell: A Nettle, Sorghum, and Bourbon Cocktail

The perfect southern summer staple. Get the recipe on Food52.

Classic Daiquiri

This is the daiquiri unplugged. No frills, just a bracing blend of good white rum, fresh-squeezed lime juice and simple syrup. No fruity masquerade available for poor-quality ingredients, so do it up right. Get the recipe on Food52.

Lotus Cocktail

This light, clean, and refreshing cocktail is sure to help you beat the dog days of summer. Pairs well with sushi. Get the recipe on Food52.

Dark 'n Stormy

This is a cocktail easily made for one, or you can scale up at will. Feel free to make it boozier if you like—there are no rules. Get the recipe on Food52.