10 Best Summer Cocktails & Mocktails for Poolside Lounging and Backyard BBQs

Summer 2025 is heating up, and what better way to keep your cool than with a refreshing drink in hand? Whether you're chilling by the pool, firing up the grill, or just soaking in some sunshine on the porch, we’ve rounded up 10 seasonal cocktail (and mocktail!) recipes that are bold, vibrant, and made to match every summer moment. These drinks are easy to whip up, perfect for batching, and sure to impress at your next gathering.

Get ready to sip, savor, and share the spirit of the season.

🌴 5 Poolside Refreshers

These cocktails are light, citrusy, and crafted for lounging with your feet in the water and the sun on your face.

1. Peach Basil Spritz

A light, aromatic cocktail that balances the juicy sweetness of peach nectar with the herbal kick of fresh basil. Sparkling prosecco and soda water add the perfect bubbly finish. It's crisp, fragrant, and the kind of drink that makes you want to pause and savor the sunshine.

Craving more tips and variations? Check out the full Peach Basil Spritz Recipe for serving ideas, substitutions, and batching advice.

2. Frozen Aperol Spritz

The classic Italian aperitivo gets a frosty makeover in this vibrant, slushy cocktail. Bittersweet Aperol meets fresh orange juice and bubbles for a refreshingly bold sip that cuts through the heat. Perfect for fans of tangy, slightly bitter cocktails with a bright finish.

Want the full blend breakdown? Dive into the complete Frozen Aperol Spritz Recipe with variations, tips, and history behind the drink.

3. Watermelon Mint Margarita

This juicy, herbaceous riff on the classic margarita brings together tequila, fresh watermelon, and mint for the ultimate summer refresher. It’s vibrant, cooling, and made for poolside toasts with friends.

Want the full recipe with pro tips and batching ideas? Check out our Watermelon Mint Margarita Recipe for everything you need to know.

4. Frozen Banana Daiquiri

A creamy, tropical favorite that blends fresh banana, light rum, and lime with just the right touch of sweetness. It’s frosty, fruity, and ideal for poolside bliss-think frozen smoothie meets a spirited upgrade.

Get the full scoop (and blender settings) in our complete Frozen Banana Daiquiri Recipe.

5. Limoncello Spritz

Bright, zesty, and effortlessly chic, the Limoncello Spritz is a fizzy favorite that brings the sunshine straight to your glass. Light and citrus-forward, it's great for midday sipping or as a sunny aperitif before dinner.

Want the full pour technique, history, and tips for batching? Sip into the full Limoncello Spritz Recipe for all the bubbly brilliance.

Bonus Mocktail: Berry Basil Cooler

A vibrant non-alcoholic refresher that blends strawberries, basil, lime, and sparkling water-perfect for a poolside cool-down that feels just as festive.

Want the full recipe and serving suggestions? Check out our Berry Basil Cooler Recipe.

🔥 5 Cocktails for BBQ Vibes

Bigger flavors, citrus zings, and smoky undertones perfect for pairing with grilled fare, smoky ribs, or a good old-fashioned burger.

6. Monaco

A bright, citrusy blend of beer, lemonade, and a splash of grenadine, the Monaco is perfect for summer BBQs-light, sessionable, and easy to scale for a crowd. It delivers that lemonade-stand nostalgia with a grown-up twist.

Check out the full Monaco Recipe for the perfect balance of bubbles and sweetness.

7. Tequila Cooler

A crisp and bubbly cocktail that pairs tequila with lemon-lime soda for a bright, refreshing flavor-perfect for hot afternoons and BBQ get-togethers. It's a low-effort, high-reward drink that’s easy to love.

Want the full how-to and customization tips? Check out our Tequila Cooler Recipe for serving ideas, variations, and more. And if you're into agave-based cocktails, don't miss our full Tequila Cocktails Collection for even more bold and sunny inspiration.

8. Spicy Orange Margarita

A fiery twist on the classic margarita, this version uses fresh orange juice and muddled jalapeño for a bold, summery flavor with a gentle burn. Great for spice lovers and citrus fans alike.

Get the full shake-down with our complete Spicy Orange Margarita Recipe for variations, serving tips, and batching advice.

9. Peach Mojito

This fruity twist on the classic mojito brings sun-ripened peach slices together with fresh mint and lime for a cocktail that’s as summery as it gets. It’s sweet, herbal, and ideal for long evenings outside.

Craving the full breakdown? Head over to our complete Mojito de Durazno (Peach Mojito) Recipe for ingredients, variations, and serving tips.

Want the original? Check out the timeless Mojito Recipe too!

10. Paloma

A fizzy favorite that mixes tequila with grapefruit soda and lime-this cocktail is a citrusy, thirst-quenching staple of warm weather get-togethers. It’s refreshingly tart and endlessly sippable.

Want to perfect it? Check out our complete Paloma Recipe for pro tips, variations, and serving ideas.

Bonus Mocktail: Pineapple Fizz Fiesta

A tropical sparkler that combines pineapple juice, lime, and fizzy water with just a touch of sweetness-ideal for sipping alongside grilled fare or keeping cool between rounds of cornhole.

Cool off with the complete Pineapple Fizz Fiesta Recipe for easy steps and garnishing tips.

🌿 Final Sip

Whether you're soaking up the sun, hosting an all-day BBQ, or kicking back after work with a few friends, these cocktails and mocktails are the perfect companions for capturing that summer feeling. They’re festive, fresh, and made for sharing.

Choose a few, prep a batch, and toast to the long, warm days ahead. And remember: stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and enjoy every golden moment.

For more recipes, tips, and seasonal sips, dive into the full Boozeopedia cocktail collection. Cheers!