Looking for the perfect summer drinks to serve at your next dinner party?A lovely family brunch? Or you haven’t planned anything yet? If not, be sure to check out our Summer Bucket List blog post for some inspiration.
But if you already planned a dinner party? Then you know that alongside those delicious summer meals, your guests will need something refreshing to sip on. In this blog post, we’re sharing the best summer drink recipes—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—that are not only refreshing but also memorable.
Whether you’re lounging poolside, hosting a backyard BBQ, or just cooling off at home, these drink ideas have you covered.
Summer drinks at home
Summer drinks shouldn’t be complicated. In fact, the recipes I’m sharing with you are easy to make at home. You don’t need to be a mixologist to create something special! These home-friendly drinks use simple ingredients and require minimal prep—but they’re still guaranteed to impress.
The key to success? Keep a few basics on hand, like fresh citrus, sparkling water, and a light alcoholic beverage.
Personally, I love making everything as aesthetic as possible, and I recommend you do the same. Serving drinks in nice glasses can elevate even the simplest recipe and make it feel extra special.
Alcoholic summer drinks
Now, let’s dive into the drink recipes—starting with my personal favorite: the Limoncello Spritz.
This one’s like bottling up the Amalfi Coast! The star ingredient, of course, is Limoncello—a fresh and zesty liqueur that hails from Southern Italy, especially the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Sorrento.
Limoncello is made using the zest of Sorrento lemons, known for their vibrant flavor and aromatic oils. Fun fact: Limoncello was likely first crafted by local families in the Sorrento and Amalfi regions as a homemade remedy, traditionally enjoyed after meals to aid digestion.
It’s typically served ice-cold in small glasses, making it a perfect after-dinner sip. But in this recipe, we’re turning it into a light and bubbly summer cocktail that’s both refreshing and unforgettable.
Limoncello Spritz
Ingredients
- 2 oz ( 60 ml) Limoncello
- 3 oz Prosecco (90 ml) (or any sparkling wine)
- Soda
- Ice
- Lemon slices for garnish
How to make it
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add Limoncello and top with Prosecco.
- Splash of club soda for a little fizz.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or twist.
Hugo Spritz
Y’all have probably heard of the Aperol Spritz—but have you met its younger (and, in my opinion, cooler) sibling: the Hugo Spritz?
Here’s the backstory: It was created in 2005 by bartender Roland Gruber as a refreshing alternative to the more bitter Aperol Spritz. His original recipe mixed Prosecco, elderflower syrup, soda water, lime, and mint—and just like that, the Hugo Spritz was born.
To be honest, I actually prefer this one over the Aperol Spritz. It’s beautifully balanced—not too sweet, never overpowering, and always incredibly refreshing.
Ingredients
- 3 oz (90 ml) Prosecco (or other dry sparkling wine)
- 2 (60 ml) oz soda water (or sparkling mineral water)
- 1 (30 ml) oz elderflower syrup (like St-Germain or any elderflower cordial)
- Fresh mint leaves (5–6, gently bruised)
- 1–2 lime slices
- Ice
How to make it
- Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Add the elderflower syrup, then toss in the lime slices and mint leaves.
- Gently press the mint with your fingers to release the aroma.
- Pour in the Prosecco.
- Top off with soda water.
- Stir gently to combine, keeping the bubbles intact.
- Garnish with an extra mint sprig or an edible flower if you’re feeling fancy.
Korean Highball
The Highball is a refreshing and simple combination of whiskey (or another spirit) and a sparkling mixer—making it the perfect drink for almost any occasion.
Its roots trace back to 19th-century America, with some accounts dating it to the late 1800s. The name “Highball” is thought to come from a railroad term—a “highball” signal meant the train was moving at full speed, symbolizing the drink’s quick and invigorating nature.
Thanks to its simplicity, the Highball gained popularity in both the U.S. and Europe. However, its modern resurgence is largely credited to Japan, where it became a post–World War II staple. The Japanese perfected the drink using Japanese whisky and soda water, elevating it to a cultural icon.
