9 Summer Cocktails That Taste Like a Vacation

byRenee N Gardner posted
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Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just want to make an ordinary Tuesday feel like a getaway, a good cocktail goes a long way. With ingredients like berries, mint, and citrus these 10 drinks lean into peak-summer flavors and most come together in five minutes or less. That makes you five minutes away from your new favorite summer sip.

Raspberry mojito cocktails with a mojito party pitcher.
Raspberry Mojito Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

5-Minute Empress Gin Sour Cocktail

Two empress 1908 gin sours.
5-Minute Empress Gin Sour Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A show-stopping gin cocktail made with color-changing gin. Measure, shake, then strain into a pretty glass.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Empress Gin Sour Cocktail

Raspberry Bellini Mocktail

Two champagne flutes filled with a pink mocktail garnished with mint leaves. A bottle labeled "FRE" sits on the left, and colorful roses are arranged around the glasses on a dark surface—perfect for summer drinks.
Raspberry Bellini Mocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Made with fresh or frozen raspberries and mint, this bellini mocktail is fruity, slightly sweet, and alcohol-free — perfect for any guest.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Bellini Mocktail

Kentucky Derby Mint Julep with Muddled Sugar

A mint julep in a silver mint julep cup with sprigs of mint and a decanter of bourbon in the background.
Kentucky Derby Mint Julep with Muddled Sugar. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Four ingredients: muddled sugar, mint, Kentucky bourbon, and ice. A southern tradition that works just as well on a summer porch as it does at the Derby.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Derby Mint Julep with Muddled Sugar

Virgin Moscow Mule

Moscow mule mocktail garnished with lime in a copper mug
Virgin Moscow Mule. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A non-alcoholic twist on a classic cocktail, this Virgin Moscow Mule features cool, refreshing lime and warm, spicy ginger beer.
Get the Recipe: Virgin Moscow Mule

Blackberry Gin and Tonic

Top down view of a blackberry gin and tonic with crushed ice.
Blackberry Gin and Tonic. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This blackberry gin and tonic recipe muddles fresh blackberries into a classic G&T for a refreshing cocktail bursting with berry flavor.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Gin and Tonic

Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita

Square close up of two cadillac margaritas in front of a stand mixer and bowl of citrus fruit.
Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A top-shelf margarita with reposado tequila and a shot of Grand Marnier — no added sweeteners needed. Mix it by the glass or by the pitcher.
Get the Recipe: Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita

Easy Mint Julep with Mint Simple Syrup

An easy mint julep in a silver julep cup in front of the set up for a Kentucky Derby mint julep bar.
Easy Mint Julep with Mint Simple Syrup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Made with mint-infused simple syrup, this bourbon cocktail is ready in 3 minutes and perfect for serving a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mint Julep with Mint Simple Syrup

Raspberry Mojito Cocktail

A raspberry mojito in a glass with a garnish tray and pitcher of mojitos in the background.
Raspberry Mojito Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loads of raspberry flavor with hints of mint and lime — a light, refreshing cocktail perfect for your next patio get-together.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Mojito Cocktail

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

A close up shot of a blackberry smash cocktail with lime, basil, and blackberries on the side.
Blackberry Bourbon Smash. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

No simple syrup, no shortcuts. Muddle blackberries with basil, lime, and sugar for a blackberry bourbon smash that’s worth every shake.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Recipe Creator

The food-loving recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind Renee Nicole's Kitchen. When I'm not working with food, you can find me in the garden, traveling, or enjoying the outdoors with my husband, son, and two dogs.

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