355 drinks277 cocktails64 mocktails91 flavor profiles22 food pairings
Best starting points
| Drink | Flavor | Best for | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cherry Fizz | 198 | 8.3 | LemonCitrus | Summer drink |
| 2 | Dubonnet Fizz | 227 | 6.1 | CitrusLemon | Summer drink |
| 3 | Gin Rickey | 153 | 15.3 | CitrusTart | Summer drink |
| 4 | Ginger Grapefruit Rickey | 263 | 12.5 | CitrusGrapefruit | Summer drink |
| 5 | Hot Shot Margarita | 242 | 21.0 | CitrusLemon | Summer drink |
| 6 | Irish Rickey | 163 | 15.0 | LimeCitrus | Summer drink |
| 7 | Margarita Cocktail | 321 | 28.0 | CitrusLemon | Summer drink |
| 8 | Paloma (Natural) | 159 | 19.6 | CitrusGrapefruit | Summer drink |
| 9 | Pineapple Paloma | — | — | CitrusTart | Summer drink |
| 10 | Rum Collins | 321 | 17.5 | CitrusTart | Summer drink |
| 11 | Rum Rickey | 151 | 20.2 | LimeSparkling | Summer drink |
| 12 | Tequila Collins | 326 | 14.2 | CitrusLemon | Summer drink |
| 13 | Vodka Collins | — | — | LemonSparkling | Summer drink |
| 14 | Cranberry Orange Spritzer | 81 | — | TartOrange | Alcohol-free |
| 15 | Lemon Fizz | 80 | — | LemonCitrus | Alcohol-free |
Refine these drinks
Cocktails
- Cherry FizzSummer drinkLemonCitrusFruit
- Dubonnet FizzSummer drinkCitrusLemonOrange
- Gin RickeySummer drinkCitrusTartSparkling
- Ginger Grapefruit RickeySummer drinkCitrusGrapefruitLime
- Hot Shot MargaritaSummer drinkCitrusLemonLime
- Irish RickeySummer drinkLimeCitrusTart
- Margarita CocktailSummer drinkCitrusLemonLime
- Paloma (Natural)Summer drinkCitrusGrapefruitSparkling
- Pineapple PalomaSummer drinkCitrusTartLime
- Rum CollinsSummer drinkCitrusTartLime
Mocktails
Beer styles
Wine styles
- Sauvignon BlancWine styleCrisp white wine for warm-weather drinks and lighter food.
- RoseWine styleChilled rose wine is a widely popular summer choice.
- ProseccoWine styleLight sparkling wine used as a summer spritz base.
- Provence RoseWine styleDry pale rose from Provence, a benchmark summer wine.
- Pinot GrigioWine styleLight and crisp white wine, popular for summer drinking.
Build with
- Light RumSpiritBase for Mojitos, Daiquiris and other summer cocktails.
- Blanco TequilaSpiritUsed in Margaritas and Palomas, popular summer serves.
- GinSpiritUsed in G&T, gin spritz and other summer cocktails.
- VodkaSpiritVersatile spirit for summer cocktails and highballs.
- Triple SecLiqueurOrange liqueur used in Margaritas and summer punches.
Preferences
Food & flavor
- CitrusFlavorLemon, lime and grapefruit are central summer cocktail flavours.
- TropicalFlavorPineapple, mango and coconut flavours work well in summer drinks.
- MintFlavorMint is a signature note in popular summer cocktails.
- LimeFlavorLime-forward drinks are common across summer cocktail menus.
- BBQFood pairingBBQ is the most common outdoor food context for summer drinks.
- SaladsFood pairingLight salads suit summer cocktail occasions.
Beer styles for Summer
Wine styles for Summer
- Sauvignon BlancWine styleCrisp white wine for warm-weather drinks and lighter food.
- RoseWine styleChilled rose wine is a widely popular summer choice.
- ProseccoWine styleLight sparkling wine used as a summer spritz base.
- Provence RoseWine styleDry pale rose from Provence, a benchmark summer wine.
- Pinot GrigioWine styleLight and crisp white wine, popular for summer drinking.
Build Summer drinks with
- Light RumSpiritBase for Mojitos, Daiquiris and other summer cocktails.
- Blanco TequilaSpiritUsed in Margaritas and Palomas, popular summer serves.
- GinSpiritUsed in G&T, gin spritz and other summer cocktails.
- VodkaSpiritVersatile spirit for summer cocktails and highballs.
- Triple SecLiqueurOrange liqueur used in Margaritas and summer punches.
Preference paths for Summer
Food and flavor matches
- CitrusFlavorLemon, lime and grapefruit are central summer cocktail flavours.
- TropicalFlavorPineapple, mango and coconut flavours work well in summer drinks.
- MintFlavorMint is a signature note in popular summer cocktails.
- LimeFlavorLime-forward drinks are common across summer cocktail menus.
- BBQFood pairingBBQ is the most common outdoor food context for summer drinks.
- SaladsFood pairingLight salads suit summer cocktail occasions.
What drinks suit summer?
Refreshing warm-weather drinks for summer gatherings, patio drinking, poolside afternoons and outdoor meals, with citrus, tropical fruit, sparkling mixers and lighter serves.
What it is
What makes a good summer drink?
A good summer drink usually feels cold, refreshing and easy to sip. Citrus, bubbles, mint, tropical fruit, lighter spirits and lower-alcohol options often work well in warm weather.
Pairing logic
What summer drinks pair with
Summer drinks often pair well with seafood, salads, tacos, BBQ and spicy food. Bright citrus, herbal and sparkling profiles help keep heavier outdoor food from feeling too rich.
Serving tips
Summer serving tips
Serve summer drinks well chilled and avoid recipes that become cloying as the ice melts. Tall drinks, spritzes, highballs and mocktails are useful when people want something lighter.
Similar styles
Choose summer drinks that stay refreshing
Summer drinks should stay enjoyable as the ice melts. Citrus, bubbles, mint, tropical fruit and lower-strength serves are usually easier than heavy, syrupy options.
Dietary options
Summer drinks — common questions
- How many drinks suit summer?
- There are 355 drinks in the WhatDrink database suited to summer — including 277 cocktails and 64 mocktails. Browse and filter by drink type above.
- What are the best cocktails for summer?
- Top cocktail choices for summer include Cherry Fizz, Dubonnet Fizz, Gin Rickey. The full ranked list above shows options ordered by how well they match the occasion.
- How are drinks ranked for summer?
- Drinks are ranked for summer based on flavor profile, strength, drink type and typical serving context. Alcohol-free options are clearly labelled.
Last updated
Occasion suggestions are approximate and based on recipe flavour profile, ingredients and typical serving context. Actual suitability can vary by personal preference and preparation.