Interestingly, I first encountered the Highball in South Korea, where it’s recently seen a surge in popularity—especially in the form of the Korean Highball. This variation often uses local spirits like soju or Korean whiskey, mixed with tonic or sparkling water. It’s become so trendy that even G-Dragon-a K-pop icon and fashion trendsetter- launched his own version: a wine-based Highball with fresh lemon.
Since I’m currently living in Seoul, I’ll be sharing a Korean Highball recipe you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) soju (classic or grape flavor work well — or use Korean whisky like Woori or The Classic 23 if available)
- 4–6 oz (120–180 ml) soda water (plain or flavored — lemon, lime, or peach work great)
- Ice
- Optional garnish: lime wedge, mint sprig, or citrus peel
How to make it
- Fill a tall glass to the top with ice — the colder, the better.
- Pour in the soju (or Korean whisky).
- Top up with chilled soda water.
- Stir gently to mix without losing carbonation.
- Garnish if desired.
Non-alcoholic summer drinks
And before you scold me for only writing about alcoholic drinks—don’t worry! In this next section, we’re diving into some delicious non-alcoholic masterpieces.
Whether you’re skipping alcohol by choice, enjoying a family-friendly moment, or just craving something crisp on a hot afternoon, these drinks deliver all the summer vibes—no spirits required.
Yuzu Fizz
Yuzu (also known as Yuza, 유자 in Korean) has a rich history in East Asia—particularly in Japan, Korea, and China—where it’s been cultivated for over a thousand years. This small citrus fruit is prized for its peel, juice, and fragrant aroma, and it’s commonly used in both food and beverages.
At first glance, you might assume it tastes like lemon because of its appearance—but surprise! Yuzu has a unique flavor profile that blends the brightness of lemon and lime with the subtle bitterness of grapefruit.
So, let’s turn this citrus gem into a refreshing summer drink. What happens when we mix Yuzu syrup with sparkling water? The Yuzu Fizz is born. Add a splash of fresh lime juice and a touch of honey, and you’ve got a bubbly, thirst-quenching beverage that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) yuzu juice (fresh or bottled, available at specialty stores or online)
- 1 oz(30 ml) honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and warm water to make syrup)
- 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
- 4 oz soda water (120 ml) (or sparkling water)
- Ice
How to make it
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the yuzu juice and lime juice over the ice.
- Add the honey syrup and stir well to combine the flavors.
- Top off with soda water, adding extra fizz as desired.
- Garnish with a lime wheel, a mint sprig, or a twist of yuzu peel for a finishing touch.
Peach and Hibiscus Iced Tea
What’s more classic and refreshing than iced tea on a warm summer day? Exactly—nothing.
But let’s not keep it basic. Add a twist of hibiscus and you’ve got something special: Peach & Hibiscus Iced Tea.
Why is it perfect for summer? Because it blends the sweet, juicy flavor of peaches with the floral, slightly tart notes of hibiscus—creating a beautifully balanced, thirst-quenching drink.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches (peeled and sliced)
- 2 hibiscus tea bags (or 2 tbsp dried hibiscus petals)
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup honey or to taste (can substitute with agave or maple syrup)
- 1/2 lemon (juiced)
- Ice
How to make it
1.Hibiscus tea:
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.Add the hibiscus tea bags or dried petals, and let it steep for 5–7 minutes (the longer it steeps, the more intense the flavor and color).Remove the tea bags or strain the petals and let the tea cool to room temperature.
2.Prepare the peach puree:
In a blender, combine the sliced peaches and honey. Blend until smooth. You can add a small amount of water if needed to help blend.
3.Mix it all together:
Once the hibiscus tea has cooled, combine it with the peach puree and lemon juice in a large pitcher. Stir well.
4.Serve:
Fill glasses with ice, then pour the peach and hibiscus tea mixture over the ice.Garnish with fresh peach slices, mint leaves, or edible flowers for a more decorative touch.
Which drink will you try first? Let us know in the comments below, or share your own twist on these recipes on social media!
If you loved these ideas, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more fun recipes and seasonal inspiration delivered straight to your inbox!
Stay cool and hydrated during the summer!
